The thoughtful gifts to send couples who've had to cancel their wedding
Wedding season is here, but it's looking a lot different than previous years. Ok, so it's practically non-existent.
Many couples have had to had to face huge decisions like postponing their big day to 2021, or had the decision made for them as venues have remained closed during lockdown.
While these big celebrations and normal life have been put on hold, sending a couple who has missed out on their big day a thoughtful gift to mark the occasion, is a sweet gesture during a trying time.
And one that will surely let them know you're thinking of them on what would have been their special day.
Whether they’re dedicated foodies, had recently moved into a new house or just are in need of a little pick me up, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the original date still special, and will keep them excited for the wedding that is still yet to come.
Not quite as big as wedding gifts that could have been on the couple's gift list, these ideas are small tokens of appreciation that could make the world of difference to your nearest and dearest.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Sweet treats
A delicious box of handmade brownies delivered to your doorstep from Gower cottage brownies (Gower Cottage Brownies, £17.99) will certainly make someone's day.
An original box of 12, baked fresh to order by founder Kate in Wales, are made with Belgian chocolate and no nuts, while there are gluten-free options available too and the option to add a personalised message. You’ll be lucky if these last the day.
Elsewhere this Spring flowers DIY tin (Biscuiteers, £35) contains everything your need to recreate the iced biscuit designs the brand is renowned for. And it makes a fun little activity for couples too.
The DIY tin contains 12 ready to ice biscuits, icing sugar, decorations, piping bags and a step by step guide, all presented in a pretty keepsake tin. While it obviously won’t make up for a postponed wedding date, it will certainly make an afternoon much better, especially when it comes to the eating part.
Green gifts
For plant-lovers, new homeowners or to simply brighten up a windowsill, we think this Val sweetheart plant (Patch Plants, £6) is so cute.
Easy to care for and pretty to look at, owners will only need to water it once a month, keep it near sunlight and if you see it getting dusty, just gently wipe it off with a soft, dry brush.
Dried flowers are a gift that keep on giving too, as they last for years. If you’re a bridesmaid for a wedding that’s been cancelled, a bouquet of dried blooms in the same colours as the wedding bouquet or bridesmaid dresses adds a personal touch, too.
This Bae garden Norfolk bouquet (Etsy, £35.99) impressed us in our IndyBest review of dried flowesr which is made from natural flowers that are mostly grown by East Sussex florist Bae Garden.
This bouquet features dried purple English roses, lavender, South African protea, jute and wild grasses. It will appeal to flower lovers who are looking for deeper tones and looks striking when lying nonchalantly on a bookshelf or mantlepiece.
Pamper products
We could all do with some downtime and this Happy gift set (Lush, £40) is a nice way to remind a couple that happier days are coming.
It includes outback mate soap, ocean salt face and body scrub, the olive branch shower gel, karma bomb shower gel, rub rub rub shower scrub and a happy hippy shower gel, in solid and liquid forms.
It’s also ideal if the recipient loves Lush but doesn't have a bath, as all six products are designed for use in the shower and arrive in a reusable box.
A scented candle is also a bit of luxury a couple might not buy for themselves, especially in the run-up to a wedding.
This Neom happiness scented candle (Neom, £46) is a heady blend of white neroli, mimosa and lemons designed to make you feel more positive.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up.
Homeware presents
Prints, painting and personalised homewares are a thoughtful way to make a gift one of a kind.
This Custom family portrait (Etsy, £11.50) caught our eye as a unique way to have a self-portrait stitched. You can even have beloved pets stitched on it as well.
A print or piece of artwork such as this Metallic map print (Yve print co. £30) can be a nod to where a couple met, moved in, got engaged or are planning to get married.
You can have it personalised with different colours, foil print, locations, coastlines and a message underneath for a personal touch.
Wined and dined
If there’s a situation that calls for a drink, it’s a postponed wedding, so splash out on a couple with a bottle of Moët & Chandon ice impérial champagne NV (Harvey Nichols, £55). It’s a worthwhile extravagance.
Or for more refined fun, gift a couple an Online cheese and wine tasting evening (Loki Wine, from £55).
Hosted by wine experts at Birmingham-based wine tasting house, Loki Wines, you’ll get three 750ml bottles, one white wine and two red wines for the tasting which will focus on different countries such as France and Germany each time.
It’ll make date night a little more exciting than a few glasses in the garden.
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