Expressing your love one last moment before saying “I do” is priceless, if you ask us

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Whether it’s something fun, flirty or fancy — exchanging gifts with your future spouse is one final opportunity to bond before saying “I do” — even if you’re not opening your gifts together.

The pre-ceremony gift exchange is typically documented by your photographer and videographer. Although it’s a popular custom, it’s completely optional. If you do partake in the tradition, keep in mind that finding the right gift shouldn’t be stressful.

If you’re stumped on what to get, we’ve put together a list of ideas to point you in the right direction.

Something sentimental.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money if you don’t want to. In fact, gifting something sentimental will likely have more meaning than any material gift. Frame a picture of your first date or write one last love letter as a fiance(e). My husband had our first our first text messages printed on a mug, and it made me cry like a baby!

Want something to show you’ve put some real thought into it? Consider a map of where you met or got engaged, or a couple’s bucket list book.

If you really want to invest time into creating your gift — make a video montage, record a romantic video message or create a collage of your favorite pictures together.

Luxury & designer.

Some want to splurge, and buy their significant other a luxury gift built to last. Watches, jewelry or designer shoes are gifts that will definitely leave your future spouse speechless. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous piece of ice to wear? We’ve even heard of couples gifting each other large amounts of money or cars.

Honeymoon essentials.

After the wedding is the honeymoon. Why not buy your soon-to-be-wife or husband something they can use for your first trip as a married couple? Personalized duffel bags are a huge hit. So are Mr. & Mrs. passport books, luggage tags, personalized toiletry totes, sunglasses and cozy pajamas.

Personalized presents.

Speaking of personalized presents, look for gifts that you can have monogrammed, engraved or printed. Tie bars with sweet messages, and cufflinks with your future husband’s initials are popular wedding day gifts. You can also look into customizing socks or shoes with your names and wedding date. For brides, gift her a robe or wedding jacket with her new last name. If she’s a coffee lover, consider buying her a personalized mug.

These custom stickers that go on the soles of shoes are fun for brides and grooms.

Gifts you can use.

Maybe your spouse has always wanted that Sonos speaker or iPad? Maybe they’ve talked about wanting to take a trip to New York City or trying out a restaurant? Buy them a gift you know is on their wish list, and that will remind them of your wedding day while they use it.

Remember the gift exchange doesn’t need to be extravagant if you don’t want it to be. It shouldn’t be another added layer of stress to your wedding day. The gesture of expressing your love to your future spouse moments before tying the knot (especially when nerves are probably high) is priceless, if you ask us.

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.