You may think you’re ready for your wedding, but we have some news for you.  You have one more present to buy! Not only do you need to promise to love them for better or worse, but you have to get them a wedding day gift.  After all, it’s tradition for a bride and groom to exchange gifts on the big day.  So, it’s time to start searching for the perfect present.  Whether you two want to keep it practical or sentimental - that’s up to you.  Here’s our advice regarding the bride and groom gift exchange.

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Photography by: Sarah Olfelt Photo; Wedding Dress: Wedding Shoppe

Bride & Groom Gift Etiquette

Unique Bride & Groom Gift Exchange Ideas

Gifts for your bride or groom are so much fun to buy. After all, you two have a lot to celebrate! Now you get the chance to solidify that commitment with a gift. While it doesn't have to be expensive, it must come from the heart. Here are some of our favorite wedding gift ideas for the bride and groom gift exchange!

Groom to Bride Gift Ideas:

So, you're searching for the perfect wedding gift for your wife?  We've got you covered!  Whether you need last minute wedding gift ideas or are looking for something sentimental - here are our favorites.

1. The 'Story of Us' Map

Shop: BasketfulOf Grace

This adorable gift for your bride will make for the perfect decor!  She will love how sentimental this present is, and it will take you back through memory lane.  Plus, it’s an amazing keepsake.  Be sure to double check to make sure you have your locations correct!

2. Beautiful Jewelry for the Bride

Shop: treasures570

A bracelet, pair of earrings, ring (not her wedding band), a necklace… something special. Jewelry is never a copout, especially when you’ve put thought into it. If you’d like her to wear it on the big day, get some input from her mom or MOH. She may have already purchased her bridal accessories.

3. 'Just Married' Honeymoon Hat

Shop: ModParty

What better way to let the world she’s married than with this cute beach hat? If you two are honeymooning somewhere tropical, your wife will love this ‘just married’ hat. Plus, you may get some extra perks if people know you’re on your honeymoon!

4. Personalized ‘Mrs.’ Ring Dish

Shop: Simple Sentimental

If you two are opting for smaller gifts for the bride and groom gift exchange, this is perfect!  This personalized ring dish will be a thoughtful gift to go along with her new ring.

5. Anything That Says “Wifey” or “Mrs.” On It

Shop: ModParty

You’ll find jewelry, T-shirts, coffee mugs, and so much more out there. Shop from trusted artists on Etsy and make sure you order anything custom-made well in advance.

6. Anniversary Journal

Shop: PenInkNeedleThread

A wedding gift that keeps on giving!  Show your bride that you're looking forward to your future together.  An anniversary book will be the perfect way for you to remember future celebrations of this special day.  Start by filling out a page on your actual wedding day!

7. A Message on the Bottom of Her Shoes

Shop: DinkiDs

Steal her bridal shoes and add something sentimental. It could be a quote, lyrics, a short poem. “As we walk this journey from beginning to end, I’m glad to have my true love and best friend,” is a perfect saying. Warning: If your fiancé bought Louboutin’s or another pair of designer shoes, permanent marker may not be welcome.  Grab these stickers instead!

8. Wedding Card for Your Bride

Shop: WeddingAffections

Whether you’re giving a gift or simply exchanging messages, a card is a must!  Jot down the reasons why you love her, and everything you’re looking forward to during marriage.  Your bride-to-be will be blown away by your thoughtfulness.

9. Personalized Wedding Spoons

Shop: HearthandTableCo

For if she loves to cook - or simply wants an adorable kitchen!  This wedding gift for your bride will brighten any meal.  I mean, just look at how cute these custom wooden spoons are.

Bride to Groom Gift Ideas:

We can't forget about gifts for the groom!  Show your soon-to-be hubby that you care by choosing the perfect wedding gift for him.  Here are some of our favorite unique wedding presents for the groom.

1. A Personalized Watch

Shop: BadgerWatches

Get him that fancy timepiece he’s always wanted! Maybe even a personalized pocket watch—dapper, no? Attach a little note to it that says, “See you at 3:00,” or whatever time you’re saying “I do.” You can even add a personal note on the inside of this watch below!

2. Leather Wallet for the Groom

Shop: ShenDoah

This gift for your groom doubles as sentimental and practical!  This gorgeous engraved wallet will remind your hubby of this moment for years to come.  This is one of our favorites!

3. Personalized ‘Property of’ Underwear

Shop: 78MagnoliaLane

If you’re on the hunt for a funny gift for your groom, these personalized undergarments will be a hoot!  He’ll love the thoughtfulness, and get a kick out of the saying.

4. Custom Wedding Handkerchief for Groom

Shop: PeoniesandBells

If you’re looking to take a more traditional route, a wedding handkerchief is a must.  You can personalize a heartfelt message for your husband to carry with him.  This wedding keepsake will be passed on for generations to come!

5. Engraved Wedding Compass

Shop: HeirloomGiftsCO

Are you a couple that loves to travel?  If so, this will be the perfect gift for your groom on the wedding day!  Have a special message engraved into the compass to make it even more heartfelt.

6. Groom Wedding Survival Kit

Shop: WildFlowerOK

If you’re looking for a laugh, this ‘New Husband Survival Kit’ will do the trick.  Fill this box with fun little gifts to make his day even more fun!  What a perfect wedding day gift for your groom.

7. 'Cold Feet' Wedding Day Socks

Shop: NoColdFeetCo

Get your groom some socks - just in case he gets cold feet!  This is a fun little gift for your groom that you know he'll appreciate.  Plus, they're super cute!

8. Wedding Day Cufflinks

Shop: MonogramNecklace2014

Every man needs one nice pair of cufflinks, and you know he’ll cherish them forever.  This wedding gift is both thoughtful and practical!  What groom doesn't love that?

9. Personalized Cigar Humidor

Shop: MagicWoodShop

Give your husband an excuse to sit back and relax before the ceremony—he’ll thank you for it. Make this wedding present even cooler by personalizing it with wedding details! 

Gift Exchange Ideas for the Groom or Bride:

But wait, there's more!  Here are some wedding gifts that either the bride or groom can get for one another.  You can either buy or DIY these creative wedding gift ideas.

1. Personalized Wedding Pillow

Shop: WillowCreekCompany

Let's be real - anything with your wedding date is something you instantly love!  Show off your favorite day of the year with this personalized pillow.  This makes for a great gift for the bride or groom.

2. Custom Wedding Mug

Shop: FrumpyAcres

For the adventurous couple, or any newlyweds heading for a mountainous honeymoon!  This unique wedding gift will be an adorable keepsake.  Plus, you know you'll use it!

3. Bucket List Book for Newlyweds

Shop: DragonForgedStudios

What better way to start out your life together than by writing down your hopes and dreams.  Whether you want to travel the world or build a business together, map it out in this book!  Having a bucket list together will keep you excited and motivated.

4. Engraved Wood Cutting Board

Shop: RusticFlitch

This is the perfect wedding gift for your soon-to-be spouse.  It's especially great if they're a bit of a chef (or if you want them to be!)  This personalized wedding gift for the husband or wife will look absolutely amazing in your kitchen.

5. DIY Love Story Scrapbook

Shop: TheCustomiseCompany

Create a scrapbook filled with memories. Notes, photos, movie stubs, plane tickets, and anything else that tells your love story.  Your soon-to-be spouse is sure to get emotional.

6. Hand-Written Love Letter

Shop: WarwickSunday

A handwritten note is one of the easiest wedding gifts that often turns out to be the best. Save some money and simply let your fiancé know why you love them so much and can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with them.  Find a 'to my bride' card here.

7. Night Sky of Your Wedding Night

Shop: OurLoveWasBorn

This thoughtful wedding gift will touch the heart of your significant other.  Whether you choose the night you met, fell in love, or your wedding night - you can't go wrong!  Pick a night that means a lot to the both of you, and reminisce about that night sky for years to come.

8. Custom Wedding Photo Drawing

Shop: PrettyPrintedCo

An adorable way to remember your wedding day!  This custom wedding drawing is such a cute wedding gift for the bride and groom gift exchange.  Your spouse will love this - and the fact that you can include your pet!

9. Personalized Wedding Whiskey Decanter Set

Shop: The WeddingPartyStore

If either or both of you are whiskey fiends, this makes for the perfect wedding gift!  This personalized whiskey decanter set will be a fun way to celebrate your marriage.

10. Wedding Charcuterie Board

Shop: JMlabonneimpression

Now that you two are married, it's time to host some get togethers!  This darling personalized cheese board makes for the perfect gift for a bride or groom.

11. 'Reasons I Love You' Jar

Shop: DefineDesign11

For a sentimental wedding gift, consider this jar of 'reasons why I love you.'  Your future husband or wife will be so touched by this thoughtful present.

12. Framed Wedding Vows

Shop: EmmaAndTheBean

Wedding vows are forever - so why not frame them?  If you're looking for a unique wedding gift for the bride or groom, this is it!  Framed wedding vows also make for a gorgeous decoration in your home together. 

13. Engraved Beer Glasses

Shop: EverythingEngravedAZ

A little liquid courage never hurt anyone!  Buy your bride or groom their favorite booze and a few personalized glasses to go with it. (This is especially great for couples who love to hit the breweries.)  Personalized wine and beer glasses, growlers, flasks, and even whiskey barrels are available. 

14. # of Days You’ve Loved Them

Shop: EmmaAndTheBean

It’s small, but sweet. Whether you include this in your letter, art, or whatever wedding day gift you decide to give them, letting them know how many days you’ve loved them will bring a tear to their eye.

15. Engraved Family Tree

Shop: MarkedMoments

With your marriage, two families are becoming one!  Why not celebrate that with this custom family tree wedding gift?  It's heartfelt and will remind you of family that came before you.

Are you ready for the bride and groom gift exchange?

Need some more help? Shop our selection of wedding presents >>