The perfect wedding gift.

Bridal registries take the guesswork out of gift giving. It’s certainly easy to log onto a website, or walk into a store and select a gift, knowing that what you’re getting is something the new bride and groom definitely want. But today’s couples are often ahead of the curve. Many of them have either lived together before they tied the knot and already have most of the household items they need, or they accumulated their own while living alone. So who needs a third blender, or food processor, or another set of cutlery? Rest assured, if they need it, it will be on their gift list, but if the new couple decides to leave gift choices to your creative genius, then here are a few options you may consider. Pre-Wedding Gifting Gift giving need not be relegated to after the wedding. Your gift can be something that helps prepare the bride and groom for their big day. In fact, if you are a part of the bridal team, it’s your job to help prep the couple for the wedding, so a great gift from the bridesmaids and groomsmen could be a relaxing His and Hers day at the spa to help them de-stress from all of the wedding planning and make themselves picture perfect for the photogs on their big day. His and Hers facials, manis and pedis and massages are just some of the things you can choose for your pre-wedding gift of indulgence. If there’s no time for a His and Hers massage before the wedding, offer it as a gift for the couple to enjoy on their honeymoon. Honeymoon Gifting An alternative to gifting the couple a spa treatment before their wedding is to offer it as a honeymoon gift instead. Time at a spa together right before their nuptials will certainly help the couple to unwind from the stresses that go along with wedding planning, but they may still not be able to fully relax if their minds are on the big day that’s only hours away. During their honeymoon, however, every single worry and concern about what could possibly go wrong at the wedding will be behind them, and they can truly get down to the business of relaxing and enjoying each other as husband and wife. “His and Hers” treatments at a spa during their honeymoon are the perfect way to accomplish this. The gift of memories - another honeymoon gift idea - is simple, but priceless and unforgettable. Similar to the idea of having a “Baby’s Firsts” album, you can gift the new couple a personalized honeymoon journal and camera so they can capture precious moments while on their romantic getaway. For added flair, get them a locked, embossed journal that reads: “To Keep Your Special, Private Moments Under Lock & Key”. Altruistic Gifting This gift won't be right for everyone, but it would be perfect for the couple devoted to charitable causes. What causes are they passionate about? Is it children, trees, animals, the elderly, a particular illness? Research the organizations that have a great track record for giving to a particular cause and really making a difference in people’s lives, then donate to the cause in the new couple’s name. Whether it’s symbolically adopting a child, animal or tree, or making a contribution toward a charity working to find a cure for a particular illness, some of these organizations also give certificates to acknowledge your donation, or a photo of the child or animal you adopted. Have the certificate or photo framed and gift-wrapped for the new couple. As long as it’s a cause they are passionate about, this will likely be one of the most precious wedding gifts they receive. Choosing a gift for the new bride and groom need not be traditional. Looking back on one’s wedding day often evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy. And when the couple is celebrating their first, fifth or even tenth anniversary, and recalling fondly the memories of their magical day, your gift just might be among the precious moments stored up in their memory bank. A blender or a food processor certainly won’t do it, but a gift given from the heart certainly can. Marsha Branch