Getting married is super exciting! You’re starting this awesome new chapter with your partner. But planning a wedding can be a bit overwhelming, right? There are so many things to think about – like where to have it, what to wear, and who to invite. And on top of all that, you want to make sure your wedding feels special and unique to you and your partner.
This article is here to help! We’ll look at some cool ideas for your big day, from fun themes to yummy food and everything in between. Whether you’re dreaming of a big traditional wedding or a small cozy one, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Wedding Gift Ideas for Couple Already Living Together: Thinking Outside the Registry Box
Picking out a wedding gift for a couple who already lives together can be tricky. They probably have all the usual household stuff like toasters and towels. So, what do you get them? Don’t worry, we’ve got some awesome ideas that go beyond the basic registry items!
Experiences They’ll Never Forget
Instead of a thing, give them an experience! Memories last a lifetime. Here are a few ideas:
- A Weekend Getaway: A romantic cabin in the woods, a fancy hotel in the city – whatever fits their style!
- Concert or Show Tickets: Do they love music or theater? Score tickets to their favorite band or a hot new show.
- Cooking Class: A fun way to learn new skills and enjoy a delicious meal together.
- Wine Tasting Tour: A great way to explore a local vineyard and try some new wines.
Personalized Presents with a Special Touch
Adding a personal touch makes any gift extra special. Think about:
- Monogrammed Items: Robes with their initials, a custom doormat, or engraved champagne flutes.
- Artwork: A beautiful painting or print of their wedding venue or a place that’s special to them.
- Photo Album or Scrapbook: Filled with memories of their relationship.
Gifts that Upgrade Their Home Life
Help them make their shared home even better!
- High-End Appliances: A fancy coffee maker, a stand mixer, or a super cool blender.
- Smart Home Gadgets: A voice-activated assistant or a smart lighting system.
- Luxury Bedding: Silky sheets, fluffy pillows, and a cozy comforter.
Gifts for the Couple Who Loves to Entertain
Do they love having people over? Here are some ideas:
- Fancy Serving Platters and Bowls: Perfect for their next dinner party.
- Unique Barware: Cocktail shakers, ice buckets, and personalized coasters.
- Outdoor Games: Cornhole, giant Jenga, or a croquet set.
Don’t Forget a Handwritten Card!
No matter what you choose, include a heartfelt card with your gift. Share your well wishes for their future together.
Planning Your Dream Wedding: Where to Begin
Okay, now let’s talk about planning YOUR wedding! It’s a big job, but don’t stress. We’ll break it down step by step.
Setting Your Budget
Before you jump into planning, it’s important to figure out your budget. How much can you comfortably spend on your wedding? This will help you make smart choices about everything else.
Here’s a simple table to help you get started:
| Wedding Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue | 30-40% |
| Catering | 20-30% |
| Photography/Videography | 10-15% |
| Flowers | 8-10% |
| Attire | 8-10% |
| Music/Entertainment | 5-10% |
| Invitations | 3-5% |
| Favors | 2-3% |
Remember, this is just a general guide. You can adjust the percentages based on your priorities.
Picking Your Wedding Style
What kind of vibe do you want for your wedding? Romantic and classic? Modern and minimalist? Something totally unique? Here are a few popular styles to get you thinking:
- Traditional: Think formal attire, a classic ceremony, and a sit-down dinner.
- Rustic: Lots of natural elements like wood and flowers, a relaxed atmosphere, and maybe even an outdoor ceremony.
- Vintage: Inspired by past eras, with antique decorations, lace details, and maybe even a vintage car.
- Bohemian: Flowy dresses, wildflowers, and a free-spirited vibe.
Choosing Your Venue
Your venue sets the stage for your whole wedding! Consider these factors:
- Guest Capacity: How many people do you want to invite?
- Location: Do you want to get married close to home or have a destination wedding?
- Style: Does the venue match the overall style of your wedding?
- Budget: Get quotes from several venues to compare prices.
Creating a Timeline
A timeline keeps your planning on track. Here’s a basic outline:
- 12+ months before: Set a date, book your venue, and start your guest list.
- 9-12 months before: Hire your photographer and other vendors (DJ, florist, etc.).
- 6-9 months before: Send out save-the-dates, shop for your attire.
- 3-6 months before: Plan your menu, choose your cake, and finalize your décor.
- 1-3 months before: Finalize your guest list, apply for your marriage license.
- Final weeks: Confirm all vendor details, pack for your honeymoon.
Making Your Wedding Personal
Your wedding should reflect YOU as a couple! Here are some ways to add personal touches:
Tell Your Love Story
- Share your story in your ceremony: Have your officiant tell the story of how you met and fell in love.
- Create a display with photos and mementos: Set up a table with pictures, love letters, and other special items.
- Name your tables after places that are meaningful to you: Your favorite restaurants, cities you’ve traveled to, or places from your childhood.
Get Creative with Your Décor
- DIY decorations: Make your own centerpieces, favors, or signage.
- Incorporate your hobbies or interests: If you love to travel, use maps and globes as decorations. If you’re music lovers, have a live band or a themed playlist.
- Choose a color palette that reflects your personalities: Are you bold and bright or soft and romantic?
Make Your Guests Feel Special
- Welcome bags: Fill them with local treats, maps, and a personalized note.
- Personalized favors: Something they can use and remember your wedding by.
- Interactive activities: A photo booth, a guest book where people can write advice, or lawn games.
Food, Glorious Food!
Your wedding food should be delicious AND reflect your style.
Beyond the Buffet
- Food stations: Offer a variety of cuisines or dishes, like a taco bar or a pasta station.
- Family-style dining: Encourage conversation and sharing by serving large platters of food.
- Late-night snacks: Keep the party going with pizza, sliders, or a dessert bar.
Don’t Forget the Cake!
- Unique flavors: Skip the traditional vanilla and try something fun like red velvet, lemon, or carrot cake.
- Alternative desserts: Cupcakes, donuts, or a pie bar.
- Personalize your cake topper: With your names, initials, or a funny figurine.
Capturing Your Special Day
Your wedding photos and videos will be treasured memories!
Finding the Right Photographer
- Look at their portfolio: Make sure their style matches your vision.
- Read reviews: See what other couples have to say about their experience.
- Meet with them in person: Make sure you feel comfortable and connect with them.
Creative Photo Ideas
- First look photos: Capture the moment you see each other for the first time.
- Fun photos with your wedding party: Get creative with props and poses.
- Golden hour photos: Take advantage of the beautiful light at sunset.
Wedding Gift Ideas for Couple Already Living Together: FAQs
What if the couple hasn’t registered anywhere?
If the couple hasn’t registered anywhere, don’t panic! You can still find a great gift. Think about their interests and hobbies. Do they love to cook? Get them a nice set of knives or a cookbook. Are they outdoorsy? A new tent or camping gear could be perfect. You can also always give them a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant.
Is it okay to give cash as a wedding gift?
Absolutely! Cash is always a welcome gift, especially for couples who are already living together. They can use it towards their honeymoon, a down payment on a house, or anything else they need.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
There’s no set rule for how much to spend on a wedding gift. A good guideline is to spend what you can comfortably afford. If you’re close to the couple, you might spend more. If you’re on a tight budget, a smaller, more thoughtful gift is perfectly fine.
What are some good wedding gift ideas for a couple who loves to travel?
For travel-loving couples, consider experiences like a weekend getaway, airline miles, or a subscription to a travel magazine. You could also give them luggage tags, travel journals, or a scratch-off world map.
What are some unique wedding gift ideas for a couple who has everything?
If the couple seems to have everything, think outside the box! Experiences are always a great option. You could also get them a personalized gift, like a piece of artwork with their names or a custom portrait of their pet.