Why should we exchange gifts on our wedding day?

Given how chaotic wedding days are, Heely explains the value of a quiet moment between the couple. “There's so much hustle and bustle on a wedding day. Sometimes we can lose sight of the purpose, which is to get married and to commit yourself to someone for your lifetime,” Heely says. “Having that moment of pause to exchange gifts is telling that person like, ‘Hey, I'm here for you, and I'm remembering you on this day.’”

How much should I spend on a gift?

That really depends on the couple. Regardless of what you choose, discuss those terms in advance, Burton Babb notes. “Just like a wedding budget, a gift fund has to be what makes sense for that couple," she says. "You don't want it to be an extra point of stress, so it can be good to discuss the budget in advance so you can be on the same page,” Burton Babb said. If you have a tighter budget, she said couples can also exchange meaningful letters in lieu of gifts. This option conveys the same sentiment but in a more affordable way.

When should gifts be exchanged?

The exchange typically happens before the ceremony . Once both couples are dressed and ready, Burton Babb said they often exchange gifts alone, with a photographer or videographer. A first look is a good opportunity for the exchange, or if you don’t want to see your partner before the ceremony, you can open gifts separately. Even though you aren’t together, the gift will still make your partner feel seen and special before saying “I do.”

Do you have to give a gift?

Definitely not. It's totally up to the couple. Heely says that about half the couples she works with choose to do a wedding gift exchange. She also emphasizes the value of handwritten notes. “A very heartfelt, timeless gift that costs no money is writing a letter to your S.O. for them to open on the wedding day," she adds. "It centers on the purpose of the day, focusing on the marriage and the love that they have for each other.”

The 23 Best Wedding Day Gift Exchange Presents of 2024

Your wedding day is the perfect time to surprise your soon-to-be spouse with a special gift, either before or after you walk down the aisle. While your guests have a whole wedding registry to choose from, a wedding day gift exchange with your partner is the opportunity to get creative.

When it comes to wedding day gifts, think about keepsakes and timeless tokens. “It’s something you want them to have forever, so you'll want it to have meaning,” says Maggie Heely owner and lead coordinator at Weekend Wedding Warrior. Personalized, sentimental gifts like a cuff bracelet or wedding vase are always an excellent choice.

Christina Burton Babb, owner and lead planner of Christina Burton Events, emphasizes that half the fun of gift-giving is the physical exchange, so consider where it will take place and how—you don’t want that moment rushed during a busy day. “For a lot of couples, it becomes almost an afterthought,” says Burton Babb. And if you choose to stay apart before walking down the aisle, opening your gifts independently can also create a relaxing moment of reflection before heading to the altar.

Read on for the best wedding day gift exchange ideas.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Modern Map Art Three Heart City Map

Etsy

View On Etsy $25

Take a trip down memory lane with this special wall art. Featuring three heart-shaped maps, it's easy to highlight significant events in your relationship in a personalized way. Ideal for couples who travel or move around, many use the hearts to show where they met, where they got engaged, and where they tied the knot. The sellers can make a map for any city in the world, and you can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to best fit you and your partner’s space. It's a thoughtful gift that shows you cherish your relationship and the next step you're taking.

Susabellas Keepsake Love Box

Etsy

View On Etsy $66

A keepsake box is a timeless, practical reminder of your special day, and it's useful for storing wedding rings and other jewelry. Inscribed with, “The most wonderful thing I decided to do was to share my life and heart with you” on the inside, this rectangular box is handmade using clay, ceramic, and glaze. It has the word “Love” with an arrow carved into the lid, which can be customized in a few different colors. This is one gift that is sure to stand the test of time and serve as a treasured piece on your dresser or nightstand.

Grand J Avenue Personalized Sweatshirt

Etsy

View On Etsy $28

For low-key couples, a cozy sweatshirt may be the perfect fit. This one is fully customizable, perfect for spelling out your partner’s name, your wedding date, or other wedding-related details. Featured in six different muted colors, these crewnecks range from sizes S to 2XL and are great for lounging around the house or running errands. While it may be affordable, this sweatshirt doesn’t skimp on quality. They're made of pre-shrunk cotton and polyester, using a professional heat press to hand-place the lettering. It's definitley a thoughtful gift for rest and relaxation time after all the festivities.

So Good So Wood Leather Passport Cover

Etsy

View On Etsy $24

This handmade leather passport cover will ensure your significant other travels in style, whether it's for your honeymoon or for a future trip. The cover comes in a variety of colors, from earthy tones to pastels, and can even be personalized with a monogram or quote. The seller uses distressed top-grain cowhide leather, which creates a soft-but-durable effect, so it will only get better with age.

Ido Artsy Weddings Liquor Label

Etsy

View On Etsy $15

A nice bottle of bourbon or whiskey can already make for a nice gift, but applying a unique label takes it to the next level. Customize this bottle with their name, a message, signature, and date as the “bottle number.” The labels are printed on waterproof vinyl label paper with heat-set laser ink, ensuring a smudge-free message. They'll be sure to love the personal touch.

Kingsley Leather Personalized Leather Cufflinks

Kingsley Leather Personalized Leather Cufflink with a letter M

Etsy

View On Etsy $72 View On Kingsleyleather.com

Whether they’re worn on the wedding day or after, these full-grain leather cufflinks are a classy, timeless gift. The sellers hand-punch your groom’s initials in a steel setting for an elegant, yet modern look. Offered in tan, classic black, or dark brown, they're a thoughtful addition to anyone’s wardrobe, and can be worn again and again for years to come.

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Minted

View On Minted

Bring back the memories on your big day with this heart-shaped photo collage. Highlight up to 30 photos of you and your love in this meaningful wall art. You choose from a variety of sizes, materials, and frames to best suit your home. With this beautiful, lasting piece of art, you and your S.O. can reflect on all your favorite moments—and look forward to creating more.

Uncommon Goods First Dance Personalized Art

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $200

Memorialize your wedding dance with a customizable, commemorative print that deserves a place on your living room wall. The Ohio-based artist creates nostalgic, vintage-inspired prints that will take you back in time. Using archival paper and pigment ink, the maker can personalize the print to include where you were married, the venue, the date, and your names.

The Sip Society The Classic Box

The Sip Society

View On Thesip.com

If you’re planning on spending the days surrounding your wedding somewhere special, this box of champagne is the perfect thing to bring along. The box includes two classics and one novel champagne, providing a fun tasting experience for you and your new spouse.

Montblanc Pix Cufflinks

Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales $210

These sleek cufflinks are a splurge, but they'll last a lifetime. Crafted in Germany by an iconic brand, this pair will give an instant upgrade to his wedding day look.

Duncan & Stone Paper Co. Wedding Anniversary Journal

Amazon

View On Amazon $45

Document memories in your marriage in more ways than just one. A written book of moments between the two of you is something physical you both can share and read back on in the years ahead. If your spouse is sentimental, this is a thoughtful gift that they'll cherish for years to come.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Wedding Keepsake Library

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods $140

There are going to be so many little things you want to keep and cherish from your wedding day, from invitations and menus to the special hairpiece you wore. This library is meant to keep it all in one place so you can look back on in an organized fashion. If your spouse loves to collect mementos, this library will keep them safe and organized.

Wandering Rabbit Print Custom Foil Metallic Song Lyrics Art

Etsy

View On Etsy $33

If your wedding song was something special to both of you, or if your spouse is a music lover, gift them a personalized record. Choose from four frames, and customize it further with a quote, your wedding date, and your names.

Line Ave Calligraphy Custom Handwritten Calligraphy Page

Etsy

View On Etsy $70

There are few things more sentimental than a handwritten letter. Tell your loved one how you feel about them with your own words, written in beautiful calligraphy by this Etsy maker. You even get to choose the color of the ink and the paper size.

Mark and Graham Terminal 1 Monogram Spinner

Mark and Graham

View On Markandgraham.com $230

Are you and your are going on a honeymoon, a personalized carry-on is a great practical gift. Choose from two styles and several colors, and then customize with your new spouse's initials.

Oakdene Designs Personalised Couples Large Matchbox

Etsy

View On Etsy $35

Calling all candle lovers! This adorable jumbo match box is a perfect little accessory to have around the house as a reminder of your love. Personalize it with your initials and the date of your wedding, and pair with their favorite scented candle to complete the gift.

Laura Row Studio Custom Wedding Matchbooks

Etsy

View On Etsy $35

The only thing cuter than actual matchbooks is custom matchbook art. Add your names, date, and venue of your wedding and you'll have yourself a great souvenir that can be displayed on your gallery wall.

The Modish Home Wedding Song Print

Etsy

View On Etsy $52

If you both are into music and your first dance song is special to you, a piece of art featuring handwritten lyrics is a wonderful additive to your home decor. Select one of six sizes and either framed or unframed options.

Personal Wine Engraved Casamigos Tequila Blanco

Personal Wine

View On Personalwine.com

If your spouse is a budding mixologist or just loves a good date night cocktail, a personalized tequila bottle is a lovely gift. Get it custom engraved with the date or location of your wedding as a memory of your special day.

Kate Spade Keepsake Box

Bloomingdale's

View On Neiman Marcus $50 View On Bloomingdales $50 View On Horchow.com

This adorable keepsake box is engraved with the words "you & me" and is the perfect minimal gift. They can keep it on their vanity to hold rings, cufflinks, and more.

Le Labo Santal 26 Candle

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom $84 View On Lelabofragrances.com View On Selfridges.com $60

This hand-poured, 100% soy wax candle features one of the brand's most popular scents. Personalize the text on the front so they can have it as a keepsake long after it's finished burning.

Mark & Graham Mariposa Serving Tray

Mark & Graham

View On Markandgraham.com $99

If your sweetheart likes to host (or enjoys breakfast in bed) a custom tray is a great gift. This one is handmade out of 100% recycled aluminum, and can be personalized with your own text to make it extra special.

Katie Kime Monogrammed Austin Toile Ice Bucket

Katie Kime

View On Katiekime.com

This doubled walled ice bucket (which can also be personalized) will make a statement on your home bar, while keeping ice chilled for hours. Choose from several different choices of fonts and colors, and include up to 18 characters of text.

What to Look for in a Wedding Day Gift

Timelessness: A wedding day gift stands apart from gifts for other occasions because it symbolizes the commitment and milestone as a couple. Look for items that will stand the test of time, featuring materials that only get better with age. Sentimental and high-quality items like the Minetta Jewellery Personalized Handwriting Cuff Bracelet and Frederick James Engraved Pocket Watch are no-fail options.
Thoughtfulness: Make sure the gift speaks to your partner—and start hunting early. Burton Babb says that one of the biggest mistakes she sees is when a couple waits until the last minute, both for getting a gift and for planning when the exchange will take place. Personalized gifts are always winners because it shows the extra level of planning and care that went into the gift process. Heely encourages couples to reflect on their partners and consider what gift would truly make them feel loved and special.

FAQ

Why should we exchange gifts on our wedding day?

Given how chaotic wedding days are, Heely explains the value of a quiet moment between the couple. “There's so much hustle and bustle on a wedding day. Sometimes we can lose sight of the purpose, which is to get married and to commit yourself to someone for your lifetime,” Heely says. “Having that moment of pause to exchange gifts is telling that person like, ‘Hey, I'm here for you, and I'm remembering you on this day.’”
How much should I spend on a gift?

That really depends on the couple. Regardless of what you choose, discuss those terms in advance, Burton Babb notes. “Just like a wedding budget, a gift fund has to be what makes sense for that couple," she says. "You don't want it to be an extra point of stress, so it can be good to discuss the budget in advance so you can be on the same page,” Burton Babb said. If you have a tighter budget, she said couples can also exchange meaningful letters in lieu of gifts. This option conveys the same sentiment but in a more affordable way.
When should gifts be exchanged?

The exchange typically happens before the ceremony. Once both couples are dressed and ready, Burton Babb said they often exchange gifts alone, with a photographer or videographer. A first look is a good opportunity for the exchange, or if you don’t want to see your partner before the ceremony, you can open gifts separately. Even though you aren’t together, the gift will still make your partner feel seen and special before saying “I do.”
Do you have to give a gift?

Definitely not. It's totally up to the couple. Heely says that about half the couples she works with choose to do a wedding gift exchange. She also emphasizes the value of handwritten notes. “A very heartfelt, timeless gift that costs no money is writing a letter to your S.O. for them to open on the wedding day," she adds. "It centers on the purpose of the day, focusing on the marriage and the love that they have for each other.”

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Macy Alcido has multiple years of experience writing listicles and researching top gift picks across genres. From tech products to sports bras, Alcido has covered it all. As a recent bride herself, she holds personal experience researching the best products to prepare for the big day.

Maggie Heely is the owner and lead coordinator at Weekend Wedding Warrior, a wedding coordination company serving Kentucky and Tennessee.
Christina Burton Babb is the owner and lead planner of Christina Burton Events, based in Louisville, KY with wedding planners in Lexington, KY, and Indianapolis, IN.