Wedding gifts

How to surprise the happy couple

With so many couples setting up home before their wedding the old tradition of presents from a long list on the big day are gone.

Many have the necessities already and their house style is well established – they’ve really got the lot..

The immediate idea was always to buy them something for their home. A toaster, a new kettle, a great cutlery set.

But as times have changed why not really surprise them with something unusual that won’t break the bank - but will be infinitely more meaningful than any saucepan, alarm clock or knife block.

A stunning engraved crystal vase can start its life by displaying some left-over wedding flowers and will be used for decades in to the future. It can be engraved with a message as well.

If the groom is a fan of finest scotch, why not get him a personalised bottle of whisky or another spirit

If the couple are getting married on a budget maybe you could surprise them with a ready made honeymoon.

How about an overnight stay in a four star London hotel as well as tickets to a vast choice of West End shows or a mini-break away to Ireland, Scotland or many historic areas of England. Whether they have a honeymoon booked or not, this is sure to be a popular wedding present.

If you know that the happy couple are football fans then how about something related to their team of choice. Maybe they originally bonded over their life-long obsession with Manchester United or Chelsea and their favourite activity is going to games.

If this is the case you could get them a once-in-a-lifetime tour of their team’s stadium – sometimes these are guided by former players.

Or how about something adventurous, a flying lesson or a day’s outdoor activity such as rock climbing. Maybe they would like to bond over paint-balling session – preferably both on the same side.

As it’s a wedding there will be plenty of champagne on offer but there’s no harm in adding to that.

A personalised bottle of fine champagne is an excellent gift idea and you can even make it more special by including engraved champagne flutes to truly mark the occasion and make a unique keepsake.

Finally, every wedding gift should be accompanied with a card and a personalised card is the best way to show the newlyweds how much you care.