9 unique wedding gifts for your loved ones

Are wedding bells in the air and you’re stuck without a meaningful gift? Nine times out of 10, sticking to the registry is your safest bet, but certain weddings, like that of a child, godchild, or good friend, lend the opportunity for a more personalized wedding gift. 

Looking beyond the registry for personalized and religious items is a sure way to make the couple feel known and loved. However, before veering off the registry, ensure you are confident of the couple's style and preferences. Notice the decorations in their home, peruse their registry for inspiration, and ask them style preferences before purchasing anything off-list.  

If a meaningful gift feels right for the wedding, here are a few ideas to shower the couple with your love and affection. 

1. A painted wedding portrait

Live wedding painters are becoming more popular, and make the sweetest gift to a child. 

Unable to find a local artist to attend the wedding? Find an artist online to paint a custom portrait from a favorite snapshot of the day. 

2. A handwritten icon

A beautiful icon of the Holy Family or the patron saint of their marriage is a meaningful gift that will bless their family for years. Ask the couple if they have a patron saint for their relationship, or check if any feast days coincide with the wedding day. 

3. Artwork of a hymn played at their wedding 

If the couple are music lovers, consider gifting them artwork with either the lyrics or sheet music of pieces used during their wedding ceremony that can be displayed in their home. Etsy has incredibly talented artists that can customize just about anything. The couple can hang it above their piano or near their record player and be reminded of their day. 

4. First dance lyrics of music

Sticking with the music theme, frame lyrics or sheet music from their first dance. For a more unique and technical twist, find a piece of soundwave art. The couple can frame a picture of their first dance to put right next to it. 

5. Art featuring the church or venue 

From personalized plates to watercolor scenes, there are plenty of options to find personalized art featuring the church or reception venue. It will be a gift they pass by and smile because it reminds them of their special day and special place. 

6. Family rosary heirloom 

Gift them a beautiful and heirloom quality family rosary. On the rosary, put a medal of their own patron saints and the Holy Family. Explain as they welcome children into their family they can put the patron saint medals for each child on the rosary. 

7. Decanter with engraved glasses

To help them stock their bar, gift a decanter and engraved glasses. Ideas for engraving include a map of the city where they were married, a map of the city of their honeymoon, or the initial of their last name. 

8. Christmas ornament 

Help them with decorating their first Christmas tree! Find an ornament of their venue or one engraved with their name and anniversary. Each year when they hang it, they’ll get to remember their wedding day and your love for them. 

9. Holy water and font

Choose a holy water font the bride and groom can hang or sit in their shared home as a source of strength and a reminder of their baptisms every time they come and go. As an extra special addition, bring a holy water bottle to fill with water from the font before or after their wedding ceremony to gift with the font for them to pull out on special occasions or future anniversaries. Remember to label the bottle with the date and church!

The true gift

The most important gift you can give to the new couple is your love, support, and prayers as they enter into this powerful vocation. Whatever gift you choose, include a handwritten note assuring the bride and groom of your enduring love and prayerful support for them.