Wedding

Wedding gifts guide - what you need to know

February 5, 2020

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5 min read

It’s traditional for wedding guests to give the bride and groom presents. But what is the current etiquette surrounding this aspect of the occasion? And what is the best way for the happy couple to organise this aspect of their big day? In this post we share a few thoughts and tips that will hopefully make it easier for you and your guests to navigate what can potentially be a bit of a minefield – the do’s and don’ts of giving and receiving can get a little bewildering!
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A bit of history

Wedding gifts originated from the notion of a bride price or dowry that was paid to the bride's family. It usually included land, animals, money, and other forms of historical wealth. The earliest record of such an arrangement was in 3,000 B.C.

By the time of the Renaissance, some 4,500 years later, it became traditional for the bride to be presented with an ornate marriage chest. This would be filled with all the goods which she would then take to her new home. This practice evolved into the ‘bottom drawer’ in which unmarried women would collect all the linens and things they would need to embark on married life.

As we approach the modern era it became customary for guests to give the bride anything they still lacked in the way of household essentials. Things stepped up a gear in the early part of the last century. In 1928 giant US retail store Macy’s introduced the idea of the wedding gift registry – and others were swift to follow suit.
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In those days most couples did not live together before tying the knot (heaven forbid!) and were fairly young. That meant they lacked all those things, from pillow cases to saucepans and cutlery to tea cups, to ‘set up home’. Times have changed and most couples have already got all those regular items well before he ‘makes an honest woman of her’ – so wedding registry list now lean towards luxury ‘nice to have’ stuff rather than the boring basics.
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Photo by Roberto Carlos Roman on Unsplash

Work out what you have already got

Take some time with your partner and do a “stock check”. Make a list of what both of you have already and want to keep. Then make a list of what you still need and would like. You might want to divide this second list into "everyday" and "formal" versions of dinnerware, glassware, table linens and serving items. It's also important to discuss general colour schemes or patterns before you go any further.
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Take your pick

Picking a registry makes life easy for you and your guests. There are so many to choose from that we aren’t going to list them here. Just create one as soon as you get engaged.

Having said that, one is not enough. Ten, however, is too many. Two to four registries give guests more choices, and it's a manageable number. You might want to pick a couple of smaller registries you should also feature at least one big one like Amazon or John Lewis.

Your choice should reflect your lifestyle, interests and tastes. If you love camping and walking but have little interest in cooking and formal entertaining then you should register with an outdoor pursuits store rather than somewhere that offers upmarket cookware.

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

Try to keep everyone happy

The gifts are for you, so you’ll obviously want to list things that you and your partner would like (remember to do this together!). Friends and family may make suggestions and they might have some good ones – but ultimately it’s about working out what you need and want, what is going to suit the kind of life and home you want to create together.

Having said that, register for a wide range of items. That makes it easy for people to choose gifts within their means. Some guests may have been intending on spending a relatively modest amount and you don’t want to embarrass them with a list where everything is crazy expensive. Also include some traditional items for older relatives to choose and fun stuff for your mates to give you.
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Preparing the list

Don’t rush the list-making process – you may regret your choices if you are in too much of a hurry, or you might miss items that will be really useful but slip your mind. Set aside plenty of time for searching, thinking and discussing.

One tip is to start by signing up for essential items you really want – a new mattress, for instance. Then, once these have been ticked off and the list is getting shorter, you can add more items. That way you reduce the chances of getting a nice salad bowl but missing out on the wine glasses that you can’t do without!
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Make your registry list longer than your guest list. Suppose a work colleague has left it to the last minute and the only thing left on the list costs £110 – you’ve really put them in an awkward spot! With a long registry list you’ll have stuff left over but it’s a sure fire way to guarantee you’ll get most of what you want.
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How to let the guests know about your registry

You need to be a little bit discreet - coming straight out and asking your guests to buy you gifts is way too pushy! Don’t include registry information on your wedding invitations – it’s more appropriate to let people know by word of mouth.

Your registry information can also be listed on your engagement party and bridal shower invites. That’s because the invitation doesn't come from you, but from the person hosting that event for on your behalf. You can also share your registry information on your personalized wedding website.
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Is gift-giving obligatory?

If you’re invited to the actual wedding ceremony then the answer is “yes” – no ifs, buts or exceptions. Even if they said “no gifts” you give a gift!

If you’re invited to the evening reception, or a party after the actual ceremony has occurred, then it’s not obligatory - but many people do anyway.

What if it’s a destination wedding – does the fact you’ve spent a shedload of money to be there count as a gift? No. However, you don’t have to be quite so generous.

If you are attending a second wedding, or a vows renewal, and you were at the original ceremony, you are not obliged to buy another gift.
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How much should guests spend?

This is a tricky one, with no hard and fast rules. It rather depends on how close you are to the couple, how well off you and where the bar is being set by other guests. Too little and you look tight, too much and you might appear OTT (and break the bank!). If you read the research that has been conducted the average people spend is somewhere between £40 and £60.
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Honeymoon funds

Some couples suggest that instead of buying tangible stuff, like a coffeemaker or a personalised cheese board, guest put money towards the honeymoon. This can be a great idea for couples who have been living together for a while and already have most of what they need in the way of household items.

You might want to help people by itemising stuff associated with the honeymoon. Depending on their means guests could buy you a pair of cocktails, treat you to a dinner, contribute to the flights, cover the car hire or shell out for scuba diving lessons.
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Thank You cards

The happy couple should send these out within three months of the wedding – but certainly leave it no longer than six months. It’s not only polite to do this but many guests will have had the gift sent direct from the provider so if you don’t thank them they’ll worry that you never got it in the first place!
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Anything else?

We hope you find this quick guide helpful. It could be longer as there are a few aspects we’ve not covered. Rather than try and answer every conceivable question here we suggest you give us a call if there’s something you’re still not sure about – the team here have a lot of experience they are more than happy to share.

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Why a Multi-Day Wedding Might Be the Best Decision You Make

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Why a Multi-Day Wedding Might Be the Best Decision You Make

Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re planning your wedding from afar, or inviting guests to travel to celebrate with you, you may be wondering how to make the most of everyone’s time together. For out-of-town couples especially, a multi-day wedding offers a relaxed, immersive, and truly unforgettable way to celebrate your love.

Make the Journey Worthwhile

When guests travel to attend your wedding, a single day can feel fleeting. A multi-day celebration turns your wedding into a destination experience, giving loved ones the chance to settle in, explore, and truly enjoy the occasion. Rather than arriving and leaving in a rush, guests can unwind and fully embrace the celebration alongside you.

More Quality Time With the People You Love

One of the biggest benefits of a multi-day wedding is the extra time it gives you with your guests. Instead of trying to greet everyone during a packed reception, you’ll enjoy meaningful moments spread across several days, shared meals, casual conversations, and relaxed gatherings that create deeper connections and lasting memories.

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This is especially meaningful when friends and family have travelled from far away to be there for you.

A Wedding That Feels Like a Getaway

Multi-day weddings blur the line between celebration and escape. With everything taking place in one beautiful location, your wedding becomes a mini-retreat, one where love, laughter, and togetherness take centre stage. Guests can slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and feel part of something truly special.

Why Clevedon Hall Is the Perfect Multi-Day Wedding Venue

Clevedon Hall is ideally suited to hosting multi-day weddings, offering the space, flexibility, and elegance needed to create a seamless extended celebration. With several beautifully appointed rooms and spaces to choose from, you can design each part of your wedding to suit a different mood, from relaxed and intimate to grand and celebratory.

The Hall is set within stunning grounds, perfect for outdoor gatherings, quiet moments, and unforgettable photo opportunities across your stay. With 25 luxurious bedrooms onsite, you and your closest family and friends can stay together under one roof, turning your wedding into a shared experience rather than a single event.

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Exclusive Use, Endless Possibilities

For a truly unforgettable wedding experience, we offer the exclusive opportunity to take over our stunning mansion for multiple days, allowing you to extend the celebrations and create lasting memories.

With exclusive use of the venue and estate, you can extend your wedding festivities beyond just one day, whether it’s an intimate welcome gathering, a lavish rehearsal dinner, themed welcome party or a relaxed post-wedding brunch. Every moment flows effortlessly when everything takes place in one private, beautiful setting.

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Less Stress, More Enjoyment

Planning a wedding from out of town can feel overwhelming, but a multi-day format actually brings ease. Events are spread out, timelines are more flexible, and there’s room to breathe. You’ll have time to settle in, rehearse, celebrate, and recover, allowing you to be fully present for every part of your wedding journey.

Designed Around You

No two couples are the same, and a multi-day wedding gives you the freedom to reflect that. Each event can have its own style and energy: formal, relaxed, elegant, or playful, creating a layered experience that feels personal and intentional.

Let us create a multi-day wedding experience, with the freedom to tailor every detail to your desires, ensuring your celebration feels as unique as your love story.

A Celebration You’ll Never Want to End

For out-of-town couples, a multi-day wedding isn’t just a practical choice, it’s a meaningful one. It transforms your wedding into a destination experience filled with connection, joy, and unforgettable moments.

If you’re dreaming of an unhurried, immersive, and truly extraordinary wedding, Clevedon Hall offers the perfect setting to begin your forever.

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A Joyful, Culture-Rich Celebration at Clevedon Hall

October 21, 2025

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A Joyful, Culture-Rich Celebration at Clevedon Hall

"Our wedding day at Clevedon Hall felt magical from the very beginning. We stayed in the cottage the night before with the bridal party, which set the tone perfectly, relaxed, intimate, and full of excitement. The next morning felt like the best kind of sleepover: bridesmaids everywhere, laughter over breakfast, hair and makeup in full swing, and those emotional little moments when it all suddenly feels real."

Laura and Marsel’s wedding at Clevedon Hall was the perfect blend of heartfelt tradition, relaxed joy and timeless style.

A Ceremony Full of Heart

Their ceremony was one of the standout moments of the day. The couple opted for something meaningful rather than overly formal, and their celebrant crafted an atmosphere that felt warm, inclusive and deeply romantic. Thoughtful touches made it feel entirely their own.

From there, the day flowed effortlessly, confetti on the lawn, exceptional food, heartfelt speeches, and a dance floor filled from the very first song. It was exactly the kind of celebration the couple had envisioned.

They credit much of that seamlessness to their suppliers and to the Clevedon Hall team, whom they described as “beyond accommodating” and integral to how easy the day felt.

Personal Traditions & Cultural Joy

Honouring their heritage was a meaningful part of the day. Laura is half Iranian and Marsel is Albanian, and the couple beautifully blended both cultures into the celebration.

During the ceremony, they incorporated a Sofreh Aghd, a traditional Persian wedding spread symbolising love and prosperity. They also exchanged honey, a shared custom in both cultures, to signify a sweet future together.

Later in the evening, the Persian knife dance brought pure joy and energy to the room, as guests danced playfully before handing over the cake knife. Subtle nods to Albania were woven throughout too, including custom matchboxes printed with “Gëzuar,” meaning “cheers.”

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Refined Styling with a Modern Edge

The aesthetic of the day complemented Clevedon Hall’s grandeur while feeling fresh and summery. Bridesmaids wore deep burgundy and the men chose classic tuxedos, setting a sophisticated tone.

The floral palette featured whites, greens and pops of acid green, adding a modern lift to the elegance. The library was chosen for the wedding breakfast, with long tables, candlelight and a gently moody atmosphere that created an intimate, dinner-party feeling.

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“It felt elegant, warm and personal,” says the couple, a perfect reflection of their vision.

Timeless, Elegant Fashion

Fashion was guided by classic glamour with modern practicality. Laura wore a fitted off-the-shoulder gown with removable sleeves, timeless in structure, but designed for freedom on the dance floor. A lace-detailed veil and old Hollywood inspired hair completed the look.

The bridal party’s deep burgundy dresses and the groomsmen’s tuxedos echoed the couple’s chosen aesthetic: refined, cinematic and elegantly in tune with the venue.

Why Clevedon Hall

For Laura and Marsel, Clevedon Hall offered the ideal balance of character, flexibility and intimacy. The exclusive-use nature of the venue was a significant deciding factor, allowing the celebration to feel entirely private and personal.

The ability to host guests onsite was equally important, extending the celebration into the following morning and making the experience feel like a true weekend gathering. With stunning grounds, beautiful indoor options and exceptional food, the venue felt like the perfect match.

“It was the right mix of style, comfort and fun,” they said, romantic without being formal, luxurious without feeling rigid.

Advice for Future Couples

Their advice is simple and grounded: make it yours. The most unforgettable moments are the ones that reflect who you are as a couple, the calm morning, the private glance between speeches, the laughter on the dance floor.

And perhaps most importantly: don’t obsess over perfection. “Plan the parts that truly matter to you, and let go of the rest. Trusting Clevedon Hall and their team made everything flow effortlessly.”

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Photo credit: @pippavolansphotography

October 19, 2025

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When New York Meets the English Seaside

A Ceremony Filled With Meaning

The couple chose a deeply personal ceremony: handwritten vows, read aloud to one another, officiated by James’s sister, all set beneath the gazebo facing the Hall. The romantic backdrop was everything they’d hoped for, and the team honored every detail of their outdoor request.

As guests spilled onto the lawn afterwards, a string quartet played Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, a deliberate, delightfully Bridgerton-esque touch. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried, with guests drifting freely between garden and rooms while enjoying elegant hors d’oeuvres.

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Dinner, Dancing, and an All-Night House Party

Dinner in the library was pure moody magic, long candlelit tables, hanging moss, and the elevated intimacy of a modern dinner party inside a historic estate. Maggie's father’s heartfelt speech was unforgettable.

Then came the party.

The dance floor was packed from the very first song (credit to The Dynamos), with guests breaking occasionally to step out for air on the warmest day of the year. Late-night mac and cheese and hot dogs appeared exactly when needed. The vibe remained effortlessly personal and cosy, like the world’s most polished house party.

They even forgot to cut the cake until after the photographer had left, meaning the moment now lives solely as chaotic, hilarious camcorder footage. Their “just-in-case” 1 AM return bus to Clifton, booked almost as a joke, ended up completely full. Nobody wanted to leave.

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Style Notes

Maggie embraced the venue’s romantic heritage while weaving in a fresh modern touch. White florals and greenery by Edwina Lowe Florals complemented, rather than competed with, the character of the rooms, elegant, timeless, and beyond her expectations. Their photographer Lucia captured it perfectly.

Fashion was equally intentional: James found his tux in San Francisco, adding a meaningful memory to the process. Maggie found her dress, the second she tried, at Sarah Seven in NYC. Once the gloves and veil were added, the English-garden vision clicked into place.

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A “Traditional Wedding with a Twist”

The couple’s guiding idea? A chic dinner party that slowly evolves into a euphoric night out, and ends with a luxury sleepover surrounded by friends. One guest described it as “an adult sleepaway camp,” which the couple loved. Tradition, but relaxed. Elevated, but full of joy.

Words of Wisdom

“Trust your instincts,” Maggie says. “Planning from NYC was surprisingly stress-free because we had such an incredible team at Clevedon Hall — and vendors we fully trusted. Follow your gut. It won’t steer you wrong.”

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Planning a transatlantic wedding from Brooklyn might sound daunting, but for Maggie and James, choosing Clevedon Hall felt like fate from the moment they discovered it.

The couple first visited Bristol a year prior to their engagement to see James’s extended family. Maggie fell instantly in love with the area, the history, the scenery, the warmth, and the seed of an international wedding was planted. When they got engaged, she began researching UK venues from afar over Christmas and vividly remembers stumbling across Clevedon Hall’s website and immediately knowing this was it: the grounds, the architecture, the dreamlike interiors.

With most guests staying in nearby Bristol, the 30-minute drive felt ideal, and the idea of having 50 friends and family stay overnight on-site sealed the deal. One big, elegant sleepover.

What truly set Clevedon Hall apart, however, was the team. Planning from across the Atlantic went from intimidating to effortless. Every communication was clear, kind, and meticulously organized. Trusting their instincts, Maggie and James booked Clevedon Hall without even visiting in person, a decision they now call the best they made.

Photo credit: @luciamanciniweddings

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