A Gift from You to Her

You may think that your "life long" commitment is enough of a gift to your bride...but can you unwrap commitment? I don't think so...

It's a common tradition in other countries for the groom to give his wife-to-be a gift on or around the wedding day. Now, we're not saying you have to do it. It's not an expected gesture in New Zealand, but it is one to think about all the same...especially if you want to start your marriage +1 on the brownie points scale.

Jewellery tends to be the traditional item, be it earrings, a strand of pearls, a diamond necklace, a bracelet, a watch etc...but if you're fiancée isn't a jewellery girl, you risk the gesture backfiring.

We therefore suggest you make it something personal - a gift that means something to you both.

Here are some unique and thoughtful gifts I've heard of men giving their brides...

I read about a groom who gave his wife a pair of custom Nike sneakers in their wedding colours with Mrs. **** on the heels. My brother is actually designing a pair for himself to wear at his reception (in the wedding colours) - if she's got a bit of a fashion flare, give it a shot! www.nike.com

Then there's the guy who collected every photograph taken of he and his wife from the day they first met and made it into a beautiful album, which he gave to her at the reception.

There was also the groom whose future mother-in-law gave him the sapphire from her grandmother's ring, which his bride used to wear when she played dress up as a kid. He had it made into a beautiful pendant with a special engraving on the back of the setting.

I had mentioned a few times to my husband that I had always wanted a dog. So what was his wedding gift to me? A puppy named Maisey. While she's obsessed with him, I love her anyway...and I loved that it was a gift we both could enjoy.

So think about your bride, her personality and her tastes...and give her something she'll cherish and remember forever.