Faded Spring’s Wedding Gift Guide

Tis the season to be merry and rejoice… or so they say, because as you know my ‘thoughts on marriage‘ or somewhat derisive, having been subject to many appalling marriages in my own three families. And when I say three families I am referring to my Foster Family, my Biological Mum’s Family and my Biological Dad’s Family. But despite being a jaded cynic, it doesn’t mean that I am against ‘marriage’ in fact the ‘right wedding’ can be a lot of fun, it’s just I don’t see myself getting married in the near future. That being said I have been to some great weddings in my time and have even been a bridesmaid at two weddings too! It was the most gorgeous dress I have ever worn in my life, a burnt orange lace mermaid’s tail dress, that glistened against my tanned skin, while I clutched a pure white bouquet of flowers among the other bridesmaids. Despite my own initials thoughts on marriage for myself, seeing those who love each other tie the knot and seal a kiss is enough to make me- the most unsentimental, unromantic person you could find- weep tears of joy. Because despite my own misgivings, when someone finds their one true love, you can’t help but awww. But when it comes to wedding gifts I admit, I am often stumped. What could you possibly give Bridesmaid’s when you might not be their friends or how do you shower the bride and groom, when you might only be someone’s plus one? Its easy to say ‘just don’t get them anything’ but A. it might be considered as quite rude and B. you don’t have to spend a fortune to make someone’s special day!

As someone who belongs to the ‘never wants to get married’ but enjoys watching other people get married camp, I compiled a handy  wedding gift guide that is sure to blow their socks off. From Bridesmaid gifts to help them unwind to a stylish wooden watch for Groomsmen, my guide is proof that it is the simpler gifts that make the most impact. And steer away from the ‘personalized gifts’, as if you don’t know someone chances are they might not appreciate their tribute to their ‘face’ quite so much. Best leave that to the awkward aunties and uncles who think its fun to torment their sons and daughters. The only exception being of course ‘cute name notebooks’ for brides to be but if you’re eyeing up a photo print cushion… don’t.

Bridesmaid Gifts That Are Neither Tacky Nor Personalized! Score!

1. ‘Make Your Own Flower Crown’ Wedding Gift Guide Set To Turn Bridesmaid Into ‘Adult Flower Child’s’

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love pretending that they are children once more, embracing their inner flower child with flower crowns of their very own? Personally if I had to style bridesmaid’s for a brides wedding day, I would co-ordinate the flower crowns with the colour of the dress to create a ‘perfect fairytale’ memory for the bride to cherish. But while there are plenty of beautiful flower crowns in the market, why not go that step further and give them their own ‘flower crown’ set as found at Uncommon Goods, which can allow them all to create flower crowns to match both their personality and their dress! Perfect for ‘garden themed weddings’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Come To Life’! And even if it is the middle of winter and everyone is freezing their tits off, at least the flower crowns wont be attacked by swarms of bees who just want to suckle on your flowers… yeah ok I get how that sounded but get your mind out of the gutter!

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2. Cruelty Free Bath Bombs That Take You Into Outer Space 

We  could all do with a spot of relaxation at some point and for those who have the prestige of being maid of honour, it’s guaranteed that a few dozen grey hairs are going to spring out of nowhere during the wedding process. So why not treat a bridesmaid to a well deserved cruelty free bath bomb set and feel better knowing that A. the bath bombs are not tested on animals and B. that the bridesmaid will have a whale of a time unleashing her inner cruelty free mermaid. After all who knows maybe her imaginary pet pug wants to get in on the action and feel secure knowing that none of his buddies had to get hurt to create a fun bath time! Bonus points if like Uncommon Goods ‘Solar System Bath Bomb Set’ or Lush’s Intergalactic Cruelty Free Bath Bomb as shown above, your chosen bath bomb gift set can transport the bridesmaid into outer space and away from the drama of wedding planning. Because lets face it, noone wants a scary wedding couple getting all up in your grill. But its ok, mama Jasmine has gifts for the stressed out couple to be too!

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3. Cruelty Free Silk Kimono’s Or Robes That Make Your Bridesmaid’s Wanna Skip Work

Its the morning after and like the cotton sheets that you are currently basking in, you want a robe that can take you through the rest of your lazy, relaxed day, away from the excitement of the wedding night of before. Now that you have done your duty, you realize that there are so many Rick and Morty episodes that you need to catch up on and schedule some time out from life to have a day on the couch watching telly. Yes there are probably more important things to do like take care of all those emails that you keep putting off but you need a day to eat sherbet ice cream (thanks Victoria you see what you made me do?!) so why not? Besides that lovely random guest that you met once, decided that she would be an absolute babe and treat you to a robe or two to kickstart your bridesmaid unwinding session. So drop the stress, watch TV and pretend that you are a guest in a luxury hotel- and if you are… well congratulations you made it- because this Bridesmaid is officially done

*Please be aware that many ‘silk kimonos’ are made using silkworms and are therefore not cruelty free, so choose ones like mine that are made with ‘materials like Polyester.

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4. A Herbal Tea Set To Give The Bridesmaid Energy

Like the ‘Herbal Tea’ set suggests, finding ‘energy’ can often seem like an impossible task. After all if she hasn’t already been attacked by flower loving bees, pulled grey hairs out or tried to escape into outer space, then chances are even the most dedicated bridesmaid is guaranteed to need some relaxation. And what better way than through some herbal tea that is as soothing as it is delicious. Besides now that the Bridesmaid is off duty and eating sherbet ice cream while she watches Rick & Morty, it’s guaranteed that she wants some tea to settle her stomach. Because I don’t know about you but when I eat too much junk food it gives me the s**ts and yes that was probably too much information but we are all friends here. After all sharing is caring right? If she doesn’t like tea, well too bad you’re buying her some anyway.

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Groomsmen Gifts That Are Classy And Refined… Well Almost!

1. A Sophisticated Wooden Watch In Autumnal Hues Like Aubergine

Wooden watches are not only cruelty free- winner winner vegetarian dinner- but are functional, practical and durable, due to its wooden finish. But what better way to kick off a ‘fall themed wedding’ than with a gift of an autumn hued watch? While aubergine is a wonderful autumnal hue, colours like plain maple as seen on Uncommon Good’s Wooden watch version, orange or navy are sophisticated, wearable with every outfit and a welcome addition to a groomsmen’s wedding day. Besides he might even be a secret environmentalist and feel doubly touched that you didn’t  harm any baby cows to create his watch. And yes I know I keep banging on about ‘cruelty free’ gifts but that’s kind of my job as a cruelty free blogger haha !

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2. A Retro Vintage T-Shirt That His Wife Can Steal Off Him

We all love vintage tee’s and despite our very loud and public proclamations that 80’s and 90’s fashion is s**t, we all know that we are lying out of our arses. Secretly we love dressing up as retro hipsters and what better way to make that gentleman’s dream come true than through retro vintage shirts and tees that are definitely less garish than he remembered? Plus not all printed tee’s are bad, just make sure that if you are buying clothing as wedding gifts, make sure you are close enough to them to make that kind of ‘personal purchase’ because they might be offended if you just presume their size! Bonus points if its ‘wife stealable approved’ as there is nothing more adorable than couples wearing each others clothes!
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3. Hot Sauce That Will Make His Stag Night One To Remember

I’m not sure why but stags like to convince each other to do stupid dares like smelling each others farts or comparing penises. So if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them. Which is why you should challenge them to a ‘hot sauce challenge’ that is guranteed to leave the stag party begging for mercy. Now that would make one heck of a stag night to remember… if you’re not feeling merciless and want to give them a cheeky hot sauce inspired gift, then a phone case or hot sauce iron on patch- so retro- should bring enough spice into their lives without feeling like they have chili’s stuffed up their butt!

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Bridal Shower Gifts That Will Blow Their Mind

1. Sex Toys To Spice Up Their Love Life

Yes I said it, the elephant in the room but whats the big deal we all have sex so why not be open about it? Sex toys can be a whole lot of fun and as I said in ‘Its Okay To Talk About Sex‘ we should be far more open and honest, creating a healthy discourse around sex. After all I don’t particularly enjoy packed on PDA on the tube, where the couple is practically dribbling with saliva in front of me but then again there shouldn’t be rules against it.  From rabbit vibrators to ‘aubergine shaped dildos’ give the couple a wedding night to remember with sex toys that are guaranteed to make them blush. Again this goes without saying this is exclusive to best friends of the couple, not embarrassing aunties and uncles and equally a big no no for strangers who hijacked their bridal shower either. I must admit I would see the funny side, but some people might not be too impressed by a rando who they have just met gifting them with sex toys!
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2. Scented Candles With An ‘Extra’ Treat

I love me some scented candles and what a better way to welcome the Bride and Groom into married life than through scented candles that are romantic as they are sensuous. While the candle above from Imperial Candle’s melts to uncover a breathtaking ‘jewellery treat’ -whether that be a ring, necklace or bracelet- for those who are just after some scented beauties don’t worry, mama’s got you covered. From scents like mandarin to fall approved ‘pumpkin’ that is guaranteed to make the happy couple snuggle up and drink pumpkin lattes together, I can practically smell the candles now! Not to mention that candles can equally double up as a cute housewarming gift, question is if they go their separate ways, who will take custody of the candles? And that my friends is why I’m still single LOL!

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3. Cruelty Free Skincare To Lather Them Up ‘Proper’

Ever since I made the transition into cruelty free skincare and make up a few months ago, I have been making it my mission to introduce more cruelty free skincare and make up into my friends and families lives, who too are animal lovers. Let’s get this straight I have no issue with those who buy from companies like Loreal that do test on animals but as it is my own personal preference, what could be a greater way of rewarding the happy couple than through cruelty free skin care? Feel Good + Cruelty Free = very relieved and happy bunnies , so for all those animal conscious couples out there gift them some skincare that will lather them up proper. And no I’m not referring to sordid steamy bath scenes, although by all means please do play out that fantasy, I am sure that there will be some very happy couples out there!

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4. A Gift Card Experience But Only If You’re Feeling Generous

While there are plenty of ‘cheap gift cards’ you can get for their favourite stores, you could also treat them to a wonderful experience day. Whether you leave it up to them and they decide to go rock climbing or you treat them to time at their favourite spa, an experience day gift card is a wonderful way of giving them opportunities to go exploring after their wedding day. Besides could you think of a more perfect way to spend their days pre-honeymoon, or if they don’t have a honey moon booked it could be their ‘low key’ way of celebrating married life. Either way even a cynic like me can admit that it is cute seeing couples loved up, whether that is on holiday or at home !

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And lets not forget the Bride Herself

Gifts For The Bride

1.Minimalist Rose Gold ‘Infinity Necklace’

There is nothing more timeless than a rose gold necklace and what better symbol of love than an ‘infinity symbol’ to represent their ‘eternal love’ for each other? And if you think that is overkill then a simple ‘heart’ necklace will just as sweetly capture their love and eternal bond. While ‘rose gold’ has a reputation for being a costly metal to purchase, not all rose gold necklaces hold a hefty price tag as these necklaces below show. Besides it does not matter how much something costs, like my dearly beloved aunty always says ‘its the thought that counts’ and its so true!

Shop Heart And Infinity Necklaces Below

2.Spa Day Facial To Get Her/Him/Them De-Stressed

What could be more ideal than a pre-wedding facial to prep her skin and clear it of toxins before her/his/their big day? Besides I am known to pop out a pimple or two when I am stressed so I can only imagine how terrifying it must be for the bride to be. Whether that be a skin radiance facial or a facial that includes a massage, what a grand way to make the bride to be relax before her/his/their grand debut? Besides who doesn’t love the fresh feeling of a ‘facial-ified face’ that will ensure that the bride to be’s face will be as smooth as a baby’s butt?

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*Please note all of the Spa’s mentioned use Elemis Products which are Cruelty Free

3.Personalized Journal To Document All Her/His/Their (Hopefully) Happy Wedding Memories

Imagine how happy the bride to be will be at the prospect of having their own personalized journal? Whether that be elaborate, eco friendly or minimalist, you are guaranteed to find a journal that will have them feeling nostalgic for their school diaries. My personal favourite? Well as a self-described colourful unicorn and part mermaid, it is clear that the ‘rainbow’ inspired notebook below would be the perfect fit to my notable collection of notebooks. And anyway, I know I said no personalized gifts but provided its not tacky, personalized journals- whether that be their initials or first name- can be the perfect wedding gift for the (hopefully) ecstatic bride!

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4. Embellished 3D Clutches

If you are after something a little fancier without the big budget tag then embellished clutches make the perfect assortment to any bride to be’s wardrobe. From 3D fruit inspired clutches to embellished applique pouches, the attention is in the detail. Go colourful or keep details minimal, but remember when it comes to embellishment like the art deco phase that it is inspired by, there is no such thing as ‘too much’ when choosing the perfect clutch! If you are after something fancy, then this gorgeous bronze embellished clutch will take any bride’s outfit from zero to hero in a matter of seconds. Check out https://www.shaherazad.com/  for more gorgeous cruelty free clutches in shades of silver gold and bronze. Or if shoes are more your thing, then her shoes which are customizable will wow any bride on her wedding day.

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Disclaimer

Please note this is a sponsored collaborative post with Uncommon Goods but this does not affect my thoughts and all opinions are my own.