wedding gift ideas in cairns and the tropical north queensland region
Rings The exchange of wedding rings is by no means compulsory — it is a custom dating back to the ancient Egyptians, when, as today, gold bands symbolised eternal, unbroken love. Gold bands are still the favourite, followed closely by platinum. You could even have your rings made in titanium!
When choosing your wedding rings, resist being swayed by fashion. Remember, you'll be wearing them for many years to come and you don't want them to become dated. Specialist jewellers can offer you more choice and there are designers who can manufacture your rings especially for you.
Allow at least three weeks for rings to be engraved. Forget superstition; try them on to make sure they fit.
Gifts for the bridal party
It is customary for the bride and groom to exchange gifts and also to give gifts to their parents and their attendants. For the parents, maybe theatre tickets or dinner out at an award winning restaurant.
For those extra-special gifts for your bridesmaid, best man and ushers, your local jewellers and specialist gift shops will help you choose items suitable for engraving or that can be personalised as a unique memento of your wedding day. For example, for your bridesmaids: an engraved enamelled trinket box, an item of jewellery or a silver lipstick holder. For the men: silver hip flasks or silver tankards. For the younger bridesmaids and pageboys, maybe a teddy bear or rabbit dressed to match their wedding outfit or tickets to the movies or the zoo.
Bridal favours
You will want to give a gift or keepsake as a thank-you to all your guests.
The giving of a bridal favour, or bonbonierre, by the bride to her guests is Italian in origin. The traditional favour is made up of five sweet almonds representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility and luck, and is wrapped in net, lace or tulle. The choice of design and colour can create an excellent way of following through a theme.
In fact, the favour or memento can be whatever you want: miniature bottles of spirit, boxed chocolates, candles, key rings, crackers or party poppers, stubby holders or spa-accommodation.html>spa treats. Personalised with your names, all these will make a lovely memento of your wedding.
Disposable (single-use) cameras are the fly-on-the-wall shots of your reception that will give you the most surprises. You are sure to miss things going on, but someone quick enough will capture it for you.
Leaving a disposable camera on each table gives your guests the opportunity to add their contribution to your special day. Always nominate someone to be responsible for collecting them up at the end of the day and arrange processing whilst you are away on honeymoon. It'll be another treat to look forward to on your return!
Bridal registry/gift lists — Your gift list may be your best chance to fill your home with co-ordinated things. Take time to choose the china, glassware and linen that you will love for a lifetime. (Ask for eight glasses instead of six to account for future breakages.) Remember to detail your list with your chosen colours, patterns and designs.
With many couples already having an established home, an ideal way to prevent guests buying unwanted or not needed gifts is to set up a gift list with one or several gift shops, department stores or DIY outlets. Spend a day choosing the items, of varying prices, and leave it with the registry for your family and friends to choose from. When an item is bought, the store deletes it from the list and notes who bought what, and lets you know, ready for your thank-you cards. If you are getting married at a busy time of the year, for example autumn or Christmas time, set up your gift registry as early as possible; some stores limit the number of lists they can administer.
Opening and displaying your gifts — Many couples prefer not to open their presents until they return from the honeymoon, leaving a special treat for after the wedding.
A safe place should be determined where presents brought on the day can be stored. If you want to open your gifts, a table should be set aside to display them afterwards. A gift that is a contribution to your wedding, Uncle Bill paying for the champagne toast, could be inscribed on a gilt-edged card and displayed on the table along with the other presents.
Remember to appoint someone beforehand to be responsible for transporting the gifts from the reception to your home. They need to take care to keep the right card with the right present so you will know who to thank. (N.B. With all your new possessions, make sure you are well covered by your household insurance.)
Thank-you notes — All gifts should be acknowledged within a month of receiving them. Your thank-you note will be more thoughtful and appreciated if you make a mention of the gift you were given. (A thank-you note should also be sent to everyone who played an important part in your wedding day arrangements.)
