Last year, as I wrapped up our engagement shoot in Mérida, Mexico, with my fiancé and wedding photographer, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement. I couldn’t wait for November 2020, when we’d be preparing for our dream wedding in Mexico. But, as we all know, life had other plans. With the pandemic in full force, our wedding had to be postponed to the following year. But we didn’t let that stop us—we still wanted to get married on our original date, albeit not quite in the way we’d initially envisioned.
We had always planned on having a small civil ceremony in the States before jetting off to Mexico for a larger celebration with friends and family. The idea of getting married in the same church where my parents had tied the knot was too special to pass up. And though our ceremony wouldn’t mirror the grand wedding in Mexico, we made it our mission to still make it meaningful—and a bit extra—because, let’s face it, 2020 had been a rough year for everyone. Who doesn’t deserve a little cake and champagne after all the craziness?
While planning, I found myself struggling with our wedding registry. We honestly didn’t need much—we were already fortunate with a new home, stable jobs, and good health. The financial burden of asking guests to travel internationally for our wedding felt too much to ask. But when a few people asked, “What do you get a Covid bride?” I had to stop and think. What would bring joy to someone navigating a wedding during a pandemic? I scoured the options and came up with a list of meaningful gifts that could bring a smile to any bride in this unusual time. Here are a few of my favorites.
For the Bride Who Has Everything: Splurge-Worthy Gifts
Additional Wedding Photography Session
One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a bride whose original wedding plans have been altered is the gift of another photography session. Even though the big day might not have unfolded as expected, an extra session with the wedding photographer can capture this unique moment in time. It’s a beautiful way to document the couple’s resilience and strength. We were so lucky to have our photographer, KT Merry, who made our experience unforgettable.
Cameron Customized Wedding Album
Another gift that feels both personal and meaningful is a custom wedding album. Whether bound in linen or leather, this customized album is a way to compile all the beautiful moments from their engagement, ceremony, and future celebrations into one place. It’s a tangible reminder that, no matter what the year threw at them, they’ll have their special day, and it will be something to look back on forever.
Vintage Champagne: Dom Pérignon
While we’re on the subject of celebrations, what could be more fitting than a bottle of vintage Dom Pérignon? A bottle of this champagne is perfect for any milestone, and personally, I’ve been saving a few bottles of 2006 vintage Dom Pérignon for something special. This year, we’ll finally toast with it during our civil ceremony.
Personal Chef or Catering Experience
In these times, many couples have turned to smaller, more intimate celebrations. If the bride is planning a low-key dinner with her loved ones, why not hire a personal chef or order catering from their favorite local restaurant? It’s a wonderful way to support small businesses while creating an unforgettable meal for the couple. For an extra special touch, renting unique table settings can elevate the dining experience, especially if the bride loves capturing beautiful moments.
Stylish Luggage: SteamLine
Travel may be on pause for now, but gifting honeymoon luggage is a great way to give the bride something to look forward to. A chic suitcase from SteamLine can inspire dreams of the honeymoon that will (hopefully) happen soon. It’s a gift that combines both practicality and excitement for future travels.
Gifts That Are Personal and Practical
Bridal Lingerie
One of those items that might get pushed aside in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning is bridal lingerie. But it’s such an intimate and thoughtful gift. Brides will appreciate the chance to feel special with a set from a luxury brand like Girl and a Serious Dream. It’s a gift that celebrates the bride’s beauty and confidence on her special day and beyond.
Jewelry Box
Every bride needs a safe place to store her most treasured pieces of jewelry—especially her wedding bands. A velvet jewelry box is a beautiful and timeless gift that can eventually become a family heirloom. It’s an elegant way to keep wedding memories close at hand.
Board Games for Two (or More)
If the couple enjoys winding down after a long day, a beautifully designed board game could be a fantastic gift. Whether it’s a classic backgammon set or a luxury Mahjong game, this kind of present offers a fun and relaxing way to spend time together after the big day.
Timeless Heels: Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi Pumps
For the bride who appreciates fashion, these iconic Hangisi pumps from Manolo Blahnik (reimagined as comfortable mules!) are a stylish way to fulfill her “something blue.” They’re not just for the wedding day—they’ll add elegance to any future occasion, whether it’s a bridal tea, a honeymoon, or a night out.
Vintage Chanel Tweed Jacket
Looking for something truly special? A vintage Chanel tweed jacket is a luxurious and timeless splurge that will make any bride feel like a fashion icon. Perfect for post-wedding events or even future occasions, this jacket is both chic and versatile.
Affordable Yet Thoughtful Gifts
Flower Subscription
For a gift that keeps on giving, consider a flower subscription. The bride will receive fresh blooms regularly, adding a touch of beauty and joy to her days leading up to the wedding or even afterward. It’s a simple, yet meaningful gesture that will brighten any room.
Boll & Branch Sheets
A practical but luxurious gift, a set of soft, high-quality sheets from Boll & Branch will elevate any bride’s bedroom. This gift is perfect for those who want to add a little luxury to their daily routine.
Scented Fragrance
Scent is a powerful thing—it can transport us to special places and evoke powerful memories. Why not gift the bride a fragrance from a location that holds significance for her, like a honeymoon destination or a favorite vacation spot? For us, a scent from Coqui Coqui in the Yucatán is a perfect way to remember our time there and look forward to our wedding in Mexico.
Wine Subscription
For wine lovers, a subscription is a thoughtful and practical gift. It’s a great way to ensure that the couple has wine delivered right to their door, whether it’s to toast their wedding day or to enjoy on a cozy evening at home. Cheers to that!
Extra Special Touches
Kodak Camera
For a touch of nostalgia, consider gifting a Kodak camera. Film photography has a timeless charm, and a disposable camera can capture those candid, special moments during the wedding. Afterward, the bride can get the film developed and display her favorite photos in a beautiful frame.
Elegant Champagne Flutes
Even a small-scale wedding or intimate reception deserves the elegance of crystal champagne flutes. They’ll be perfect for a toast and a beautiful addition to any bride’s wedding memories.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Help the couple keep the music flowing with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether they’re hosting a virtual wedding toast or just playing their first dance song at home, a speaker can set the mood for any occasion.
Ultimately, it’s not about how much you spend, but the thoughtfulness behind the gift. Whether it’s an extravagant gesture or a simple, heartfelt token, a gift that brings joy and comfort to the bride will always be appreciated. And after the tumultuous year that’s been 2020, any act of kindness will surely brighten her day.