I have a number of friends marrying this summer and early fall, so I have several wedding gifts to buy. I almost always pick gifts from the couple’s wedding registry or wish list. That way I know my friends will enjoy whatever I give them.
I understand wanting to give something more personal but so many of my clients have shown me beautiful and expensive gifts that they got for their weddings but never use because the objects are not to their tastes, or don’t fit their lifestyles. As part of decluttering I advise couples to give those gifts away, no matter how beautiful or costly, and to save their space for the things they truly love, enjoy or need.
One way to give a unique but clutter-free gift is to pick something that won’t take up permanent space in the couple’s home. Many friends have requested that money be donated to their favorite organizations in their honor as gifts. I had a client who bought a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant for her sister and new brother-in-law, so they could enjoy a special night out long after the wedding fuss had died down. Another client knew how much her newlywed friends liked to cook and so her wedding present was a CSA share (a weekly share of Community Supported Agriculture produce from a local farm) for the summer. As with any other kind of gift, you’ll want to pick something that the couple will genuinely appreciate. But at least with this kind of gift, if you misjudge you at least won’t be causing clutter!
Have you ever given a terrific wedding gift that doesn’t take up space in the couple’s home? Did anyone ever give you such a gift?