23 Sweet and Practical Wedding Planning Gifts Any To-Be-Wed Will Appreciate

Ease their stress and simplify the planning process with one of these thoughtful presents.
Wedding planning gifts collage
Photos, from clockwise: Rent the Runway, KirstyFreemanDesign, Mark & Graham, Away
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by
Alison Meehan
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Alison Meehan
Assistant Commerce Editor
  • Alison writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in shoppable roundups of anniversary gifts.
  • Before focusing on shoppable content, Alison was a content writer at The Knot.
  • Alison holds a master's degree in writing and a bachelor's in textile design.
Updated Nov 30, 2023
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Planning a wedding is a task that takes months (or years) of decisions and preparation, whether a couple decides to do it themselves or enlist the help of a wedding planner. One of the best ways to ease the lovebirds' stress is to surprise them with wedding planning gifts before their big day. From practical subscriptions to sentimental keepsakes, there are plenty of ways to choose a gift for someone planning a wedding.

You don't always have to wait until their engagement party or wedding shower to give the lucky couple this type of engagement gift. It can easily be a just-because surprise that builds anticipation and excitement about their upcoming nuptials. Whether you're a bridesmaid, the best man, a parent of the couple or a family friend, we're here to help you choose a wedding planning gift to make the process go more smoothly. Below, you'll find our curated list of gift ideas, from wedding planning books to help them manage every detail to fun and creative options to help them bring their vision to life.

1. Wedding Planning Book

Wedding Planning Book
Photo: Amazon

All their questions will be answered in this wedding planner book. With everything from detailed timelines to budgeting tips and tricks, it's easily one of the best wedding planning gifts out there. If the engaged couple in your life aims to organize their big day all by themselves, this handy guide will help them save time and money. And who doesn't want that?

2. Wedding Planning Wine Kit

Wedding planning wine kit for the perfect gift
Photo: Revolve

Figuring out all the little details will be a lot more fun with a bottle of wine on hand. This wedding planning kit gift will encourage the to-be-wed couple to enjoy sipping on their favorite red as they hash it out over guest lists and florists. And, for the morning after, they'll have a little help getting going again with some pain relievers, facial cleansing towelettes, breath strips and electrolyte tablets. Be sure to pick their favorite wine up to give with the gift. (Psst: If you gift it to them now, they can easily road-test it before their bach parties).

3. Dinner Date Ideas

Dinner Date ideas for the perfect wedding planning gift
Photo: The Adventure Challenge

Planning a wedding can be an all-consuming task, but this thoughtful gift will remind the happy couple to make time for each other. The Adventure Challenge's Dinner Dates book is a fun and creative option for anyone who enjoys cooking together and is guaranteed to shake up their date nights. Inside, they'll find 30 scratch-off recipes and 30 fun activities to do between prepping and eating. It'll give them a much-needed break from making decisions and an excuse to try something new. Use THEKNOT20 code to get 20% off your purchase.

4. Sentimental Wall Art

Personalized wall art for the best gift
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Whether you're looking for an engagement gift or a thoughtful memento for the lovebirds, it's hard to go wrong with a piece of personalized wall art. This contemporary photo features street signs customized with the couple's names, along with the dates of when they first met and got engaged (or their upcoming wedding). It's a really cool way to pay tribute to when their paths crossed initially, plus it'll build excitement about their big day.

5. Meal Planning Subscription

meal planning subscription for the perfect gift
Photo: The Knot

Here's one of the best wedding planning gift ideas for a busy couple: A meal kit subscription service that'll take the guesswork out of preparing dinner. Each week, Blue Apron will send them everything they need to make two servings of two, three or four healthy recipes so they can embrace cooking as a team (and quit making grocery lists). Give the to-be-weds a gift card so they can make a plan to suit their preferences (think: time-saving options or veggie dishes).

6. Wedding Countdown Poster

wedding countdown poster for the perfect gift
Photo: Zazzle

Add some excitement ahead of the big day with a cute wedding countdown gift. This printed poster features elegant script typography, engagement ring motifs and red hearts for 100 days before their wedding. They'll have fun crossing off each one and getting a step closer to walking down the aisle. Choose from a variety of customization options to tailor it to the couple you're buying for.

7. Vision Board Kit

vision board kit for the perfect wedding planning kit
Photo: TheLamare

Don't be afraid to get creative when choosing gifts for someone planning a wedding. If they're into manifesting or just have big dreams for the future, they'll love this vision board kit. While not specifically designed for weddings, they can use it to lay out ideas for their big day and shared goals for their future as a married couple. It comes with 130 printed cards (with pictures and motivational quotes), 20 blank cards (so they can add their own ideas), a standing vision board with 18 slots and a goals workbook—all presented in a very giftable box.

8. Wedding Keepsake Box

wedding keepsake box for the perfect planning gift
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Looking for wedding planning gifts that are sweet and practical? This adorable wedding keepsake box will impress anyone who appreciates the little details (or is a whizz at organizing stuff). With vertical files, illustrated labels, acid-free drawers and cute fabric bags, it'll help them stash their cherished keepsakes safely. Long after their wedding, the two of them can look back and remember that special time through tokens like their invitations, cake toppers, favors and more.

9. Monthly Coffee Subscription

coffee subscription box for the perfect wedding gift
Photo: Bean Box

Early mornings and late nights can take their toll, and sometimes there's only one thing for it: coffee! Make sure your engaged friends never run out of their favorite brew with a monthly coffee subscription from Bean Box. They deliver whole bean or freshly ground coffee every month, along with tasting notes and brewing tips to help them enhance the flavor. Add a short message to make this practical wedding planning gift feel a little more personal.

10. Personalized Embroidery Kit

Customized embroidery kit
Photo: KirstyFreemanDesign

Shopping for a crafty couple or spouse-to-be? This personalized embroidery kit is a winning gift idea for anyone who enjoys being creative during their downtime. It includes linen fabric printed with a custom design, high-quality embroidery threads, beads, crafting needles and a wooden embroidery hoop—basically, everything they'll need to craft their own masterpiece. Whether they use it to unwind after all the planning or as part of their wedding decor, they'll love working on this cute project.

11. Clothing Rental Subscription

Clothing rental subscription for the perfect gift
Photo: Rent the Runway

If you know a bride-to-be who loves fashion, we've found the perfect gift idea. With this clothing rental subscription from Rent the Runway, they can shop and swap designer outfits for their bridal shower, bach party, rehearsal dinner and more. Options range from five to up to 20 items per month, so they're sure to find stylish ensembles to suit them. Best of all, the rental service means they'll save space in their wardrobe and the environment, which sounds like a win-win to us.

12. Personalized Bath Robes

Customized bath robes for the best wedding gifts
Photo: Personalization Mall

Are they always on the go and juggling a million things at once? Encourage the busy duo to pencil in time for some R&R on their wedding planning to-do list with this spa-worthy loungewear. Cozy and comfy, these embroidered robes can be customized with their initials, names or monograms for a thoughtful touch. Pair them with a few indulgent goodies (like face masks, a scented candle or essential oils) for a thoughtful gift that'll help them unwind.

13. Men's Accessory Subscription

men's accessory box subscription
Photo: GQ Box

Want to surprise the groom-to-be with some stylish gear? Whether you're shopping for your future spouse, your brother or a close friend, this subscription box is a clear winner. Every three months, the lucky guy will receive a package filled with apparel, grooming products and lifestyle accessories. Not only will it ensure he looks great on the big day, but it'll also help him snag some cool stuff for the honeymoon too.

14. Personalized Whiskey Dispenser

Customized whiskey dispenser
Photo: HeadHouse80

Perhaps they're the type of couple who likes to relax with a nightcap after a long and busy day. Help them make the moment extra special with this wow-worthy whiskey dispenser. It's crafted from solid wood and finished with their last name, along with a tap to pour their favorite liquor. Bonus: They can also use it as a prop at their rehearsal dinner or reception, making this one of the most versatile wedding planning gift ideas we can think of.

15. Stylish Overnight Bag

overnight bag for the perfect wedding gift
Photo: Away

Are they so occupied with finalizing the details of their wedding that they've forgotten all about the honeymoon? Remind them that the fun doesn't stop there and they've so much more to look forward to after the big day. This roomy overnight bag is something they'll treasure when they're jetting off with their new spouse. It boasts many cool features like a trolley sleeve to secure it to a suitcase, a detachable shoulder strap and a padded laptop pocket. Trust us, they'll want to take this trendy tote with them everywhere (yes, even the gym).

16. Date Night Painting Kit

Painting kit for the best wedding present
Photo: MonlixCandles

We'll never tire of suggesting fun date night activities, especially when it's for someone planning a wedding. Help the lovebirds reconnect with each other (and put the plans aside for one evening) with this fun painting kit. Designed especially for a pair, it includes two canvases, eight acrylic paints, four paintbrushes, two easels and two paint palettes. It even comes with a soy wax candle, two bottles of lemonade and an inspiration deck to get their ideas flowing.

17. Custom Hairbrush

Personalized handbrush gift
Photo: Prose

Searching for a wedding planning gift for someone who takes their personal grooming seriously? Make their routine (and their locks) feel a little extra with this custom hairbrush from Prose. It's carefully crafted using quality materials, like lightweight beechwood, boar (or vegan-friendly) bristles and natural rubber for added flexibility. Add their monogram for a luxurious accessory they'll be excited to show off in their wedding prep photos.

18. Flower Arranging Class

Floral arrangement class for the best wedding gift
Photo: Uncommon Goods

While planning a wedding can be stressful, it can also be an opportunity to learn something completely new. If your favorite couple is managing the fine details themselves, this flower arranging class will teach them a thing or two. During the 90-minute online tutorial, expert floral artist Nsombi Woodson will introduce them to the immersive art of floristry in a fun and hands-on workshop. All they have to do beforehand is source the flowers, and then they're good to go.

19. Personalized Map Art

Customized Map Art for the best wedding gift
Photo: TravelBuffs

Still stumped on what wedding planning gifts to get your favorite pair? Help them celebrate this unique stage in their lives with a sweet and sentimental memento. This cool map art features a timeline of their relationship and can be customized to include milestones like their first date, buying a house together and their engagement. Choose from three framing options to ensure it's display-ready.

20. Monogrammed Cheese Board

Customized cheese board with the couple's initials
Photo: Mark & Graham

Here's a wedding planning gift idea that's anything but cheesy. Equal parts stylish and practical, this heart-shaped cheese board will make them feel the love—and fill their bellies. It's made from white marble and acacia wood that can be laser engraved with their monogram for a sophisticated finish. It's a sweet and thoughtful gift they'll be excited to unwrap at their engagement party, couples shower or housewarming.

21. Funny Notebook

funny notebook gift for the best wedding present
Photo: Zazzle

Appeal to their sense of humor with this playful gift. The spiral-bound notebook is guaranteed to make them chuckle, thanks to its funny (yet relatable) message that reads: "Stuff I Absolutely Need to Remember But Probably Will Forget." Choose from a variety of colors and customized features to tweak the design even further, and add a thoughtful (or cheeky) message inside for them to read later.

22. Hotel Gift Card

View from the River Lee Hotel in Cork, Ireland
Photo: The River Lee Hotel

If they're saving every last cent for their wedding, they'll appreciate a gift that helps them out a little. Instead of giving them cash, how about a Hotels.com gift card they can put toward a night (or weekend) away? Whether they use it for a birthday, anniversary or a much-needed break, it's definitely one of the best wedding planning gifts you can get them. And, since they can redeem it in hotels in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, they can even keep it for their honeymoon (if they can wait that long!).

23. Mindfulness Cards

Mindfulness card set
Photo: BestSelf

One of the tricky things about planning a future event is how much it can take you out of the present moment. Help the lovebirds ground themselves in the here and now with this set of mindfulness cards. The deck includes 30 prompts they can use to overcome wedding planning distractions and carve out some quiet time in their busy lives. Once they've refreshed their minds, they'll feel more relaxed and ready to tackle their to-do list again (which may be the best gift of all).

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