Wedding Gift Ideas: For the Couple, Witnesses and Guests

First, who gives and to whom?

A wedding lends itself to several different gifts. There is the one given to the couple (guest, family member, colleague), the one the couple gives to their witnesses or close relatives, and the small token handed to guests. Each has its own logic: the first is chosen to last, the second to say thank you, and the third to leave a memory.

In France, many couples set up a gift list or an online contribution fund. If they have, that is the best information you have: follow it. An original gift does not replace a clear request. If you have no indication, our ideas below will help you choose something pretty, discreet and easy to live with.

A gift for the couple

The right wedding gift is one that finds its place in the couple's home and can be looked at or used together.

Think about logistics too: a fragile or bulky item is easier to deliver to the couple's home, before or after the ceremony, than on the day itself. A short handwritten note goes very well with any gift.

Stones and symbols linked to weddings

Several stones are traditionally linked to love and union. These are symbols in a language of tradition, not guarantees:

• the pearl, for its whiteness, is a classic bridal jewel in many cultures; it is an organic gem, and fragile;
• Rose quartz evokes tenderness;
• Moonstone is associated with gentleness and cycles;
• Ruby, sapphire and emerald are more durable and more costly fine gemstones.

For a wider selection, see stones for a wedding and stones for the couple. For the years that follow, our silver, gold and other wedding anniversaries page offers gift ideas for the first anniversaries.

Witnesses, family and the parents of the couple

Thanking those who surround the couple is a lovely gesture:

• Witnesses: a plain piece of jewellery (bracelet, pendant), chosen to be worn for a long time, with a handwritten card; see our guide to stone and metal jewellery. If you give a bracelet, measure the wrist with the tutorial.
• Parents: a decorative or wellbeing object, not necessarily esoteric; a pretty candle, a lamp, or a frame with a stone may be enough.
• Children in the wedding party: a fairly large tumbled stone, never a corded bracelet for a young child; see safety first.

Small touches for guests

Some couples give a small gift to each guest. A tumbled stone wrapped in a pouch, with a thank-you note, may please curious people. But not everyone is receptive to this kind of gesture: very devout families, sceptical people, children. A few tips:

• say what it is ("a rose quartz stone, for pleasure") rather than promising an effect;
• choose a sturdy stone with no sharp edges;
• think of the children present: a small stone is a swallowing risk for toddlers;
• prepare a neutral alternative (a candle, a sachet) for anyone who would not appreciate the stone.

Tact above all

A wedding is also a matter of conviction: religion, culture, family. A gift loaded with a symbolism the couple does not share can cause discomfort. Incense in a family that does not burn it, a spiritual symbol from another tradition, or a gift "with a message" ("for a love that lasts") may be poorly received. If you do not know their tastes well, prefer a beautiful object without a message. Honesty is a good guide: give an object you find beautiful, not a guarantee of happiness.

How to present your gift

A few simple gestures make a difference.

• Enclose a card saying what the couple means to you.
• Mention how to care for the object: water, sunlight, soft cloth (see choosing and caring for your stones).
• Use sturdy packaging if the gift has to travel.
• Keep the receipt or the option to exchange in case the gift needs to be changed.

For other ideas, browse the gift ideas section and the page which stone to give.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Buying guides and gift ideas.