Incredible engagement present ideas for Australian Weddings

Everyone loves a good reason to party, shop and give gifts, and there are few occasions more worthy of celebration than a friend, colleague or family member getting engaged. Soon after the proposal news comes the invitation to the all-important engagement party, and along with it, the question of what should I bring as a gift? While no rules say you have to get a gift, more often than not, the inclination will be to bring something to commemorate the exciting occasion. When purchasing an engagement gift, it is good to remember that it is just a prelude present and a good rule of thumb when budgeting is to spend one-third of what you would on the wedding gift. Like any gift-giving venture, the secret to success is to focus and shop for personalised and meaningful gifts, with the best gifts being those that the couple can either both enjoy or are pertinent to the impending wedding planning journey. If you are still feeling a little perplexed and unsure of great engagement present ideas and price, we've curated a list of the top Australian engagement ideas and gifts that couples will want to receive.

BUBBLES AND BEYOND

The chances are that from the moment that gorgeous ring was popped on the finger and a gushy 'yes' was said that the couple has been in celebration mode...big time...so why not accessorise them for all the champagne and new good times that will continue to come their way after their engagement and as they plan for their big day. While one option is to gift a celebratory bottle of bubbly like Louis Roederer, Moet, Bollinger or Verve, the price may prevent that, another is to give accompanying accessories and shop for something that will make the sipping that much sweeter. From budget to big-ticket and at every price point, there are many fantastic new options, including matching champagne flutes, champagne stoppers and buckets. But, of course, for more flamboyant couples who love to party, you can't go past a champagne sabre.

Image 1: Waterford Crystal Elegance Champagne Classic Pair Image 2: Robert Welch ‘Drift’ Champagne Bucket Image 3: George Jensen ‘Indulgence’ Champagne Sabre’

A VASE FOR ALL THOSE FABULOUS FLORALS

Fresh flowers are always a favourite at engagement parties, and by the end of the night, the couple would have received a bounty of beautiful bouquets, so why not choose to gift a vase? A great idea and timeless gift for any couple, it will be well-received (and used) for all the floral delicacies headed their way. If you know the couple well, feel free to shop for more bespoke gifts that suits their decor and style. If wanting to stick to a 'safer' alternative or idea for the day, shop for a glass or crystal vase that will hold long-stemmed flowers.

Image 1: Sage & Sill Image 2: Etsy ‘Old Pot Studio’
Image 3:Autumn & Thistle ‘Raya Halo’

ALL ABOUT THE BLING

A ring dish is an excellent present if you want to gift something beautiful and budget-conscious that will last well past their special day. With the option of having it monogrammed or inscribed with the couple's engagement, or better still, their wedding date (if you know it), it will be a valuable and personalised gift that will help keep those beloved rings safe! Alongside this, a diamond or jewellery cleaning kit is another popular and practical contribution to keeping the pièce de résistance of the jewellery collection looking its best. From jewellery cleaning cloths to ultrasonic cleaners, it will be the gift that keeps giving!

Image 1: Etsy wedding ring dish

MONOGRAMMED AND MATCHING MOMENTS

Nothing says 'personalised gift' like an item that's monogrammed. It can transform even the humblest gift into a treasured possession! The key to an appreciated and well-received monogrammed gift is to shop intentionally! Choose gifts the couple will actually want to use and isn't just a novel concept. For example, matching monogrammed travel tags or card holders may be the perfect gift for jet-setting couples. In contrast, monogrammed tea mugs accompanied by the perfect blend of tea for a cosy night by the fire are gifts better suited to home bodies, and for those that are homeowners, you can't go past a monogrammed or personalised door mat! And as a great bonus - most companies in Australia will often offer monogramming for free!

Image 1: Door mates Image 2: Sheridan - Monogrammed Bed Linen Image 3: Helone - leather card holders

COUPLES CANDLES

Help set the mood for the engagement day party and celebrations with his and her scents. Nothing evokes memory like scent, so gifting candles they can enjoy during their engagement will serve as a lifelong reminder. With attractive options available, don't feel compelled to choose one that says 'newly engaged'; instead, shop for more subtle tones with the likes of candles from companies in Australia such as 'the commonfolk collective', whose collection include 'love', and 'soul-mate' and 'congratulations' at a great price. They even offer free gift-wrapping!

Image 1,2,3: The Commonfolk Collective

CAKE KNIFE AND CAKE SERVER

When planning a wedding day, couples soon find out that you can't always have your cake and eat it too! But one thing they can have is a beautiful new cake knife or cake server. Great engagement gifts, this will also be one less thing for the couple to have to budget and price up in the lead-up to their wedding, as a bonus these gifts will also be enjoyed for a lifetime of special cake-cutting occasions! If you don't want to fork out (pun intended) for a cake knife and cake server, partner with a friend to buy an item so the couple can be gifted a matching set. Choose an Australian company where buying two gifts means you qualify for free shipping!

Image 1: Vera Wang Cosgrain Silver Giftware Cake and Trowel Set Image 2: George Jensen Cake Knife Image 3: Alex Liddy Arlo Cake Knife & Server Set

WEDDING PLANNING DIARY

If you are stuck for ideas, look no further than a beautifully bound wedding planning diary for the friend that likes to be organised or is a papyrophiliac (i.e. loves everything paper). The organisational hub of the planning process, it will not only serve as a personalised bridal planning bible, but will also be a keepsake of the planning journey to be treasured for days and years to come!

Image 1: Fox and Fallow wedding planner Image 2 - Kikki K - A5 wedding planner Image 3: Kate Spade wedding planner

CHEESE & WINE...NAME A MORE ICONIC GIFT DUE FOR THE COUPLE THAT LOVES TO ENTERTAIN.

A staple go-to for couples in Australia that loves to host and party, you cannot go past choosing to buy cheese boards or charcuterie accessories gifts. Whether marble or wooden, pair with a cheddar knife for the complete combination. A great friend of cheese, wine also comes with various accessories to compliment the experience. Wine decanters are a popular gift option to buy, and if wanting to look further afield again, you cannot go past cocktail sets which are the best new gift for the host or hostess with the mostess.

Image 1: Copenhagen Bar Tool Set Image 2: S&P Fromage board Image 3: Krosno Splendour Wine Decanter

SUSTAINABLE WATER AND COFFEE CANISTERS

Reusable water bottles and coffee cups are great gifts for environmentally conscious couples who love coffee but hate waste! Companies in Australia are crafting new ranges of stylish and reusable lifestyle products gifts for tea and coffee lovers alike. Choose the perfect size, colour and style of coffee or tea cup with companies offering sustainably and personalised packaged gift sets.

Image 1: Caye Life One Image 2: T2 Double Walled Glass Flask Image 3: Seed & Sprout smoothie cup

YOUR GIFT THEIR WAY

Gift cards are an easy, convenient and well-received option if you are short on time or don't know the couple overly well. When giving a gift card, it is best to accompany it with a written personalised message or congratulations. That way, your gift will feel customised, and they can spend it on something they might need in the lead-up to their wedding.

CAN I GIVE CASH?

The short answer when talking engagement gifts is yes! Again, in Australia, cash is an excellent gift if accompanied by an intentional or personalised note. While you don't want to tell couples what they 'have' to spend it on, it can be thoughtful and best to add what you had envisioned the cash being for e.g. 'I know you have been busy planning this event. Here is a little something so you can enjoy a night out together' or ' planning a wedding can get stressful. Feel free to put this towards a relaxing massage or something to treat yourself with’. Remember, while it's thoughtful to offer a spending suggestion, be open to the couple using the cash however they like.

When looking for Australian engagement present ideas and gifts, remember to consider the couple's passions and interests and tailor your gift to those. A great gift doesn't have to equate to an expensive one and high price tag, and with careful consideration, you can narrow down these options to make a perfect choice.