|
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. |
