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Gifts

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Every year of marriage is one worthy of celebration, but the ones that land on multiples of five are always extra special. Every year that passes takes your marriage to a new level and holds new significance, with a particular symbol to represent it.

Traditionally, the 15th year of marriage is symbolised by crystal to represent beauty and investment. Highly revered and quite costly, crystal is an extravagant item reserved for the finer pieces in life.

There are many examples of crystals like diamonds, salt, quartz, and various gemstones. This makes the gifting process so much easier, as you have more variety.

Here are some crystal gift ideas to stick to tradition:

Nachtmann Lead-Free Crystal Harlekin Glass Vase – R990 from YuppieChef

Bohemia Crystal – Empery Candlestick – R699 from Makro

Shift Smoky Quartz Crystal Elixir Water Bottle – R1090 from Faithful to Nature

Spiegelau Lead-Free Crystal Style White Wine Glasses, Set of 4 – R499 from Yuppiechef

Brillante Whisky Decanter – R549 on Kitchenique

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Admit it, sometime after the happy engagement fog cleared and the business of planning began, it hit you: the joy of selecting items for a gift registry lies in your near future.

But while we wish it were as simple as grabbing a barcode scanner and being let loose in your favourite store, there are a few things you should consider first. Before you hit the stores (or the web!), keep these in mind.

Room for two

Don’t let your imagination run away without your partner. They’ll be sleeping on the linen, eating off the plates and aiming their socks at the bamboo laundry hamper too so be sure to include them in the process.

Too many soup ladles spoil the broth

Take stock of which items you already have between the two of you, what you’ll take with you into married life and what you still need or would like to update. This will ensure you don’t end up with an excess of cheeseboards but not enough wine glasses for entertaining.

Speaking of entertaining…

You may want to consider registering for two sets of cutlery, crockery and glassware – one for everyday use and one for special occasions.

Go on – overdo it

Far from looking greedy, having a larger number of registry items than people on your guest list is actually considerate, particularly if you opt for a wide price range. This gives your nearest and dearest options when it comes to the gift they’d like to get you as well as leaving the door open for anyone who would like to purchase an engagement party or bridal shower gift too.

Future perfect

Keep in mind that your tastes may change. Sure, right now you’re the couple that needs cocktail shakers, martini glasses and caviar spoons but that doesn’t mean your future selves wouldn’t like a nice sturdy casserole dish too.

Time things right

There’s nothing wrong with registering a good while before the wedding or even shortly after the engagement. This gives guests on a budget time to plan for any big-ticket purchases they might like to make. Just keep in mind that seasonal items you register for – such as those matching fleece robes – could be out of stock by the time most of your guests get around to their gifts.

Please Mr Postman

Find out if your registry service will deliver gifts directly to a designated address. This saves your guests having to manhandle bulky packages to the ceremony and prevents any potential transit issues post-reception.

Ps and Qs

Handwritten thank-you notes are not a thing of the past. Remember to send yours, preferably with a personal mention of the item received.

Be an all-seeing eye

Most registries today allow you to log in and view what has and hasn’t been purchased, and the lists are usually updated daily. Keeping track of what’s flown out the door allows you freedom to add more of a specific item, such as side plates or coffee mugs.

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After you’ve partied the night through with your closest friends and family, it’s important to thank them for being a part of your special day. Of course, you’ve probably spent a bit more than expected during the planning process, so why not cut some corners and DIY your wedding favours?

Wedding favours don’t need to be extravagant, they just need to be thoughtful. Thank your guests for being a part of your day with one of these cute and affordable wedding favours.

Salt of the earth

Everyone will appreciate this prettied-up kitchen staple. Simply use a mortar and pestle to grind 1/2 cup of fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme work well), then mix it with 2 cups of coarse sea salt. Spoon the mixture into clean jars and leave to dry for a few hours before capping or corking. Add acute ribbon in your wedding colour around the bottle to personalise the look.

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Just coasting

Wooden tree-stump coasters can be used as decorative place settings on tables. Pick up a few from an outlet or get your partner to help you cut some branches and sand them down before painting your guests’ names on each.

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Dish it up

Fabric menus serve double duty as keepsake napkins or dishcloths. Have yours printed by a professional to ensure the colours don’t run.

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Shake then stir

A huge trend for gifts, layering the ingredients for your favourite recipe in a jar looks gorgeous – and will be a great sweet treat for guests to take home. Be sure to write the recipe on cards that can be tied to the tops of the jar.

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Sweet as pie

Arrange wedding cake or dessert in pretty takeaway boxes for your guests to enjoy after the festivities. You can make the boxes yourself using sturdy cardboard that matches your theme.

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Picture/s: Pinterest

Times have changed drastically. In the past, getting a wedding gift was so much more than honouring the wedding couple. It was providing them with the essentials to begin their new life.

Crockery, bedding, décor are some of the items that couples really needed. Of course, back then, couples only moved in together after they were married. Today more and more couples live together for years before getting married. All those essential items that appear on the gift registry become redundant because the couple already owns it.

That’s not to say, however, they do not need help building their new life. The nature of what they need has changed. Policies, investments, a college fund for any future children: in other words they need money.

As a guest, this leaves you with a big question. Should you buy a wedding gift or give cold hard cash? In most cases the choice is easy. Couples are very straightforward with what they want. They either have a gift registry or state that they’d prefer money.

If these are not stated, or you are confused about what to get or how much to give, hopefully, these tips will help you decide.

Buying a gift 

The most important thing when deciding on a gift is to ensure that is something the couple would like. Take their tastes into account, rather than your own. If you have to get traditional wedding gifts in the bed, bath and beyond category, opt for something different and quirky. If you are especially close to the couple, something personal or handmade could be a great hit, particularly if the couple has all their household items sorted. This will ensure that your gift is unique and memorable.

Budgeting for a gift is important. You don’t want to get something too cheap, but you do not want to break the bank either. Grouping together with friends and family is a good way to get something exceptional and within your budget. If you are invited to various events for the wedding that require gifts, divide your budget for each event. Style Caster recommends using 20% of your budget for an engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower and 60% for the wedding.

Giving Money 

It’s always tricky when dealing with money. You may be uncertain on how much money you should give, or whether it would have been cheaper to simply get a gift. As a general rule, the closer you are to the wedding couple the more you should give. Always work with your budget and give as much as you can afford. The couple should be gracious enough to accept your contribution no matter how big or small it is.

Like with pricey wedding gifts, it’s okay to pool money together to give to the couple. Co-workers, family members, and friends can go in together to give a substantial amount. Consider the expenses of the wedding. If you have already given gifts for other events leading up to the wedding or spent money getting to a destination wedding, you can give a little less money.

Whether you are buying a gift or giving cash, the most important thing to remember is timing. Do not wait too long before giving your gift!

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The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it, forcing us all to find contactless ways to go about our days and the wedding world is no different.

An Indian couple recently went viral for their inventive way of accepting monetary wedding gifts. Instead of a cash donation, this couple asked wedding guests to scan the QR code of Google Pay and PhonePe on their wedding invite so that they can easily transfer money without physical contact.

“About 30 persons had used the facility and gave cash as their wedding present,” said T.J.Jeyanthi, the mother of the bride. “This is the first time such a thing has been attempted in our family.”

Besides being COVID-19 safe, this is also a more eco-friendly option as it eliminates the need for envelopes and cards. It also makes it so much easier for you to save money, as it is already in your bank account.

Would you try this?

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Eight years of marriage is a massive achievement. Things may have changed, but hopefully your love is still as strong or even stronger.

Every year is a special year for a married couple, as it marks another 365 days of their union. However, each anniversary has its own special meaning, according to tradition.

The eighth year is traditionally symbolised by bronze. As bronze is made of copper and tin, it represents the blending of two elements together, thus creating a stronger product. These elements are individually strong, but made even more durable when they come together.

Here are some traditional bronze gift ideas to give your partner:

– Jewellery

– Bookends

– Wine goblets

– Belt buckle

– Personalised wine bucket

– A sculpture

– An ornate vase

– A bronze-trimmed mirror

Picture: Unsplash

Five years of marriage is pretty special. Half a decade later you’re still in love and thriving, which is grounds for celebration.

Every year is a special year for a married couple, as it marks another 365 days of their union. However, each anniversary has its own special meaning, according to tradition.

The traditional fifth wedding anniversary is symbolised by wood. Trees have always represented strength and wisdom, making it fitting for this year of marriage. Rounding the five-year mark shows the durability of your relationship.

Here are some traditional wood gift ideas to give your partner:

– A wooden clock

– A jewellery box

– A wooden tree swing

– A framed picture of you two

– Serving bowls

– A rocking chair

– A personalised cutting/cheese board

– A puzzle

– A planter box

– A wooden map

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Planning a wedding is expensive, not to mention the honeymoon and the new life you’ll build together afterward. It’s easily understandable why many couples would prefer a cash gift instead of a physical gift on their wedding day.

It can sometimes feel a bit classless to ask for money, but it doesn’t need to be. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid offending some older family members or putting pressure on anyone to contribute more than they were originally willing to spend on a gift.

Here are some tips to get that big tip at the end of your big day:

Don’t ask for money on your wedding invitation

The wedding invitation is to introduce your upcoming union and is all about the good vibes. Adding a clause that you’re expecting cash from your guests can be construed a bit tasteless. Instead, set up a wedding website where you can include a link to a cash registry or banking details of an account set up specifically for the cash gifts.

Let your guests know how you plan to spend the money

While you don’t owe anyone an explanation, giving your guests a general idea of how you plan to spend the money might make them more willing to contribute. For example, if it’s a honeymoon fund for a dream vacation or house renovations fund, your guests will know that their money is going toward something important.

It could also be a good idea to set up a specific target amount, with a live tracker displaying how close you are to your goal. Some might feel even more willing to contribute if they know you are closer to reaching your dream.

Use a cash registry

If you feel awkward asking for money outright, you can easily direct your guests to your cash registry on your wedding website. There are sites that run it all for you, so all you need to do is fill in the details and add the link, and voilà. Try out South African sites like Wrapistry or Gift Tree.

Set up cash boxes at your reception

Some people don’t trust online banking or are simply not technologically-savvy. Give your older guests an in-person option by setting up a cash donation box at your reception. You’ll need your wedding planner or a minder to keep an eye over the box throughout the evening to make sure the money stays safe.

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Wedding favours are a sweet way to show your guests your appreciation for sharing in your special day. While not essential, it is a nice touch to give your guests an exciting send-off.

Anyone who has planned a wedding before knows how expensive it can be. Things add up quickly and unexpected costs can crop up at any minute, so it’s best to be financially savvy where you can be.

If you’re working with a tight budget, fear not. There are tons of affordable wedding favour options to incorporate into your big day. Some of them are easily DIYable, which means you save on labour too.

From seedlings to tea, hangover kits made of mini bottles of water and painkillers, to DIY tic tac toe, you can make a wedding favour out of pretty much any common household item.

Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank:

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Picture: Pexels

Three years of marriage is no small feat. While the honeymoon period is over and you’ve likely settled into wedded bliss, it is still important to honour every moment.

Every year is a special year for a married couple, as it marks another 365 days of their union. However, each anniversary has its own special meaning, according to tradition.

The third wedding anniversary is symbolised by leather, meant to represent strength and security. At this stage in your relationship, you’ve developed habits and patterns that have solidified, and you’ve faced ups and downs. Like leather, your love is durable and resilient.

Of course, it does not have to be real leather. You can easily opt for vegan leather alternatives to stay on tradition while not compromising your principles.

Here are some leather-related gift ideas to honour the day:

– A handbag

– A monogrammed wallet

– An office chair

– Boots

– Driving gloves

– Camera strap

– A leather-bound notebook

– Matching bracelets

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