George
Weddings are a fun occasion where a large group of family and friends get together to celebrate the joining of the two most beloved people in the room. Seeing friends and family you haven't seen in ages is great. There is also normally free food and drinks (always a winner), and a nice bit of dancing in the evening. It is a fun time for everyone involved. The only part of the ceremony I struggle with is what to get people. Traditionally people would get married and then buy a house, so you would just purchase a homeware item, but now with blended families, weddings abroad and people getting married at all life ages and stages, it is difficult to know what gift to get. Of course, there is always money, but I don't like the lack of effort displayed. If the couple are kind, they will have a gift wishlist, but more often than not, this is forgotten about amongst all of the other wedding planning. That begs the question, what do you get the happy couple that they will enjoy and use? To answer this question I have broken down the types of marriage into a few common types to give you a foolproof guide on what to get the newlyweds.
Traditional Newly Weds
This is a couple who are married in their twenties or thirties, have recently bought a house or are looking at buying one shortly and have probably lived together for a while. No children are likely on the scene just yet, and they are excited to start married life; with kids a little while down the road. These are probably the easiest people to buy for, as the answer is simple: house items. Anything home-related will save these guys precious money and make them eternally grateful to you. Items like coffeemakers and blenders are normally good as they aren't standard house items and offer a nice little bit of affordable luxury. Plus if you include the gift receipt and they end up with ten coffee makers they can then convert your coffee maker into another household item and everyone is a winner.
Blended Family Weddings
Probably one of the most joyful weddings to attend as lots of children are present. This couple can be any age and will already have children on one side or the other. This makes the wedding even cuter as it guarantees a sweet page boy or flower girl. Typically these types of couples like experiences that they can do quietly together or with the children. This means in terms of physical gifts board games for either the couple or the family work well or gift vouchers to couple or family experiences (eg afternoon tea or the zoo). Plus if there are any duplicates the game can be traded for another one and who doesn't like multiple days out?
The Latter-In-Life Couple
Typically this couple will be over fifty and one or both of them will be retired. It will be so heartwarming to see that they have managed to find love again on the day. Although they may not be as adventurous as they used to be, they are normally just as keen as everyone else to begin to enjoy married life. However, they are the most difficult to buy as they normally have everything that they could need and want. This is where it gets tricky as you need to buy something specific that they may not have yet but would indeed enjoy or find super helpful. I often find that more innovative household items (eg a rumba) are a hit. This is because they may be cautious to buy and try, but if it is a gift they will welcome it with open arms and allow it to make their life easier.
Any Other Couples
And finally, if you are in doubt or the wedding you are attending is none of the above, then remember whoever is getting married is a close friend or family member of yours, so just think of it like getting a birthday gift. By this, I mean what do they like doing and what would they like to do? Worst case scenario just buy them something you think they could enjoy, like a new running jacket, and if they hate it then they can exchange it for a different one.
Finally, enjoy the ceremony and the joyous day of two individuals becoming one by getting married. They will be so pleased to have you at the ceremony before a gift is even considered. And if you still don't have a gift and are feeling guilty, then I'm sure a few quid behind the bar wouldn't go a miss.
