To have and to hold

The wedding season is busy again, after two years of Covid-postponed celebrations. However, times have changed.

Although classic gifts such as kettles, toasters, dinnerware, and glassware are still among the bestselling presents for newlyweds, these are now from top-end brands rather than basic ranges. This is because today’s couples tend to already have many of the traditional options.

So what gifts are trending in our post-pandemic world? Working at home means the betrothed want to invest in their space inside and out, from studies to gardens.

Hosting dinner parties at home has increased, so demand for fashionable home entertaining items has risen. Tableware and vases tend to be more casual or contemporary than previously, as couples choose to dine in a more informal way. Cool barware is a must, from shakers and ice buckets to a full bar cart.

Gifts for al fresco entertaining have developed too, such as fire pits, festoon garden lights, lanterns, solar lighting, and outdoor entertaining accessories.

Other newer additions are planters - and the accompanying plants - while the wellness theme has stimulated sales of candles and diffusers from premium brands, with beautiful votives and gift packaging. Beauty self-care brands also feature strongly, as do fitness accessories.

There has been an increase in socially responsible gift giving as well. Sustainable and locally-sourced products are often requested, along with charitable donations and the opportunity to make tree dedications.

In addition, couples are requesting quirky, more individual gifts that are ‘desired’ rather than ‘required’, vouchers for ‘experiences’ such as spa treatments or gourmet dinners. But overall, most couples request a blend of both cash and gifts. from popcorn makers to pizza ovens, record players to pet accessories, and yoga mats to monogrammed gifts. In fact, the traditional ‘wedding list’ no longer exists in many retailers in the UK, but is now a ‘wish list’ across several ranges.

An accepted option in the current economic climate is to ask guests for cash to fund honeymoon travel, or

Key gifting categories such as photo frames, to display and preserve memories of the big day, continue to sell well. These tend to be premium, often personalised in some way, and contemporary rather than classic. Printed art and frames are also favoured, as lovebirds layer on to their existing home decor.

Engagements also stimulate strong gifting and card sales. Food and drink for the happy pair are top choices, with champagne flutes and rose champagne the best sellers. Premium candles and diffusers are favourite options too, while wedding planners and albums sell well.

Anna Berry is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow.

With more than 33 years of retail experience - both on the shop floor and in the head office - Anna was Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine at John Lewis with a team of more than 60 and sales of close to £400 million. She has also covered many buying categories in menswear, sport, fashion and beauty.

A driven leader, Anna is strategically agile and known for her passion for people and product, with trust and mentoring at the heart of her leadership style.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk

Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk; www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting/

There is also a burgeoning gifting market for hen parties held for brides-to-be, with varied accessories available from tiaras and sashes to balloons and bunting. Plus, as many nuptials now take place in hotels and even upmarket barns, there is a big market for favours, with mini chocolates and candles increasingly popular. Table decorations, wedding balloons, faux flowers and the accompanying social stationery to adorn the beautiful table displays are growing rapidly too.

If you can support the individual style needed by the couple, there is trade to be had in thoughtful gifting which reflects their lifestyle.