Your baby is getting married! As your daughter’s special day is quickly approaching and you are inundated with confusion and planning, you may find it overwhelming to also set aside time in order to come up with the perfect gift that expresses your love and appreciation in just the right way.
Stop what you’re doing and scroll down if you find yourself stumped when trying to decide on a gift that will say everything you want to say, but also will be meaningful forever. Only you can determine the sentimental value in the gift you give, but here are some ideas to help you brainstorm.
A Special Piece of Jewelry
While a bride will be so grateful to receive any piece of jewelry, one that comes with deep emotional value is extra-special for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Perhaps you have a family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation, or an engagement ring or necklace that once belonged to a family member. Whether it’s new or old, a beautiful piece of jewelry can become a treasured heirloom for your daughter and her family.
A Charm Bracelet
Another meaningful piece of jewelry is a bracelet that comes with charms and that can be added to for years to come. This is a great idea to symbolize her future, and you can add to the bracelet as she hits certain life milestones.
A Personalized Poem
If you have a way with words, express your true feelings and emotions through a poem written just for your daughter. You may include words of wisdom, thoughts, and feelings. Nothing gets the point across just as clearly and literally as your own words.
If you don’t have this written talent, turn to a previously written poem that you know would hold meaning for your daughter or is very representative of your shared relationship.
Marriage Advice Scrapbook
For this project, collect pieces of literature that have inspired you in the past or write out certain words of advice that you value in upholding your own marriage. You can include quotes, pictures, or really anything meaningful to you. You’ve learned a great deal from your own experiences, so you could even make a list of realizations and understandings that you’ve collected throughout your years.
Wedding Journal
When you first begin wedding preparations, start a journal detailing the good (and the bad!) that comes along with planning. Collect meaningful things from your adventures like dried flower petals from when she decides on floral arrangements or her bouquet, or material from her wedding dress when alterations are made. Create a booklet where you can combine your journal entries as well as the physical mementos collected from your time planning together. Give this to her the night before the wedding or after she comes back from her honeymoon.
Photo Album or Family Tree Booklet
You may choose to pick photos from your daughter’s life, beginning from childhood and collect them in a special photo album just for her. In here you can attach written notes or sentiments and share memories that you hold close to you.
You could also create a family tree booklet in which you include pictures of family members or written notes from them. Create a first page with a simple pedigree chart of your daughter’s family, and in the coming pages include pictures, stories and other nostalgic items that give her an idea of where she comes from. Leave space for your daughter and her fiancé in the book, along with their future family! For an extra touch, bind the album or booklet in a silver engraved cover.
For more help see the rest of our mother of the bride focused wedding blog. For help finding your style for the big day you can chat, email, or call one of our expert Teri Jon stylists.