Gift Question for "Older" couple getting Married?

Question

One of my close friends has finally, after 44 years of being single, decided to get married!

This is his first, as is his wife-to-be. Neither have any children. They are both successful career people who are in need of nothing. They already have homes, cars, furnishings… you get the point. The wedding is going to be small, only about 90 people. It is a Catholic wedding with a reception dinner following at a resort hotel.

I have not been to weddings in years with people that are not “kids” just starting out.

My question, what would be a customary and normal gift to give to this couple?

One last point, I am one of two Best Men in the wedding party… So I don’t know if that matters one way or another.

Answer 1

having been married with a huge shower where the women got me all linens (table, bed, towels), silverware, crystal, formal china, even this one, it's so great: a TOOLBOX with everything that i still use, then, at the wedding, nothing less than $100 in each couple's envelope (this was in 1980, so today, it's $250), which helps pay for the wedding and honeymoon,

since you are in the wedding party, you MOST DEFINITELY give a gift of distinction and expense.

why don't you make their life after marriage a life of leisure?

1. paid moving and packing expenses;
2. paid maid services (make sure he or she doesn't steal);
3. paid dry cleaning and laundry/ironing services for a year;
4. water filtration system for their kitchen along with a set of very thick, old fashioned, large water glasses (nice after a heated night together);
5. gift certificates for professional masseuses to come by with their tables and give them massages (no, no escort service: certified massage therapists);
6. paid services at the beauty parlor and barber;
7. to the groom: gift certificate for 12 months of flower deliveries;
8. their invitation, framed professionally, tasteful decorations included in the frame--ask the professional framer for ideas;
9. always, cash is a good idea, but combine it with something else, such as putting twenties, tens, fives, fifties, etc., into different picture frames: a combo gift.

that is what i would like if i were to marry again at my age: i would like for my life to be easy. i'd especially like that if i work full time. how nice it would be to come home to an immaculate house without worrying about anything but a tip--i think you get my drift.

have a lot of fun at the wedding--you have a very special role!

Answer 2

I have a couple of suggestions for situations like this one.

1. Cash or check (Can't go wrong - weddings are expensive)
2. Gift certificate to favorite romantic restaurant
3. Find out where they are staying on their honeymoon and have a welcome gift basket with champagne, chocolates, and other romatic treats waiting for them in their hotel room
4. Pre-pay for some activity to take place on their honeymoon (i.e. scuba diving, windsurfing, horseback riding on the beach, romantic dinner, etc.)
5. Gift card to Home Depot or Lowes. Putting two homes together may require some remodeling/redecorating.

I know a lot of people don't like to give cash to close friends, but it would be money they would have to spend on the honeymoon or doing something nice together like dinner and a movie. Contrary to popular belief, most people are thrilled to recieve money and don't find it impersonal at all. However, if you want to do something a little more thoughtful, one of these suggestions might work for you. Good luck and have fun at the wedding!

Answer 3

Get a picture frame and some matting (like 3 inches) that goes inside the frame but around a picture.. At the wedding have people sign the mat (you can leave it near the guest book) and on the inside they can put thier wedding picture. It is a personalized gift that doesn't take much work. :)

Good Luck and Have Fun.

And if you are lucky your gf might be able to help you out!

Answer 4

If they have everything then i would say a dinner certificate at an upscale restaurant, that is good for a few months. Gifts are usually sent to the home, how about a good bottle of champayne w/ 2 glasses, they say the 2 glasses have some significance for a newly wed couple..

Answer 5

People who are financially secure and in need of nothing may appreciate a donation made in their honor to a charity they support. Often times when you reach the point in life as you described, a personalized tribute from the gift giver means more that any other type of gift. For example, have a personalized poem written about them and placed in a handpainted bottle. If you like that idea and need help email ipoem4u at yahoo.

Answer 6

Have they signed up at a gift registery? If so that might give you an idea of something they really need or want. I like the idea of the nice picture frame for wedding photos. Another thing might be a gift certificate to a really nice restraunt like Chilis or Ruby Tuesday or Olive Garden. Or do they have a hobby that they both share like maybe they are both wine conisuers or collect stamps who knows lol if so something that they can add to their collection would be a nice touch.

Answer 7

What kinds of things do they like to do? Do they go to the symphony, theatre, golf, movies?? Since they do not need the traditional wedding gifts, I would get them a gift card for a favorite activity they like to do, tickets for a show or theatre production they would enjoy or gift cards for their favorite restaurant. A hot air ballon ride or skydiving lessons would be unique too ONLY if this is something they would enjoy. Maybe an entire date night package? Dinner gift card with show/activity gift card? Maybe a nice spa day package with a couples massage? You have tonnes of options. Have fun with it!

Answer 8

Towels, candles and picture frames are always good ideas. Find a nice crystal or silver 8" by 10" picture frame so they can put a wedding pic in it.

Answer 9

His and Her things. Towels, spoons, forks, glasses (the kind you drink from), sinks ( very nice, but it'll be a late gift). If you want to give them something really nice here it is: A pet, like a dog, kitten, hamster, horse, or anything else! Fully furnish a wonderful set of equipment, kennel, brush, bandanna, collar, container, place to be in, and many other things.

Answer 10

I'm happy for your friends. How about a gift basket of Yankee Candles? Everyone likes their home to smell good!

Sandy