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Updated Oct 14, 2024What Are Our Editors' Most Unique Wedding Gifts? Here's What They Said
Ask and you shall receive.
Whether you're on the hunt for a unique wedding gift or you're simply curious to know what The Knot Editors—aka experts in the wedding industry—received (and loved) when they got married (same!), then you're in the right place. We asked our married staff members what their most memorable wedding gift was and we're sharing their answers below. While each was insistent that the first step to finding the best wedding gift ideas for a couple is shopping their registry, if they don't have one or the items listed are outside of your price range, it's okay to seek inspiration elsewhere. You can also go off the registry if you're on the hunt for an extra-special gift for your best friend, a close family member or even a lil' surprise for your spouse on the big day. With that, let's dig into some of their favorite wedding gifts and how you can recreate them if you've got a wedding coming up.
Personalized Serveware
Senior Editor, Kim Forrest, tied the knot back in May of 2010. While her wedding was over a decade ago (congratulations on your milestone, Kim), she still uses this wedding gift today. "My dear friend Kate and her husband got us these adorable personalized dessert plates from Rust Designs, which we didn't have on our registry, but she knew I loved. I love the subtle personalization—my husband and my initials, and our wedding date are 'carved' into the tree design. We still use these plates to this day, and I'm pleased to report that Rust has expanded its offerings to include matching serving platters and bowls."
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Photo: Rust Designs
You can copy this unique wedding gift idea to a T. Sold in sets of four, each of these Rust Designs Birch Dessert Plates features the same tree personalized with the pair's initials and wedding date, but illustrated in each season of the year. It's a sweet way to show that love is ever-changing and long-lasting. The design can either come in cobalt blue or chocolate brown and is also printed on an oval platter and a serving bowl.
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Personalized wedding gifts will always be unique to the couple—it's part of their charm. If you like the idea of customized serveware, here are some more options to shop.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
This Personalized Dream Together Wedding Bowl by Bryan Becker is glazed with splashes of color and etched with the advice, "love always, laugh often, forgive quickly, dream together" on the rim alongside the couple's own names and wedding date. Whether they use it for mixing cookie dough, snacking on popcorn or serving their family's famous mashed potato recipe, it'll be part of their kitchen for a long time. Best of all, it's microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe.
Photo: Mark & Graham
This unique wedding gift is for the couple who considers a charcuterie board their go-to appetizer. The Wood and Marble Rectangle Cheese Board from Mark & Graham is a sight to behold. Of course, it's also laser engraved with the couple's joint initials or now-shared monogram for that extra-unique touch.
Photo: Waterford
Why not gift the happy couple a knife and serving set to cut their wedding cake on their big day and, if they save the top, on their one-year anniversary? Waterford's Wedding Stainless Cake Knife & Server set features intricately carved crystal handles that look and feel so elegant. The blades can be engraved with their monogram or a short message for an additional fee.
Wedding China
Lauren Kay, The Knot's Executive Editor, had her most memorable wedding gift sourced right from her registry. She comments: "I always recommend shopping a couple's registry—your gift will be a home run because they picked it out!" If they don't have a registry or you're stumped on what to pick from the wishlist, consider splurging on wedding china. "I grew up down south and my mom always used her wedding china for special occasions. I had so many fond memories of doing the same with my family. And we do—nearly ten years into our marriage this gift gets plenty of use and is the centerpiece of special meals shared with family and friends." It's okay if you can only give the couple part of a matching set they asked for. Nudge some friends or family members also attending the wedding to pick up the other pieces. "I love the symbolism of so many of our loved ones contributing a salad plate, or a cup and saucer to our table. I think of them when I set the table—it's as if they're all part of the conversations and the memories in the making."
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Photo: Bloomingdale's
Plates and bowls and cups, oh my! Bernardaud's Soleil Levant Dinnerware Collection features gold flower motifs inspired by early 19th-century French porcelain styles. You can gift the couple one elegant large dish or platter, a set of dinner plates, a coffee pot and creamer, a gravy boat and more. No matter what, it'll be a coveted piece of their tablescape.
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Traditionally, wedding china is formal dinnerware reserved for special occasions. It's made from bone china or porcelain, usually features intricate designs or patterns and the price tag can be a bit steep. But as Kay suggests, the sentimentality is totally worth it for married couples. Here are some wedding china gifts to consider if the to-be-weds didn't register for a specific set.
Photo: The Knot
If you're shopping for a full place setting (or two) made from bone china, check out Lenox's Westmore 5-Piece Place Setting. It comes with a dinner plate, salad plate and appetizer plate as well as a cup and saucer. The light blue color is embellished with platinum detailing and subtle floral designs for an elegant table setting. While they're not microwave-safe, they can be put (carefully) into the dishwasher for easy clean up.
Photo: The Knot
This unique wedding china gift is for the caffeinated couple. The Gio Gold 8-Piece Espresso Cup & Saucer Set from Wedgwood is the perfect combination of new and old. Made from bone china, the set's black and gold geometric patterns look too good to hide in a cabinet, IMO.
Photo: The Knot
Wedding china doesn't have to belong on the dinner table. Surprise the lovebirds with some chic home decor. The Take the Cake Ring Dish from Kate Spade New York uses porcelain to create a shallow bowl perfect for, you guessed it, holding their wedding bands. We adore the light blue exterior and that the inside is engraved with the phrase "with this ring."
Heirloom Jewelry
MaryKate Callahan, Director of Content Strategy, has been married just under a year to date, so, according to traditional etiquette, even more wedding gifts could be rolling in. We're pretty sure none could top her most unforgettable wedding gift, though, which came from her then-spouse-to-be. "On the morning of our wedding, my now-husband Brad gifted me a necklace that includes the diamond from my late Nana's engagement ring. I put it on immediately and wore it throughout the entire day. Not only is the necklace beautiful and a cherished part of my jewelry collection, it was a great way to feel like my Nana was celebrating with us." Say it with us, "Awww!"
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We love the unique wedding gift idea of personalized jewelry, whether it repurposes a family heirloom or not. It can be a really sentimental gift if you're shopping for your child, sibling, life-long best friend or spouse—basically, anyone you feel extra close to. When it comes to heirloom pieces, you can either modernize the existing design or use the featured gemstones on an entirely new piece of jewelry. It's helpful to go to a jewelry store in person so you can work closely with a designer to bring your vision to life. Common retailers like Jared and Zales offer these services, but there are also many local jewelers just waiting to be found in your area with a little research.
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A jewelry gift on the wedding day for a close friend, family member or soon-to-be spouse doesn't have to be a reclaimed vintage piece to be meaningful. Start their collection of family jewels with a pretty new piece for the recipient that's totally heirloom-worthy.
Photo: Blue Nile
The ruby has long been a symbol of love and passion, making it a fitting jewelry gift for your better half. Especially when you consider that it's also believed to bring good luck, prosperity and success to the wearer. Blue Nile's Alternating Size Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 14K White Gold will be a sight to see on the big day and every special occasion after.
Photo: Cufflinks.com
These Sterling Silver Braided Knot Cufflinks from Ox and Bull Trading Co. are simple, yet meaningful, and perfect if the giftee will be in a suit on the big day. The polished sterling silver is shaped into love knots for the one tying the knot. We love the added braid detail on the edges.
Photo: Brilliant Earth
Gift jewelry as part of the "something blue" tradition. Our favorite stone in question: a sapphire. (Though, topaz or aquamarine could work as well.) The Sapphire Pavé Twist Pendant from Brilliant Earth shimmers with just over two dozen small diamonds surrounding a large sapphire.
