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The best wedding gift ideas for your sister or best friend’s big day

When it comes to the most important woman in your life, a wad of cash or gift voucher just doesn’t cut it as a wedding day gift. Here, we outline some options the bride-to-be can treasure forever after her nuptials

She's been your BFF, confidante and cheerleader, and has stuck by your side every step of the way (even when you didn't want her, to be honest). Now, it's your turn to support her as she becomes a bride-to-be and gets ready to walk down the aisle. The excitement is always high when your sister or your best friend is getting married, but so is the pressure of finding the perfect wedding day gift. But don't fret, we are here to help. Is the bride-to-be a tech or fitness enthusiast? Does she love cooking up a storm in the kitchen, or is travelling more her thing? We know that there are tonnes of possibilities, which is why we've addressed them all with an assortment of presents that are as trendy as they are thoughtful. Scroll ahead for our curated edit of wedding gift options for your main girl.

1) Opt for a traditional gift

While cash is a customary and completely acceptable wedding gift in most cultures, it can be considered unthoughtful if you're giving it to someone you're really close to. What could be the next best bet after money, then? Jewellery, of course. Safely assuming that you'll be willing to splurge for your best girl's big day, we recommend trinkets in one of the two go-to traditional, luxe metals: gold or platinum. From statement necklaces and dainty earrings to statement rings and charm bracelets spanning yellow, white or rose gold, there's plenty to pick from depending on your budget. Luxury watches make winning choices as keepsakes too.

2) Gift her an all-expense paid trip

You know the type of bride-to-be we're talking about. She jet sets at the drop of a hat, has a pinned world map on her bedroom wall, and hoards globe-trotting themed knick-knacks. While her next big adventure is walking down the aisle, you can keep up with her fondness for travel with a gift that she'll cherish forever, like a pre- or post-wedding trip. An obvious option would be coughing up for the honeymoon, or even a one-day getaway as the wedding night present. But if you'd rather give her something tailored just to her, how about a pre-wedding jaunt? What about a fun solo trip where she can let her hair loose? Or a wellness retreat for her to completely rejuvenate and repose before the big day? We recommend the made-to-order detox programmes offered at the Dharana Wellness at Hilton Shillim.

3) Or an experience

If a trip might be too ambitious, consider gifting the bride-to-be an experience instead. You can also give her the chance to pamper herself with a spa membership, or sign her up to a class she promised she'd enrol to but never did—like a pole dancing class, a goal-oriented personal fitness package with a celebrity trainer or a pottery course. If you'd like to include the groom-to-be in your gift too, go with an all-expense paid experience on their honeymoon—a helicopter or hot air balloon ride, a couple's spa or an exclusive dinner for two.

4) Give her a gift that celebrates her passion

Start by narrowing down the bride-to-be's passions and preferences. If she's an ardent chef or loves to entertain, think kitchen aids or a handmade crockery or cutlery sets. Perhaps a coffee maker for a coffee connoisseur. Is she an art collector? A vintage find or a painting is a sure win. And if she endorses meditation as a way of life, help with her quest to serenity with a stylish set encompassing a meditation cushion, eye pillow and incense sticks.

5) Personalise it

If you want something super personal, then why not look to a customised option? The age-old yet relevant way of personalising a gift is monogramming. From jewellery and ‘his and hers' sets to cosmetics and crystal ware, there's a broad array to pick from. This custom bridal trunk from Papa Don't Preach by Shubhika's recently-launched accessories line, Run Frenzy, Run, serves as a great option. The brand also lets you customise the accessories, like shoes engraved with initials and custom jewellery options that make the perfect accruements for that bespoke wedding trunk.

6) Go with a gadget

Why should boys have all the fun gadgets? Whether the bride-to-be is an audiophile, a beauty enthusiast or cannot live without her phone (like the rest of us), let your imagination run wild with tech toys. Cool-girl options include: a luxury smart watch, a smart self-watering herb indoor garden, a humidifier, an iRobot vacuum cleaner, or a beauty buy like Dyson Airwrap styler, among many more.

Also read:

How to set up a wedding gift registry like Priyanka Chopra's

The wedding night lingerie you should buy based on your personality

Vogue's guide to buying lehengas and sherwanis for kids

How to customise a makeup and skincare kit for your wedding trousseau

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