What Real Brides Are Asking For This Holiday Season

Emily Trine · December 2, 2025 · 5 min read

What Real Brides Are Asking For This Holiday Season
Photo by Madison Compton

If you’ve ever stared at a bride-to-be and wondered, “Okay…but what does she REALLY want for the holidays?” We’ve got you! We asked our Loverly I Do Crew—real brides and newlyweds planning (or fresh off) their big day—to spill what’s on their holiday gift wishlists. Consider this your cheat sheet to the best holiday gift ideas for brides, straight from women who are living the wedding-planning life in real time.

Whether you're shopping for a fiancée, a friend, a bridesmaid, or building your own wishlist to hand off strategically, these bride-approved picks are guaranteed wins. Now let’s unwrap the goods!

Julia tricarico

@Julia.tric

New York bride, planning a chic summer 2027 Long Island wedding, Julia is all about elevated essentials that feel special but still fit into her everyday life.

Why brides will love these: Bridal mode deserves a signature scent, a luxe lounge set, and lip tints that work for wedding events, date nights, and engagement photos. Julia’s picks nail the “practical but pretty” balance every bride needs.

Tabia ceja

@Tabiaceja

This Los Angeles bride is planning a colorful, stylish spring 2026 celebration in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, and her wishlist is full of fashion-forward pieces that elevate every outfit.

Why brides will love these: Perfect for the bride building her engagement-season wardrobe. Think chic accessories for wedding showers, travel days, and rehearsal dinner looks.

Courtney lynn

@Thefinancebrides

A New Jersey newlywed who said “I do” in summer 2025, Courtney’s wishlist is cozy, practical, and wellness-driven—aka exactly what brides crave once the whirlwind settles.

Why brides will love these: These gifts scream self-care era. Newlywed life is full of nesting, unwinding, and rebuilding routines—Courtney’s picks support all of it.

Marissa phillips

@Marissaphillips__

A Dallas bride who celebrated a dreamy Tuscan destination wedding in summer 2025, Marissa gravitates toward cozy-chic décor and feminine finishing touches.

Why brides will love these: If she’s in her romantic home aesthetic era, these finds turn any newlywed space into a soft, stylish retreat.

Alexis alcala

@Lexialcala_

This Newport bride is prepping for her spring 2026 wedding in Mexico and wants gifts that fuel creativity, organization, and calm during the planning process.

Why brides will love these: From documenting wedding adventures to staying on top of timelines, Alexis’s picks are perfect for brides who like to feel organized and grounded.

Tristan & cara

@Tc.travels

This adventure-loving NY couple tied the knot in late summer 2025 and are always planning their next trip. Their list is full of travel‑friendly must‑haves.

Why couples will love these: Great for honeymoon travel, cozy weekends away, and capturing content on the go, these gifts are practical and fun. It's the best of both worlds!

Holiday gifts brides really want

If you're building your own wishlist (or shopping for a loved one), here are the top bride-approved gift themes we’re seeing:

Chic Accessories: Earrings, bags, and elevated basics for every wedding event.

Self-Care Essentials: Sleep sets, robes, hydration must‑haves.

Home & Cozy Vibes: Throws, décor, and anything soft and aesthetic‑friendly.

Wellness & Routine Builders: Planners, calming tech, fitness accessories.

Travel Gear: Perfect for honeymoons, bachelorettes, and newlywed getaways.

Whether you’re gifting a bride or you are the bride, these picks from the Loverly I Do Crew are the perfect inspiration for curating your own holiday wishlist.

Shop More Holiday Faves

Still looking for the perfect gift? Explore even more holiday ideas that brides are asking for this season!