'April showers bring May Flowers.' 'Spring cleaning.' 'March roars in like a lion.' 'When you marry in June, you're a bride all your life.' We've all heard these expressions before. Basically what they all exalt is spring. Spring is a time of rebirth, a time to start anew. And it's historically a time for weddings. You got the invitation. You know where the happy couple is registered. But what happens when you don't want to get the soup ladle and gravy boat?
Sometimes you want to be a trailblazer and not a follower. Well here is a cool list of ideas for the wedding guest with balls. Um mm... Maybe not balls ... Guts. The wedding guest who wants to be different. Daring. Who wants to veer off the beaten track and do something different and wildly cool. Because believe me when the happy couple is eating off that same old place setting year after year they have long forgotten who gave it to them. These gifts guarantee you will be remembered well after the happy day.
The luxe list:
You never forget how to ride a bike. Why not a bicycle made for two? Think about it. How much fun was was riding a bike when you were young? The wind in your hair? Working up a sweat. And don't negate the healthy aspects of any physical activity. The couple that plays together stays together. My suggestion: the Chanel bike with quilted custom side satchel. It's hand-finished and accented with the legendary fashion house's signature quilted leather and double-C logo. It is ergonomically designed and has eight speeds. It's also $13,595. Alright, that's the style-diva-gay-boy in me. It is gorgeous though but can you ride it in the rain?
If 14 grand is a bit too steep, then try the Kent Dualdrive Tandem. Yes, it's made for two but this bike looks super modern and ultra-cool. It's packed with features, including a low step-over frame for easy mounting and dismounting, a 21-speed Shimano drive train and alloy wheels. You can pick it up from Wal-Mart ( yep, Wal-Mart ) for $248. If you think the bicycle made for two is too kitschy/hokey then try matching cruisers. Schwinn makes several at a wide range of prices.
Matching bathrobes are a fun, useful and sorta sexy gift. You can go ridiculously high-end. How about Loro Piana's cashmere robe? They come in a rainbow of colors and my pick would be bright shocking pink. Loro Piana is renowned for its softness, warmth and, above all, color cashmere characterized by a special 'frisson' finishing which gives the surface a wavy appearance that enhances the brightness of the colors. And, yes, you will be paying for what you get. A Loro Piana bathrobe can run you $2,350.
If cashmere is not your speed, why not try a Land's End 11-ounce Turkish terry full-length robe in white? I love the men's version of this classic robe because it's super-long ( ankle-skimming ) and cozy warm. It's practical, beautiful and cheap at $60. Hell at that price you can spring for the monogramming!
In lieu of Tiffany picture frames, why not coffee table books? Now I love a Tiffany picture frame. In sterling they range in price from $40 all the way to $1,000. To make a picture frame more special get the contact info for the weddings' photographer. Have him blow up a favorite photo from the ceremony and put it in the frame. Voile! That makes the boring gift of a picture frame, thoughtful, unique and special.
If you know what hobbies the happy couple enjoy why not get a great coffee table book on the topic? If they love art try Taschen's definitive guide to modern art, Art Now. If they are moving into a new home give Domicilium Decoratus by Kelly Wearstler. Kelly Wearstler is an interior design rock star. Gorgeous and talented, the way she mixes styles, decades, colors, textures. … It's dizzying. The book is a feast for the eyes and a treasure trove of home-decor ideas. The book is not just practical—it's beautiful.
I've given a variety of gift ideas at different price points. I can't do all the work for you so here is a list of fantastic gifts:
1. A personal chef for a day to create a romantic dinner for two.
2. Doubles tennis lessons to learn to work together as a team
3. A quilted hammock with a stand to swing away lazy summer days together in the backyard
4. Backgammon, pParcheesi, Deluxe Monopoly: A selection of board games for playing hard and long
5. A six-month membership in a Wine of the Month club. Six months are not long enough to promote alcoholism and just long enough to be well remembered!
Weddings are a celebration of love, life and hope. They are optimistic—a wish and a prayer for everlasting love. I hope these ideas help make a wondrous occasion even more special.
Marcellas Reynolds is a correspondent for E! Networks' E! News Daily and host of Style Networks' Shop Like a Star. Look for Marcellas on upcoming episodes of How Do I Look? For more information, visit MarcellasReynolds.com .