Gifts and Jewelry are at the cornerstone of the wedding industry. As if the gift of love is not enough, we as guests give gifts to the couple getting married, or as the marrying couple, give gifts to the attendants who have stood by us as we took our vows or to one another as a token in memory of the wedding day. But despite this time honored tradition, the economy has caused many gift givers to become more prudent about
giving.

For this reason, value, quality, and originality have become the utmost important characteristics of wedding gifts and jewelry. Alongside Bank of Butterfield, Stationery Store, and Brown and Co., the old guard of gift acquisition, new vendors such as Blanc Limited and Clayworks are shaking up the age old practice of gift giving.

Bermuda Clayworks

Bermuda Clayworks is a full time production pottery and, with its onsite working studios, is one of the primary attractions at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In a “spacious old stone structure that was built by the British Naval Fleet,” Bermuda Clayworks is a collective gallery of many of the Island’s ceramic artists. The building itself houses both the production studio and a retail gallery. For this reason, certain customizable items are also available. Gift buyers who are looking for a gift that makes a big impact will be happy to know that Bermuda Clayworks utilizes “numerous onsite studio environmental practices”, and supports education in the arts through their apprenticeship program and professional development workshops.

A broad range of pottery items ideal for wedding gifts is offered in porcelain. stoneware and earthenware clays. For gifts between the bride and the groom one suggestion is the unique salt glazed stoneware of individual hand-thrown sculptural tableware items such as the contemporary slanted tea sets in blue, teal or oatmeal hues. For attendants there is a wide selection of ceramic handmade jewellery. However, by far the best selling wedding gift is the Bermuda Clayworks’ house plaque which is available in several sizes and completely customizable in design and script.

Because of the high caliber and quality of work offered, the gallery has become a prime shopping venue for locals as well as visitors, and boasts a high repeat customer base of collectors. Bermuda Clayworks is open year round, including holidays and weekends. International shipping and custom orders are available. House plaque samples, tableware items for registries and artist details can be seen on the Bermuda Clayworks’ website, www.bermudaclayworks.com.

Blanc Limited

Blanc Limited is a new bridal salon which makes the sometimes difficult process of finding a dress for the big day, seem simple. With its plush interior design, vast 1600 sq. ft. space and excellent customer service, “a bride can come in and feel like she’s really being catered to,” says owner Milika Seymour. Indeed, for family’s looking to give their engaged daughter something special in celebration of her upcoming wedding, hiring the staff of Blanc Limited to assist her in finding her dress is a generous and sentimental gift. Although dress boutiques can often be stressful and impersonal, Blanc Limited’s aim is to eliminate these erroneous elements: “Mainly what we’re aiming to do is make the experience very service oriented. Once you make your appointment with us, you’re going to feel like you’re the only one there, and you will be the only one there.” She continues, “you’ll
be greeted as with any other high end salon, seated, and we’re able to have a consultation with you and find out exactly what you want to look like on your wedding day.” Not only does Blanc Limited offer many high fashion bridal lines, including owner favorite Enzoani (modern styling with a touch of sparkle), they also carry high end shoes, specialty bridal undergarments and accessories including veils, tiaras, combs and jewelry. Although the bride is often charged with getting these things themselves, they can be beautiful gifts for the bride leading up to the wedding.

Butterfield

Bermuda’s banks, such as the Butterfield, can be an important stop on the way to gift purchase. The bank is an ideal place to look for financing all sorts of gifts including weekend getaways, to honeymoons, even the wedding or engagement rings. Indeed, one might consult the bank on smart money management on what is often an expensive affair (wedding, reception, and honeymoon totals can grow to staggering numbers). Representatives at the Butterfield often meet with couples looking for financial consultation, “looking at the future, to purchase a home, if they’re looking to purchase a car, we’ll help them with savings plans and investment plans.” Indeed, one innovative and inexpensive gift could be a mentor scheduling a specialized appointment with a financial advisor for the couple, as they embark upon their life together and take on different fiscal responsibilities. Yet another gift that recognizes the challenges of starting a family in today’s economy is a savings account or investment plan as a gift. Although these sorts of gifts are less sentimental, they are practical help which will be valued greatly by the recipient.

Stationery Store

At the Stationery Store, you can find a nice selection of wedding invites with traditional boarders of silver and gold, which are blank inside. This gives you an opportunity to print a personalized message in whatever
style you desire. The invites are sold in convenient packages or 25 or 50. It is a great one-stop shop for simple and elegant stationery. We also have Calligraphy Sets so that you can give your invites your very
personal touch.

Brown and Co.

Brown & Co, located in the heart of Hamilton, is Bermuda’s # 1 gift store and a place where you find the unexpected. The store offers unique gifts and accessories that represent the elegant lifestyle of Bermuda. Interesting goods for the home and personal fashion, of high quality and great value, the perfect place to find that special wedding gift!