Tips on Putting Together the Perfect Wedding Gift

Tis the season, my friends... it's wedding season. Over the past few years, I have been invited to countless weddings and subsequently countless wedding showers. Everyone knows that you can grab a gift off a registry but to put together a really memorable gift, that is the goal; to stand out among the massive amounts of presents with something really cool. Over the years, I have come to follow a few simple tips that have left my gift recipients happy, I'm sure of it.

Start with the registry: I know I just basically said forget the registry but that is not what I meant. The registry is what I use as the foundation of the gift. Couples register for items for a reason. They either need them or really want them. In any event, the folks getting married are expecting to see things from their registry so it's safe bet to start with those items. I normally choose a few items and decide on a theme for my gift. As an example, a recent wedding gift, I purchased kitchen items from the registry.

Grab a useful basket, reusable bag or stylish bin to house the gift: Forget the gift bag or wrapping paper that will just get thrown away. If your gift isn't a convection oven, try giving the recipient something they can use again. A cute basket can always be reused; the same goes for stylish totes or organizing bins.

Include your favorite wedding related items: The registry is good and all but there are often things that I want to gift to the happy couple but don't want to be the only thing they receive from me (see above reasons for the registry). Do you like wedding figurines or commemorative ornaments? That is the type of thing I am referring to. Personally, I love the idea of getting the couple some matching Mr. and Mrs. glasses with a sweet white bottle of wine. This is always something I love to see at wedding showers and I love being the one to bring it there. That being said, it would be considered a fluff gift, which is why registry items are important to build on.

Add an inside joke: Do you and the bride to be, or groom to be for that matter, share a private joke or humorous story? Add a little something to the gift that reminds them of that funny moment. Keep in mind that it's best if the memory you share is appropriate for Grandmas since they will likely be watching the gifts being opened. What funny addition did I bring with my most recent gift? I picked up a fern at my local supermarket and labeled it a "Love Fern". If you've seen "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", you're in on the joke.

Finish the gift with something handmade: Are you a maker? Do you have friends that are? Adding a handmade item to the gift can make this gift that extra step of personal. If you specialize in something then add a few to the gift. Your friend will likely know you put in the effort and will appreciate it. Picking up something off Etsy or at a vintage market can have the same effect too. It's the personal touches that can make your gift that much more special.

If you don't have an inside joke or something handmade, you can never go wrong with useful items that everyone needs. As long as they don't cheapen the gift entirely or correspond with your theme, you're golden with the little extras and that little extra thoughtfulness.

If you go a little above and beyond in your gift giving process, it will not go unnoticed. Your friends will be please and you will feel like a gift giving rockstar, especially when you hear people gush about how great your gifts was... and don't forget, add a bow like the cherry on top of the sundae! PS. Don't forget to include gift receipts!

Do you have any tips on putting together the perfect wedding gift?

Simple Shower Decor

This past weekend, I spent some time in North Carolina celebrating my little sister's upcoming nuptials. Since people were coming from out of town (myself included), we held the shower and some classy bachelorette activities on the same weekend. Usually, planning can be a pain in the butt but imagine doing it from afar. It add an element of "stress". When you're planning a bridal shower, it's enough to look at what holding the event will cost, shudder then crawl under your blankie waiting for it to be over but my Mother and I had other plans. We were going to hold this shower, it was going to be classy and we weren't going to let a budget stop us from creating a visually appealing brunch that didn't feel overly done but also had the air of "effort" surrounding it. I've got some simple tips and shopping tricks to keep you on "brand" while pulling off a great day for your Bride or Mama to be.

Places to search for affordable decor and actually find it:

Target's Dollar Spot: I lucked out that Valentine's Day was right around the corner while I was planning the shower but at almost any time of year, the Dollar Spot at Target is a great resource for little containers and do dads you might get inspired by craft-wise. We snagged napkins and some little heart decor that matched our black/white/hot pink thing we had going!

Very Jane: This is one of my favorite sites to grab little things for little things. I managed to snag some washi tape, striped twine and the straws for the table all at a steal. You can check out their daily deals and I always find myself wanting something!

Beaucoup: This site is great for personalized favors like stickers for bags, gift boxes and party supplies. While I didn't have anything personalized for Mallory's shower, I most certainly would like to work Beaucoup into a future party I throw!

Walmart: I am not usually a huge Walmart shopper but my Mom swears by their plants (she lives in NC where they take their garden centers seriously). She'd originally gone in with the intent to get small ivy plants for everyone but instead found some pretty amazing hyacinth bulbs in cute vases. We added our signature twine to them and they were the perfect shower favors! The baby shower that moved in after us had succulents so you can see that plants are popular for shower treats!

Christmas Tree Shops: Another great place to find party supplies like napkins and plates, it's also pretty great if you want to put together favors in pretty containers or add some special wine glasses to your tables that won't break the bank. CTS also allows you to order online now, though I have never done it. The thrill of the store is too good to pass up.

Trader Joe's or Whole Foods: As you well know, making your own flower arrangement can be done! Want something a little special? Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are the best options for really fun flowers that won't break the bank. Tasty tip? Grab some cool greenery like decorative kale or cabbage to make the arrangement pop! We grabbed some garden roses, hyacinths and blue thistle to bring a little funky floral to our brunch table!

Do you have any tips on where to find great yet affordable party decor?