Gift for the friend who officiated my wedding

October 17, 2012 6:49 AM

MeFites, can you help me think of an appropriate gift for the friend who officiated my wedding?

We were planning on paying for E. and his wife's hotel room for the 2 nights, but they ended up not staying either night. I would like to give him a thoughtful thank-you gift that shows how much I appreciate him being there for me and for doing such a great job. They are expecting their first child in December and I was considering giving something for the baby, but on the other hand I will probably be sending them a baby gift after the baby is born, anyway, so maybe not.

What can I give E. that would express my gratitude and appreciation?

posted by coupdefoudre to Human Relations (10 answers total)

Do you live nearby? If so, I'd send coupons for free babysitting, to be redeemed whenever they're ready for a night out alone together. Your friend gave you a wonderful start to your marriage; now you can give him and his wife some quality time in their marriage.
posted by decathecting at 7:09 AM on October 17, 2012

Is E a regular minister, or just a friend who did it as a favor?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:09 AM on October 17, 2012

Response by poster: Just a friend who did it as a favor, and unfortunately, he lives several states away so babysitting isn't really an option.
posted by coupdefoudre at 7:18 AM on October 17, 2012

Having ministered a few weddings, I've never expected a gift before. I don't think I ever got any in fact.

Because it's you're wedding the focus is on you.

I'd say a nice letter or card would be best. Something emotionally tied to the event of the wedding.

I was expecting a baby while officiating a wedding and I don't think I would have made the connection to a baby gift. Baby gifts are super forgettable.
posted by French Fry at 7:19 AM on October 17, 2012

Just send them something for the baby now with a note that's all about your gratitude. Give another baby gift when the baby's born with a note that's all about congrats on the new baby.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:20 AM on October 17, 2012

We gave our officiant a nice card with a note, and a gift certificate for dinner at a nice restaurant.
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:54 AM on October 17, 2012

I bet that your friend is in a ton of pictures from the ceremony (either professional or taken by friends). If you can find a really good one (or a really good one of him and his wife from the reception) then framing it and sending it along with a nice note would be a really thoughtful gesture.
posted by charmcityblues at 9:03 AM on October 17, 2012

The best gift I ever received for officiating a wedding was a Leatherman tool. Honorable mention goes to a sharpening stone in a nice wooden box, a piece of hand-made jewelry, a silk scarf, and a framed photo of me with the couple.
posted by ottereroticist at 10:12 AM on October 17, 2012

I've officiated weddings in the past where the couples have (unprompted) gifted me with a nice bottle of whisky or a pair of cufflinks, which I have appreciated; but what has always unfailingly given me a smile have been personalized wedding pictures and a thank you note that I can keep in an album.
posted by bl1nk at 10:54 AM on October 17, 2012

When I officiated at a wedding, the couple gave me a lovely framed picture of me and my partner, taken at the reception by the official photographer. I can't think of a nicer gesture.
posted by phliar at 3:56 PM on October 17, 2012