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Gifts
that create
timeless memories.
What did you give the
last bride and groom on your list? Can't
remember? They probably can't remember
it, either. In this day of internet
shopping when you don't even have to wrap the
gift -- you may not even see before it is sent
to the bride -- it's easy to get into a rut
of sending unmemorable gifts.
Sure, they're appreciated, but doesn't a wedding
call for something more? This wedding
season, you can give gifts that will become
part of the lore of the new couple's wedding
for years to come.
The
gift of Timeless Memories
-- Every bride treasures her wedding gown.
For one, it is a family heirloom that has passed
through generations and adorned every bride
in the family. For another, it is a gown
uniquely expressing her personality and flair.
Husbands remember with fondness the lump that
rose in their throats when the bride first came
into view.
One
way to be part of saving that special memory
is to give the gift of Wedding Gown Preservation.
No matter how careful a bride is, there will
be stains on the gown -- along the hem, under
the train (if she has one), perhaps on the bodice
or lap from the reception dinner, and certainly
perspiration from those anxious moments just
before the first notes of the wedding march
began. Gown Preservation involves
professional cleaning specifically targeting
these stains, to return the gown as close to
its pre-worn condition as possible.
Then the gown is packaged in a special box with
acid-free paper, special attention to minimizing
creasing, and preparation for long-term storage.
Shoulder pads are removed since they can deteriorate
over time and release chemicals that will damage
the gown. The veil and other accessories
are also packed separately so that they do not
hurt the gown.
It is a gift that enables
the bride to continue to enjoy her memories,
and even pass the gown on to her own daughter
some day. You
can be part of that loving care with a Wedding
Gown Preservation gift certificate for the bride.
Gifts
with a Special Touch
Here are some other
ideas for unique gifts that will be remembered
for years.
- Pamper
the Bride -- It's stressful
planning a wedding! It doesn't matter
how organized the bride is, there comes a
point in the planning process when everything
seems to happen at once, and it can make the
most level-headed woman slightly crazy.
Show her you know what she's going
through with a day or a half day at a spa
with plenty of TLC, or hire a masseur to come
to her home and give her a massage.
She will never forget you for your thoughtfulness.
- Pamper
the Groom -- Depending on
the groom, he may be relaxed and carefree
about the wedding plans, or he may be on edge.
Find a way to do something relaxing
with him. If he likes golf,
plan an outing for a few days before the wedding
and treat him to some outdoor time.
If he likes a particular sport, get tickets
to a game. If he may not think of pampering
himself, take him to one of the newer spas
that have treatments for men and have him
looking and feeling great for the wedding.
- Sharing
Wisdom -- Getting married
is something that most adults go through.
There are lots of books on marriage, but the
information that will really help is advice
from friends and family. Buy
a journal-type book (blank pages for writing
in) and circulate it among friends and family
of the bride and groom. Ask them for
practical, helpful, loving advice to the couple
to help them adjust to marriage and make it
last. If someone lives a distance
away, call them and jot their thoughts in
the book yourself, attributing it to them.
Ask people if they have a photo of themselves
with the bride, the groom or both, and incorporate
these into your Book of Married Wisdom.
Priceless and unforgettable!
- High
Tech Hello -- Just about everyone
today either has a video camera or can get
hold of one very quickly (rent one if necessary.)
Before the wedding and during the
reception, ask people to give their greetings
to the bride and groom, and perhaps relate
some memory they have that is funny, touching
or sweet. When you've got them all,
get the video transferred to a DVD
(do it using your own computer if you know
how, or have a photo lab do it) and
give it to the couple when they return from
the honeymoon and the memories have
begun to fade. Worth more than a thousand
words.
- A
Basket of Real Life -- After
every wedding comes a marriage, they say.
And one of the first things they'll need is
inspiration for that eternal and nagging question,
"What's for dinner?" If
you have a special recipe that they'd like,
type it up. Buy all the non-perishable
ingredients, and add a few extras
(like cookies or chocolates for dessert, special
coffee blends, even candles for the table
since someone is bound to give them candle
sticks!) Pack it all in an attractive
basket, and tuck in a gift certificate for
a local grocery or specialty store for the
perishable ingredients. It
isn't only men's hearts that are reached through
the stomach.
- The
I-know-you Gift -- Many people
who are invited to a wedding don't know the
couple well. They many have known the
bride or groom as children, or be co-workers
who have possibly never met the intended spouse.
These people give nice, practical, safe gifts.
If you know them well, you can build
memories by tapping into what you know they
love most and giving a gift to support that
passion. Are they rock climbers?
Give them some gear. Are they sports
fans? Get them tickets for their favorite
team. Do they collect antiques?
Create a "treasure map" of antiques shops
around where they will be honeymooning so
they can shop. Book or music lovers,
gardeners, astronomy buffs -- whatever
it is, you can find gifts that celebrate their delight
in enjoying that pastime together.
Break
out of Toaster Mode and reach to build
memories you'll all treasure for years to come. |
