Celeb lessons on gifting
OVER the years weddings have become known for being big, lavish affairs with no expense spared on everything from the destination to decor to menu, and even wedding favours.
But it is in fact the rich and famous who have flipped the script on OTT (over the top) nuptials.
A number of high-profile couples have exhibited lessons on how to keep the event simple yet tasteful. And how to gift your wedding guests thoughtfully.
They are also leading the way for gifting in a way that keeps on giving – to charity.
Personalised favours
Designerweddingplanner.com highlighted a few couples who added a personal touch to fairly inexpensive wedding favours for their guests. The magazine reported that:
When Deryck Whibley and Avril Lavigne tied the knot in 2006, they gave personalised guitar picks on which were written “Avril picked Deryck” and “Deryck picked Avril”. Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum wed in 2009 and gifted their guests a basket of vintage hankies and flower heads, telling guests to use them as they “dry their tears of joy”. Dewan reportedly loved vintage and chose favours that brought the theme to life. Hello Magazine reported that celebrity couple Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, who were married in 2022, surprised their guests with racy lingerie favours placed on their table settings. The couple are known for openly flaunting their sexuality. In fact, Kourtney got married in a lingerie inspired mini-wedding dress.
TIP: You don’t have to go to the extreme and serve up unmentionables at the table. Think about what is special to you as a couple or what defines you as a couple. Build that into your wedding favours for your guests to create a lasting, personal memory of your special day.
For example, if you are into gardening, gift a miniature potted plant; or if you are passionate about the environment, gift personalised metal or bamboo straws. Alternatively, if you are both passionate about music from a particular
era, gift your guests a mix tape of your favourite love songs.
Be charitable
In an article on how a few celebrity couples gave to charity through their weddings, www.theknot.com reported that:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were married in a 2018 royal wedding, set up a charity wedding registry. According to a statement from the Royal Palace at the time, the couple were keen that as many people as possible benefit from the generosity of spirit shown towards them. They asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion consider making a donation to a charity, rather than sending a wedding gift.
George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 wedding saw fans desperate to get a glimpse of the lavish star-studded nuptials but it was kept under wraps. Instead, it was rumoured that People Magazine and Hello! collectively paid around seven figures to secure the rights to their first official wedding photos. The couple later donated the money from the deal to charity. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost swapped vows at their home in October 2020 celebrating only with close family and friends during Covid-19 precautions. They did, however, use their wedding announcement to do good and partnered with Meals on Wheels America, allowing the organisation to reveal the happy milestone on their Instagram account. “We’re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony… Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time by supporting @mealsonwheelsamerica. Please consider donating to
celebrate the happy couple by clicking the link in our bio,” said the Instagram reveal.
TIP: Figure out what you and your partner are passionate about and set up your wedding gift registry, with related charitable organisations.
For example, if you are both animal lovers, the SPCA and Four Paws are good organisations to support in South Africa. Or if your passion is nature and the environment, perhaps support
organisations such at the WWF or Green Peace. Alternatively, go hyper local and choose a charity closer to home, in your neighbourhood. Take care to ensure the respective organisations are legitimate, registered non-profit organisations. There are a number of local baby homes, children’s homes, hospices, animal shelters and environmental groups who could use support.
Bring it home
Hello Magazine reported that Julia Roberts
and Danny Moder, who were married in 2002, had a secret ceremony at their ranch in New Mexico.
“It was a big surprise for their guests who thought they were coming for a 4th of July party,” the report said.
Weddingjournalonline.com reported on celebrity couples who opted for private celebrations at their homes.
“Ariana Grande married her husband Dalton Gomez at their California home in 2021, with just 20 guests. Ellen Degeneres also tied the knot at home to wife Portia in 2008. Granted their homes are probably more like a palace, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and decorate your own house with a beautiful ceremony set up, and florals to really set the scene. All you need are some great wedding suppliers who can bring your ideas to life,” said the report.
Hello Magazine also reported that Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey tied the knot at their home in Texas in 2012, with their reception set up outdoors, while guests were able to stay over in luxury tents that lined the back garden. In these cases it’s the experience and the memory that becomes the takeaway for guests.
TIP: What kind of couple are you? If you value time with those in your close circle of friends and family, your big day need not be a big splash.
Keep things intimate, surrounded by your closest friends and family at home. You will be more relaxed and less worried about a 200 plus guest list of people you hardly know where someone will no-doubt complain about the food at the end of the night.
You can glam up your home with heavy florals or candlelight settings – depending on your theme. And this is where a good decor person comes in handy. Stayovers need not be deluxe and pricey. Consider a low-cost camp out for fun or simply a family sleepover.