One-off designer finds or auction treasures, wedding gift list options are getting way more creative – a trend that ensures unique and individual presents you will love
Wedding gift lists are definitely branching out and one of our favourite trends is for unique and artisan creations that give you an opportunity to own a memorable designer-made piece. The bonus for your guests is that they are gifting something that they know ticks boxes for style, individuality and matching your taste. All the gift list companies offer choice names so it is really worth looking beyond the home essentials to silver and glassware as well as more quirky designer one-offs in ceramics, textiles and also furniture.
We’re very taken by some of artisans working with The Wedding Present Company. For instance, it works with Cheskie to offer superb talking-point silver and copper holloware made in central Mexico by skilled artisans. We love the toucan creamer jugs in double-plated silver or copper (from £270).
Also check out their wonderful Issy Granger London-made glass candlesticks – affordable and with a delightful antique meets modern flavour (from £22). They also stock her lovely carafes and jugs. Of course, if you can’t find the designer on their books you want on your list, just ask if they can add the name to your gift list. It’s all part of the service at the gift list companies and they welcome this creative shopping input from their customers.
Auction revival
Another idea we love for the modern wedding gift list is the truly ‘one-off’ find. We’re predicting a new wave of couples looking more closely at auctions as a way to add style to their home. One reason is antique furniture is at an historically depressed price point – you can pick up a Georgian bureau or chest of drawers for a fraction of what you would have paid a decade or so ago, and often the quality is superb. The trend here is for one or two choice pieces that sit comfortably alongside more modern finds. Also check out the 20th Century sales – you’ll find pieces from names such as Heal’s and Liberty in the mix, alongside quality mid-century style by the likes of Ercol (now fetching quite high prices at specialist sales).
“You can spot classic pieces by Liberty and Heal’s in 20th-century auctions, alongside quality mid-century names such as Ercol”
The Saleroom is the place to check for sales up and down the country and these days you can bid remotely at a live auction or join a timed auction. You may wish to use The Saleroom as your starting point and then sign on with your local auction house as many offer their own in-house bidding platforms. As ever, check the condition report, set your limit and factor in the auctioneer’s commission and VAT – think around 30 per cent on top of the hammer price, but check the individual sale. If you buy contemporary or 20th-century art, you may also have to pay an additional fee under Artists’ Resale Rights. Why not add an auction fund to your wedding gift list – we guarantee you’ll have fun finding and then bidding on treasure.
Wedding gift list contacts
For more information about the designer names on the Wedding Present Company’s books, visit weddingpresentco.com. To tap into forthcoming auction dates up and down the country, visit the-saleroom.com
MORE WEDDING GIFT LIST INSPIRATION?
