Trying on wedding dresses for our civil ceremony at home… It was the end to a beautiful night this time last year — I was in Merida, Mexico with my fiance and wedding photographer and we had just wrapped up our engagement shoot. Excitement filled my heart as I thought, “by the time November 2020 rolls around, I’ll be making the final preparations for our wedding here!” Now, fast-forward to the strict safety measures incurred by the pandemic (yup, file me under “Covid Brides” – read more here), our wedding would be postponed to next year, but we weren’t going to let that stop us from getting married this year and on our original date. (Well, not quite the exact same day — but close enough!) We always intended on having a small civil wedding in the states, mainly for my fiance’s grandmother who helped raise him. The idea of getting married in the same church as my parents is so special to me and doing so legally before we jet off to exchange vows in front of all our friends and family in Mexico just made sense. Although our ceremony this year won’t be anything like the “real thing in Mexico,” we’re determined to make it extra special by putting in a bit more effort than originally planned because #2020’s been rough and we could all indulge in a little cake and champagne, right? I won’t lie; I’ve struggled with our registry. We don’t want much and feel so grateful with what we already have…a new home, job security, health and our families. I’d rather have guests attend our wedding in Mexico and not add any more financial burdens because flying abroad, getting a hotel and requesting time off can be costly (trust me, we know this! It’s why we’re trying to make our wedding a true experience!). That said, a few people have asked, “What do I buy for my friend who’s a Covid-bride like you?” Puzzled at first (because I haven’t thought much about myself throughout this process this year), I put myself in other bride’s shoes and began to hunt down things that would bring a smile to this otherwise hectic year. Or, make it more meaningful… – – Feeling really generous? Let’s start with the most splurge-worthy gifts for the bride who has it all: Additional Wedding Photography Session Since their original wedding date has been postponed, it’s important to still get creative in finding solutions that honor their initial plan during these times — like working with their wedding photographer on an extra photography session. Gifting the couple with this, even if it’s not what was originally envisioned this year, allows them to document and look back at how resilient they were at making the best of this time together. We’re eternally grateful for our photographer, KT Merry… Cameron Customized Album Which brings me to this stunning and thoughtful Cameron Customized Album (in linen or leather bound!). A wonderful way of compiling all their special moments into one personalized place and serves as a reminder that they will have their day, and it’ll be something they can look back on forever. Dom Perignon Aside from Dom Perignon’s gorgeous bottle — vintage Champagne is a great gift for a special occasion like a wedding (or anniversary!). *Personal note: A few years ago, I was gifted six bottles of vintage 2006 Dom Perignon Champagne and have been saving it for something special ever since. Which is why this year we’ll finally be making a champagne toast with it at our civil ceremony! Catering Over the holidays, consider hiring a personal chef to cater a romantic dinner for two (and their 4 closest friends or family members). We’ve heard excellent reviews about the bespoke food and dining experience from Suzanne Michael’s Catering in Coral Gables… Or, perhaps do catering from the couple’s favorite restaurant (which will help small businesses — a win-win!). And to make it that much more special, you can also rent unique tabletop pieces for the romantic dinner at home, especially if she’s a bride who loves taking photos and capturing memories, I highly recommend Only on the Avenue. SteamLine Luggage Because I have faith that eventually the dust will settle and we can all travel again (soon), gifting honeymoon luggage can kickstart their planning for that much-needed travel — even if it’s in the future. Bridal Lingerie Bridal lingerie can often be the last thing on the bride’s to-do list, but it certainly must not be skipped. She’ll love these classic styles from the Girl and a Serious Dream. Jewelry Box Another thoughtful gift is a velvet jewelry box, which can someday turn into a family heirloom. It’s the perfect place to store her wedding (most-treasured) jewelry and keep it safe. Board Games If you know your couple loves board games, opt for a beautifully-designed backgammon board or this luxury Mahjong set they can unwind with at home or invite a few friends over for an after-dinner game. Timeless Heels Something blue or something Manolo? The iconic Hangisi pump has been reimagined as a comfortable mule — any bride will love! Vintage Chanel Tweed Jacket A definite, but worthy splurge: this vintage Chanel tweed jacket is perfectly suited for a future Bridal tea party, wedding rehearsal or honeymoon (and any occasion for the years to come!). Here are 10 more gifts for the bride in your life, both mid-priced and budget-friendly! Flower Subscription For those that love beautiful blooms, a bouquet of fresh flowers or a monthly recurring subscription to receiving flowers until the wedding day can be such a meaningful gesture. Boll & Branch Sheets If you’re looking for a practical and luxurious gift, a set of really nice sheets from Boll & Branch or a soft bathrobe fits the bill. Fragrance Fragrance is subtly overlooked, but has an enormous effect. Gift them with scents from their past travels or upcoming honeymoon destination that easily transport them there and spurs up sweet memories or excitement for the future. For us, that’s this diffuser from Coqui Coqui in the Yucatan and from Capri, which takes us back. Wine Subscription Whether it’s a bottle or an entire case, why not ship the couple wine tailored to their tastes and directly to their front door? Case in point: a seamless wine subscription because “yay to more Rose!” Kodak Camera There’s something timeless and magical about film photography — even if it’s through a disposable Kodak camera. Just ask to develop the film, choose a favorite moment(s) and have it sent to Framebridge to be professionally framed. Elegant Champagne Flutes Either a small-scale ceremony, intimate reception or a virtual toast, including a pair of crystal champagne flutes and some bubbly will certainly brighten up the mood! Portable Speaker Add this portable bluetooth speaker for the couple to play the song to their first dance at home. Classic White Bikini For a bachelorette weekend by the beach or a honeymoon in the tropics, this chic white bikini is quintessential for those future travels! Face Mask It’s a sign of the times and since masks are a must, gift the bride with a beautiful face mask — featuring a variety of colors and floral patterns. And lastly… Sometimes couples who’ve experienced hardships this year, whether it be COVID-related or job instability, may need support at home so a thoughtful card with a cash gift, is always welcome. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend on the bride in your life, but how you make them feel during such a stressful time. Trust me, gestures large and small will bring a cheerful smile… Xo, Stephanie