Wedding Gifts Between the Bride and the Groom?

Question

So my buddy at work is getting married in a week, and I am usually his "go-to" person for weird customs and etiquette, but this one has me stumped;

Apparently, his bride-to-be made mention of a gift exchange between the bride and groom, and that she has already selected her gift to him.

He, on the other hand, is CLUELESS about this custom, and has NO idea what would be considered an appropriate gift.

Needless to say, we are both convinced this is another "Hallmosrk Conspiracy".

This is where I turn to the Answers community and help bail him out.

What would be, according to this custom, an appropriate gift for the groom-to-be, to give his future blushing bride.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Answer 1

While it is a tradition, not everyone does it. Unfortunately for your friend, he is stuck getting her something now. He should just buy her something he knows she will like, a keepsake for her. Something with the wedding date engraved on it would be perfect.

Answer 2

I have heard of this tradition, but I think the couple should decide what they want to do. (Obviously your friends woman wants to exchange gifts!) When I got married, I did buy my husband a gift, but it was because I wanted to, not because I felt like I had to. Plus, there was a particular item I knew he had been wanting, so I figured it was the perfect time. He, on the other hand, did not buy me a gift. He joked that my engagement ring was my gift! (It was hard to argue with him because I know he spent A LOT on the ring!) But, if your friend now feels obligated to buy a gift, maybe a necklace, bracelet, or earrings the bride could wear on the wedding day? I'm sure any of these would put him in his new wife's good graces!

Answer 3

this must do gift exchange between bride and groom is just another "Hallmark Conspiracy"

With only a week at best to go-

Get her something. Preferably sentimental. Doesn't have to be costly or expensive.

I'd got to a book store and get her a book of romantic poetry. Chicks in the "wedding" mood like she's in dig that chit.

Go with him, and make sure you have a sales clerk (preferably female) help you guys.

Have him write something inside the front cover like "To my beautiful blushing bride, here's to a wonderful life together. With all my love-" and have him sign his name.

Wrap it up nice, put a bow on it and have him give it to her.

Answer 4

Well I think that the tradition goes back a little further than Hallmark but love that pun. I married the love of my live two months ago yesterday. Rather than exchange gifts to each other we went and purchased a new digital camera that we considered as a wedding gift to and for each other. But your friend if his future bride has already purchased his gift might be wise to go to a Spa and get her a gift certificate so that she can go and get pampered after their honeymoon. Or if she is interested in art then purchase her a nice painting by one of her favourite artists. I suppose that a lot of it has to do with her interests. He needs to do something that is special to her.

Answer 5

I am aware that some brides and grooms exchange gifts. Even though she bombarded him with this, he should still get her something special (though I think the wedding, honeymoon and marrying her is enough). She should have just gotten him a gift as a token of her love and not expected a gift in return.

Answer 6

Yes it IS a valid tradition for the bride and groom to exchange a special gift either the day before the wedding or the day of. My husband and I exchanged gifts the night before the rehearsal dinner. This gift should be something very, very special - sentimental or expensive. My husband bought me a set of black pearls and earrings to wear to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. I loved them!

Tell your friend to get her something really sweet. I mean, you give your significant other a gift on b'days, holidays, etc.....why WOULDN'T you give her a gift on one of the most significant days as a couple?

Answer 7

Doesn't have to be something huge. Use the loophole in the hallmark consipiracy and just write her a love note and give her a small gift (like 50 bucks tops). Perhaps he can make her a coupon book for the honeymoon with things like a massage, kisses, and well....

This is one occasion where you shouldn't send her flowers...its wedding day, she has plenty I promise.

Answer 8

IT is a custom, although I think a newer one (think early 20th century) A good gift would be a small peice of jewlery (necklace, earrings, etc) or something nice for their house. Also, he could get her something that she has been wanting and hasn't gotten for herself (a spa trip/massage, new book that just came out) I think as long as he gives a sincere gift, then she'll love it no matter what.

Answer 9

You're kidding, right? This is NOT a "Hallmark conspiracy". This is their WEDDING day! Of course they will exchange gifts! He needs to put some thought into this. He does NOT want to give her some thoughtless gift just for the sake of giving a gift. He needs to give her something that is meaningful to her and to them as a couple. She will treasure it if he does this. Also, it doesn't need to be huge or expensive; that it is something with meaning is the most important aspect.

Answer 10

I'm surprised you have not heard of this. It is the norm where I am from. He could get her something she will treasure forever, or make plans for a special surprise for her on the honeymoon (sky diving, reef exploring, whatever she is into) and when they exchange gifts he gives her a card with a hint, or something that goes with whatever he has planned. (For reef exploring he could give her a pair of flippers, for a surprise rock concert he could give her a bottle of asprin)...