Group wedding gifts have a reputation for being the least fun sort of present to pick out. And yes, being one-twelfth of a Honeyfund or a quarter of the new linen set is less sexy than say, being the person who swung for the slick Italian espresso machine, or was quick enough on the draw to catch that one hand-carved, wild-edged salad bowl in the sea of spatula sets and plain white dishes.
But hopefully, as we move further away from wedding gifts as a way to furnish a whole dining room with china that won't be used, wedding registries will become more tightly edited. We'll see newlyweds opt for fewer, but yes, often more expensive gifts-things that are meaningful and unique-and group gifting will become the norm.
This might solve some of the garishness associated with the wedding gift budgeting. A cursory Google will tell you how much you're "supposed" to spend, depending on your closeness to the couple, or the formality of the big day events. Pitching in with friends or family members on a lovely, expensive gift-one that would have been out of your price range should you have gone solo-means you can choose something you really want to get the married couple. No more browsing their registry by price range, and more often than not, landing on a gift idea you're not thrilled about.
Below, we've picked out a few expensive gifts any newly married couple will be thrilled to receive. Whether you're on the lookout for high-quality cookware, a thoughtful gift like personalized Etsy ceramics, or something to enable continued celebration at home, like Champagne flutes or a decanter, we've got you covered.
....And yes, there is more than one sleek Italian espresso machine in the mix.which will be the best gift the couple received hands down, even if all the bridesmaids bought it together. Of course, this gift guide functions outside of the wedding space, as well: Any time someone in your life is going through a big life event that deserves to be celebrated, you can consider chipping in with a few family members or friends to get an expensive gift they'll really love.
High-quality cookware
A Le Creuset Dutch oven or a Breville espresso machine to replace their old coffee maker will charm the newly married couple more than say, a stainless steel pan they'd purchase for themselves on a Tuesday. Same goes for copper cookware: it's expensive (and gorgeous) enough to be a family keepsake as well as a kitchen tool, but often is priced too high for one wedding guest to afford solo. If they've always coveted the best blender in the business, but haven't felt comfortable with the near $600 price tag, get a few friends together for a Vitamix gift-and make silky sauces and perfectly-blended smoothies happen for the newly married couple.
Timeless dinnerware
I'm not going to make a case for a full china set, because in 2021, who is really getting married without a set of plates to their name? But celebratory Champagne flutes, our all-time favorite (very spendy) wine glasses, a gorgeous wood cutting board, or one of Etsy's unique big-ticket ceramic pieces-those are a perfect gift for the happy couple.
Unique home decor
Bedding sets and plush bath towels get all the credit on wedding registries-but a cozy throw blanket, a set of table linens, or a piece of art all make equally thoughtful and unique wedding gifts.