For the sentimental bride gift, consider:
- Filling a photo album with childhood pictures of her and the groom, and arranging them together, thematically or chronologically.
- Using an online music provider and label-creating software to compile a CD of the bride's all-time favorite love songs.
- Hiring a wedding-dress preservation service.
A great bride gift for the creative bride is an archive-quality wedding scrapbook with accessories such as acid-free pens for journaling. For more information on creating a wedding scrapbook see Wedding Scrapbook Ideas.
For the bride who enjoys reading, a quick search at an online bookstore brings up a good variety, such as:
- The Newlywed Cookbook by Robin Vitetta-Miller helps couples navigate the kitchen, from planning romantic candlelit meals to hosting the first sit-down dinner party, and includes original recipes. (For fun, include his-and-her aprons.)
- Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Maria Nicless, and Gina Romanello
- Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, the classic communication guide by John Gray
- What No One Tells the Bride: Surviving the Wedding, Sex After the Honeymoon by Marg Stark
In her pre-wedding bliss, the bride may not yet be thinking about "me time," but when she does, these gifts will help keep her and the marriage blissful:
- Gift certificate for a massage.
- Deluxe bath caddy complete with candle holder, book stand, and wine glass.
- Gift basket with a journal and pen set, a variety of her favorite teas - and some chocolates.
For romantic couple time, consider filling a gift basket with sensual lotions and oils, scented candles, herbal bath granules, and a how-to book or video on massage. Also for couple time, a perfect gift for the bride who enjoys picnics in the park and concerts under the stars is a deluxe picnic basket complete with cheese board, insulation for a bottle of chilled wine, table cloth and matching cloth napkins, along with all the necessary dining ware.
A meaningful gift idea for a bride doesn't have to cost a lot. For example, you can collect from family and friends a list of the bride's and groom's favorite foods along with fitting anecdotes and thoughts. Then create a book with these annotated recipes using a pretty binder with blank pages and protective sleeves.
For the practical-minded bride, purchase an inexpensive address book in a color and theme the bride would like, then record both families' names, addresses, emails, birthdays and anniversaries.
Advice on selecting a bride gift wouldn't be complete without a few gag-gift ideas. If the groom reads late in bed or snores, give her eye masks, ear plugs, or a book light for him. Or give her an office calendar for the groom with important dates highlighted. You know the ones - her birthday, their anniversary?
A bride gift that is sure to please the most romantic or practical bride: a champagne bucket filled with a bottle of bubbly, packaged gourmet foods, a gift certificate for lingerie, candles, and a door sign, "Just married, please do not disturb."
