We can all agree that destination weddings are the best — both for the couple and for their guests. What could be more romantic than saying "I do" to the love of your life on a sun-drenched Greek island or in a historic French castle surrounded by your closest family and friends? And as a guest, a wedding across the Atlantic is the perfect excuse to take a vacation.
Before you start packing and brushing up on your college-level Spanish, you’ll need to find a thoughtful gift for the newlyweds. Wedding etiquette dictates that airfare and accommodation costs don’t negate the need to buy a gift, even if it’s a modest one.
And if you are jetting off to Europe to attend the nuptials of a couple who loves adventure just as much as you do, then surprising them with a present inspired by their wedding destination is the way to go.
If the couple loves camping or exploring the outdoors, a wool picnic blanket or a wicker basket full of British food staples will be put to good use. For the foodies, there is nothing better than a traditional ceramic dinnerware set from Spain or Portugal or a wine rack that will forever remind them of Paris for a romantic date night in.
Below, our top picks for any Europe-bound couple’s wedding wish list.
Spanish Tapas Plates, Set of 4
Handmade and painted in El Puente del Arzobispo, Spain (which is famous for its ceramics), these plates are perfect for tapas or, as we call them in the New World, appetizers.
To buy: tienda.com, $98
Bodum Chambord Copper 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker
Though it’s debatable whether the French press was actually created in France (it was patented by a Milanese designer), it still remains one of the most popular ways to brew a cup of Joe on both sides of the Atlantic.
To buy: worldmarket.com, $80
Europe Travel Journal
Whether they’ll use it to document their journeys or as a guest book at their European wedding, this journal makes a perfect gift for a globetrotting couple.
To buy: etsy.com, from $35
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Trivia time: Cast iron ovens are known as “Dutch” thanks to Abraham Darby, a Brit who traveled to the Netherlands in the 18th century to learn all about the Dutch casting process and began making pots after his return to England.
To buy: lecreuset.com, $135
Champagne Carry-On Cocktail Kit
Before the newlywed couple jets off to their honeymoon, surprise them with two of these kits so they can keep the celebration going on the plane.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $24
Porto Dinnerware Set
Inspired by traditional Mediterranean ceramics, this intricately painted set features floral motifs that will forever remind the newlywed couple of warm Iberian summer nights (and delicious food).
To buy: worldmarket.com, from $32
Tweedmill Waterproof Wool Picnic Blanket
We love the tartan pattern of this wool picnic blanket, which reminds us of Scotland.
To buy: fruugo.us, $99
Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea Hamper
If your friends love camping or dining outside, they’ll appreciate this wicker hamper filled with an assortment of Piccadilly favorites such as preserves, English teas, biscuits, and truffles.
To buy: williams-sonoma.com, $270
Spanish Olla de Hierro
This traditional Spanish cast iron pot is used to prepare fabada, a rich bean stew that originated in the Principality of Asturias.
To buy: tienda.com, $70
Samsonite Winfield Carry-on Suitcase
Help the couple travel in style with Samsonite’s lightweight and super sleek suitcase. Purchase two in different colors and personalize them with their initials.
To buy: ebags.com, $80
Swissmar Heidi 9-Piece Ceramic Fondue Set
Fondue is now known as Switzerland’s national dish, but it was actually popularized by the state’s Cheese Union in the 1930s as a way to increase cheese consumption. Marketing trick or not, we love it, and so will any brides or grooms.
To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $100
Sheepskin Throw
Made in Iceland, this soft, fluffy throw will make any room in the newlyweds’ home look instantly cozier.
To buy: serenaandlily.com, $198
Eiffel Tower Wine Rack
What better way to celebrate than this rustic, six-bottle wine rack that’s shaped like the symbol of the City of Love?
To buy: worldmarket.com, $25
Nikon D5300 Camera Starter Kit
Every great couple needs a great camera. This kit with the travel-friendly Nikon D5300 has everything they’d need to capture their lives together.
To buy: amazon.com, $720
'The Italian Dream: Wine, Heritage, Soul' Book
What happens when a photographer and an Italian Count set out on a three-year journey to document Italy’s love affair with wine behind the private gates of family castles and vineyards? This beautiful book.
To buy: amazon.com, $53
Antibes Striped Pestemal Turkish Towel
Made from Turkish cotton and inspired by the French Riviera, these towels are a summer staple. Take it a step further and personalize each one with the monograms of the happy couple.
To buy: etsy.com, $24
Castelux Portuguese Placemat
These embroidered linen placemats, handmade by artisans in Portugal, feature gorgeous blue detailing reminiscent of the country’s traditional azulejo tiles.
To buy: castelux.com, $126
Hand-Painted Lemon 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Next to family, the second most important Italian value is food, so this bold-colored dinner set is the perfect gift for future enjoyment of both.
To buy: surlatable.com, $232
Vintage Europe Map Art
If the couple is into antiques and collectibles, they’ll love this rustic piece of wall art that shows what their wedding destination looked like in 1769.
To buy: etsy.com, $89
Mini Travel Scrapbook
This vintage-style scrapbook is such a romantic way for the couple to remember a European trip. It’s sized to fit instant photos, but is also great for other small memorabilia like tickets and passes.
To buy: etsy.com, $74
