To You, With Love, From Me

It is customary for the bride and groom to exchange gifts the night before the wedding. The gift is meant to express how one feels about their partner. The gift should be deeply personal and should bring back the memory of the occasion each time the item is looked at or used. This is obviously not an easy task. In fact, many brides and grooms struggle with finding the perfect gift just as much as they do writing their vows. Somehow a handsome new necktie or a beautiful bracelet just doesn't seem to do the tradition justice. Something more meaningful is required.

If you are struggling with this very same dilemma we are here to help. We've gathered some of our favorite from-the-heart gift ideas that you're going to love.

At the top of our list are these outrageously cool custom canvases from Phunklab, available at Etsy.com. Phunklab takes an ordinary photograph, converts it into a stencil illustration, and then places it in front of various vintage newspaper articles.

How it works...
1. Email your photo to fleur@phunklab.com.au (any file size is ok...jpeg images are preferred) and purchase the design deposit for the style you want.
2. They will email you a few proofs to look at and you can request any changes, edits, tweaks etc.
3. Once you are happy with the design you pay the balance and they will send you your print on whatever canvas size you choose.



How cool is that?

Here is another great idea that takes a little more effort on your part, but is totally worth it. Check out MyPublisher.com where you can create custom-made hardcover books that seem like you just picked it up at Barnes & Noble.

All you have to do is download the free Bookmaker software to your computer and you can begin creating your very own best-seller. Our recommendation is to tell the story of how you and your fiance met and fell in love. Complete the book with short stories, photographs and even quotes from your friends and family. The book will truly be a keepsake you'll cherish forever and will be something you can take out a read every anniversary.


Here is an idea that won't cost you a penny and a gift you can work on together. Each of you should gather your favorite small items that remind you of each other. They can be in the form of a love letter, card, photograph, poem or anything else that expresses your relationship. Then place them in a time capsule, like the one seen below, and vow not to open it until your 5th, 10th, 15th or any anniversary down the road. To make it extra special, write a letter to one another that you don't read until you open the capsule years down the road. Then, when you finally choose to open it and read the words your partner said about you those many years ago, all the same lovely memories will come flooding back.