I was stunned when I found out that Vermont is second only to Hawaii in destination weddings. But then again, it’s pretty obvious why… Vermont’s red barns, endless mountain ranges and quintessential charm—not to mention the talented wedding photographers, florists and chefs who call Vermont home—combine to create the perfect backdrop for rustic barn weddings, intimate elopements and chic country weddings.
On a number of occasions, I have received inquiries from folks who will be attending a Vermont wedding, looking for recommendations for Vermont-made wedding gifts. With so many talented artisans, potters, glassblowers and woodworkers in the state—and the shop-small, buy-local movement that is part and parcel of the Vermont brand—Vermont-made items make for memorable and unique wedding presents. Here are my personal favorite Vermont wedding gifts to fit every budget:
Simon Pearce, Quechee, Vermont
Simon Pearce is the first Vermont brand that comes to mind when I think of high-quality, beautiful wedding gifts that are destined for everyday use and longevity. I own a set of their wine goblets, and I swear that the hand-blown glass makes any bottle of wine taste better. Simon Pearce’s stemware and barware feels so good in your hand and, although pricey, they are rugged and stand up to heavy use (just don’t attempt to wash them in a cast-iron sink after you’ve been drinking…. Simon Pearce’s vases are another elegant Vermont wedding gift that are also modern and timeless. The Barre Vase ($150) and Nowlan Vase ($245) are my favorites. Need more ideas? Check out Simon Pearce’s stunning wedding collection. Interested in something that’s not breakable? Andrew Pearce’s wooden bowls are stunning (and affordable).
Vermont Artwork: Woody Jackson, Sabra Field, Dug Nap
One thing I don’t think couples register for nearly enough for is artwork. Being an art history major, I might be a bit biased but art is 1) expensive to purchase, 2) a quick way to dress up a new home and 3) something that transcends time and generations. Important and valuable, right? For me, art immediately brings me back to the time and place where I purchased the piece, or reminds me of the person who gifted it to me. Woody Jackson’s cow prints with his iconic Vermont farm scenes have gained widespread appeal. Sabra Field is my personal favorite Vermont artist, as she creates vibrant prints from woodcuts featuring Vermont landscapes, snow scenes and skies that embody the spirit and beauty of Vermont. (Green Mountain Mowing ($800) will someday be hanging on my wall…) For more whimsical, budget-friendly artwork, Dug Nap creates framed and unframed prints that joke about Vermont’s weather, politics and other quirky thing Vermont is known for. There are countless other Vermont artists to explore as well. Find someone whose aesthetic speaks to you and will remind the wedding couple of you for years to come.
Farmhouse Pottery, Woodstock, Vermont
Farmhouse Pottery’s owners Zoe and Kevin wanted to “create a modern farm aesthetic that represented farm-to-table values infused in traditionally crafted designs.” Could anything be more quintessentially Vermont? Their pottery designs are simple and useless, and match nearly any decor. Farmhouse Pottery makes true heirloom pieces that will be passed on from generation to generation. For the entertainers, choose the Farmhouse Cheese Stone ($75 – $195). For the couple who likes to grow their own, gift the Windrow Harvest Bowl ($175). Or my personal favorite, the Pantry Bowl ($32 – $325), which is the foundation for and a central point in any kitchen. (Farmhouse also offers their own gift registry for couples who really love their aesthetic.)
Vermont Picnic Basket: Vermont Flannel Company, Jasper Hill Farm
For a DIY Vermont wedding gift, craft the perfect picnic basket, as let’s face it… we could all use more downtime, sitting by a stream with our partner, eating Vermont cheese and sipping on local wine. (Sounds good, doesn’t it?) At the base of your Vermont picnic basket, gift a Flannel Stadium Blanket from Vermont Flannel Company ($60). These blankets have super-soft flannel on one side and fleece on the other, making them cozy and pill-resistant. Throw in a gift certificate to a local cheese store if the couple lives in Vermont, or ship some of Vermont’s very best cheese from Jasper Hill Farm to the bride and groom at home. Throw in a bottle of red from Lincoln Peak, Shelburne Vineyard or Boyden Valley Winery. Need the actual basket too? Needa’s in the Northeast Kingdom makes gorgeous, hand-woven baskets.
Vermont Farm Table, Burlington, Vermont
Unless you’re say, the parents of the Vermont bride or groom, I wouldn’t think you would splurge on one of the Vermont Farm Table’s hand-crafted and fully customizable dining tables ($1,677 to $2,834) as a Vermont wedding gift (you never know…). But, Vermont Farm Table makes a collection of “handmade kitchen pieces that will become beat up and well-loved because you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.” All of their kitchenware is solid wood and finished by hand. Give the couple a collection of locally made kitchen utensils, including a French taper rolling pin ($26), the long dipper ($24), the tines ($20) and the salad paddles ($38). Beyond spoons, Vermont Farm Table’s Not So Lazy Susan ($135) is functional and attractive as a table accent.
Danforth Pewter, Middlebury, Vermont
Danforth Pewter has a rich history of creating timeless pewter pieces, dating back to 1755 in colonial Connecticut. Since about then, Danforth has handcrafted their unique designs and lead-free pewter in Middlebury. The Lincoln Candlesticks ($85) are a Vermont wedding gift that will be used for generations. The Windsor Frame ($110) is the perfect gift to showcase a wedding photo, while the Syrup Pitcher ($125) is a functional and cute addition to weekend brunches with a Vermont spin. Many of Danforth’s pewter items are engraveable, if you wanted to gift a personalized Vermont wedding present as well. Need more ideas? Check our Danforth’s wedding collection with gift ideas for the Vermont bride and groom.
A Vermont Date Night
For the Vermont couple (or one who vacations often in Vermont), give them a gift card to one of Vermont’s best restaurants or—better yet—an overnight stay at one of Vermont’s top inns post honeymoon. For a restaurant date night, choose Hen of the Wood (Burlington), Michael’s on the Hill (Waterbury) or SoLo Farm & Table. For an overnight, The Jackson House Inn (Woodstock), The Pitcher Inn (Warren) and Hill Farm Inn (Sunderland) are all stunning and perfect for a romantic getaway. For the adventurous Vermont couple, book a hot air balloon ride with Above Reality or a dogsledding adventure with Eden Dogsledding.
What’s your favorite Vermont wedding gift to give, or what was your best Vermont wedding gift that you received? Share your ideas in the comments below.
Categories: Made in Vermont