Forever and a day: presents for the happy couple
Forever and a day: presents for the happy couple
Giving presents to celebrate a marriage is an age-old tradition, but one that we’re pretty sure will be around for a good while yet. While cheques and honeymoon contributions are always kind and appreciated gestures, there’s something about giving a gift for the home that we think is that bit more special. It’s something that marks a new start together; that they can share with each other, friends and family; and that they can enjoy every day as well as treasure forever.
Yes, times have changed since the days when tying the knot signalled entering adulthood, the moment when young people moved out of their parents’ homes and began a new life together. Back then, the gifts given at their wedding breakfast – be it a hand-stitched quilt or a china tea service – set them up for the future.
These days, most couples already share an address and, most probably, a fair few home essentials too. If they’ve pooled the contents of two kitchens, they might even have some duplicates. So, asking for a whole new set of tableware as a wedding gift might feel unnecessary. The chances are though, that what they’ve used for mealtimes up until now is nothing special. Plates, cutlery and glasses that do the job, but are quite simply, ordinary.
And that’s why wedding presents still have an important role. Presents can be an opportunity to invest in everyday items as well as the bigger one-offs. They’re a chance to surprise a couple with beautiful pieces – dinner plates, breakfast-in-bed trays and serveware – some that they can enjoy day-in day-out, others to store away safely for special occasions.
How lovely to start married life with homewares that make the simplest Sunday brunch or a supper with friends feel just that bit more special. Think relaxed yet refined napkins in pure linen with a tablecloth to match, and thoughtfully designed cutlery that’s weighty enough to speak of its quality but not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable and fiddly to use.
What’s more, everyday items can – and should – be about lasting the course, so a couple will continue using them for years to come. It’s more common for us to feel that it’s the special occasion pieces that are the ones that should endure, but the best wedding gifts are those that’ll stand the test of time no matter how much they’re used. The happy couple will then unwrap them feeling that your gift is an investment in their future together.
At Neptune, we’ve always believed in longevity, in timeless styles, in not following trends, and in designing for forever. We create our collections with materials that’ll live on and on, using careful making methods, and with a look that’ll never fall out of favour. In other words, we make pieces that a couple will want to have and to hold every day, pretty much forever. Which, in our book, is a rather lovely message to pass on to two people about to start a life-long journey together.
The wedding gift list
Our pick of presents that’ll suit almost any couple, yet still feel special and timeless.
- Crockery: if you’re not sure what pieces they already have in their collection, it’s best to choose serving designs such as bowls and platters. That said, we’ve found you can never really have enough mugs, and it doesn’t matter so much if these don’t coordinate with their existing set. Our Sutton crockery collection is a great all-rounder that works with most home styles.
- Glassware: another thing you can’t have too much of, particularly if the couple in question are keen hosts. Our Barnes design is neither very traditional nor very contemporary, cementing its versatility. Glass vases, tealight holders and hurricane lanterns are also all lovely choices.
- Table linens: for the table, generously sized white linen napkins are a sure thing, as are table runners which, unlike tablecloths, aren’t so specific to the size or shape of table.
- Bed linens: pure linen or five-hundred thread-count Egyptian cotton are the sort of luxuries you might not splurge on for yourself, which makes them such lovely wedding gifts. Both our bedding collections – linen Edith and cotton Albertine – are simple but special. A linen bedspread like Ardel is also a thing of pure bliss during the summer.
- Throws: unless you know your couple’s home and colour scheme well, we’d steer away from anything other than neutrals here. Our Delph throw – which is made with lambswool and cashmere – is a wonderfully luxurious option definitely befitting of such an occasion.
If you would like our one-to-one help in choosing a wedding present, simply pop into your nearest store and one of our friendly team will show you around.
