Kristie and I are off on our honeymoon! Please welcome my dear friend Amanda from Salvaged Strawberry, who's here to share some inspired wedding gift ideas while we're drinking on the beach.
Two friends recently wed in the beautiful Minnesota sunshine. The birds were singing, the bride wore pink, and the smell of donuts was in the air for this festival-themed wedding. (Think: twinkly lights in a big open barn, hay bales for lounging, festive lanterns, glass jars with wildflowers, barefoot kiddos, and a sing-along during the wedding ceremony.) It was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended. Why? Because it was unique and special and so them. Now, this couple didn’t have a registry. They’ve been together a long time and didn’t really need anything. So, I decided to put together a package of local and personalized favorites for the couple (which they loved). Want to do something a little different for the happy couple? Here are some ideas to get you started.
A state map cutting board.
Love that you can put a heart for the couple’s hometown!
Your favorite local coffee, wine, or beer.
I love the Minnesota-grown brands Peace Coffee and Crispin Cider. I would love either of these in a gift basket.
Framed art from a local favorite
We love riding our bikes on adventures through our city. This would be perfect.
A book of poems or novel from native authors?
If the couple were from the Twin Cities, I would suggest Louise Erdrich or Charles Baxter. (I loved both of these books!)
Hand-made bath goodies!
Who doesn’t love amazing-smelling, homemade bath products? These are by a local soapmaker – her soap rocks (use it and love it) and so does she. My top picks: the lavender and hippie love scents.
You can’t go wrong with honey or maple syrup from a farmer’s market close by.
My local choice? The Beez Kneez – and they deliver – local, raw honey – by bicycle!
A gift certificate for a couple’s massage
After all the planning and stressing, who wouldn’t want to relax with their sweetheart and get massaged – together?! C and I did this and it was amazing – dimmed lights, candles, soft music, and we were next to each other. We’d love this.
Minnesota represent.
I don’t know where you live, but what about showing some state-specific love? For example, did you know that the Minnesota state mushroom is the morel? You could gift the couple a basket of the local fungi paired with some recipes for incorporating it – of course, a local cookbook would be best!
And, last but not least, a cozy blanket for a picnic or to snuggle under the stars.
Image; Via Faribault Woolen Mill Company
Lucky for us, Faribault is a local (and amazing!) company.
What do you think? Do you always stick to the registry?
Thanks for having me, Hannah!
Thanks Amanda! Head over to Salvaged Strawberry to say hi and follow along as Amanda plans her gorgeous vintage wedding.