September 21, 2013
Marcellas Reynolds :: Ultimate Wedding Gifts
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 5 MIN.
The restoration of marriage rights in California isn't the only trigger for a wave of wedded bliss sweeping the country: Couples in other marriage equality states are also getting hitched up not that the anti-gay federal law DOMA has been struck down.
You have received your first invitation and a note indicating where the happy couple is registered. What to do when you don't want to get that soup ladle or gravy boat?
Here is a cool list of ideas for the wedding guest who wants to be different - daring -- to veer off the beaten path and be wildly cool. Because, sometimes you just want to lead and not follow.
High Style on a Budget
Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Three-In-One Breakfast Station
I LOVE THIS. Everything about it yells retro chic. Brew coffee, toast a bagel, poach an egg; is there anything this space-efficient marvel can't do? And it gets better because it's only $55.
cookingandtableware.com
Kent Dual Drive Tandem
Yes, it's made for two, but this bike looks super modern and ultra-cool. It's packed with features, including a low step-over frame for easy mounting and dismounting, a 21-speed Shimano drive train and alloy wheels.
$275
STYLE NOTE: Why not a bicycle made for two? How much fun was riding a bike when we were young? If a tandem bike seems too cheesy, try matching beach cruisers!
Luxe Gifts
Table for Two
China is an incredibly personal decision and most couples choose and register their own patterns. Instead of following the norm, why not buy two full place settings for the couple in a pretty everyday pattern-just for them?
Hemisphere Platinum Stripe China By J. L. Coquet
The concentric stripes are chic and ageless.
$1,050 for a single five-piece place setting.
Tiffany Picture Frames
Sterling silver, they range from $100 - $16,000.
STYLE NOTE: To make a frame more special get the wedding photographer's contact info. Print and frame a favorite photo from the ceremony.
Voil�! A boring gift becomes extraordinary, thoughtful, unique and special.
Coffee Table Books
If the couple loves art, try Taschen's definitive guide to modern art, "Art Now." If they are into a new home decor give "Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style," by Kelly Wearstler.
Ms. Wearstler is an interior design rock star. The way she mixes styles, decades, colors, textures is dizzying. "Modern Glamour" is a feast for the eyes and a treasure trove of home decor ideas.
$45 - $160
Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort
Package for Couples
Located in Desert Hot Springs, California with its mineral springs, Two Bunch is designed to refresh, restore and rejuvenate body and soul. It's the perfect retreat for a couple to reconnect.
Prices vary.
A Few More Suggestions...
� A personal chef for a day to create a romantic dinner for two
� Doubles tennis lessons teach couples to work together as a team
� A quilted hammock with stand to swing away lazy days together
� Backgammon, Parcheesi, Deluxe Monopoly; board games for intimate game nights
� Champagne flutes to promote celebration
Weddings are a celebration of life and hope. They are optimistic, a wish and a prayer for everlasting love.
I hope these gift ideas help make a wondrous occasion even more exceptional.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
