No matter at what stage of life people choose to get married, the stress of planning a wedding lives on. So while many of the suggestions below are of a practical nature and will be extremely helpful to the bride- and groom-to-be, be sure to also incorporate a unique engagement gift into the mix that celebrates the joys of the engagement and the love they share!



* ON THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF THINGS

First and foremost, the most essential engagement gift idea is a wedding organizer. There are many on the market today so do your homework and shop smart. You'll want to choose a three-ring-binder variety so that the bride and groom can slip in additional pages if needed. You will also want to ensure it includes pockets and pouches in which they can save material swatches, menus, business cards, magazine articles they will need for future reference, dress and tuxedo pictures, etc.

If the binder does NOT contain pockets or pouches, simply visit an office supply store that will have many 3-holed punched varieties for students that you can easily incorporate.

The binder should also provide wedding checklists with suggested booking timelines so no detail will slip through the cracks. It should also contain seating charts that allow the couple the flexibility to plan their reception accordingly.

While a digital camera may be considered a unique engagement gift, it too is an essential tool. The bride and groom will review many details throughout the planning stages of the wedding, and it will be near impossible for them to retain it all to memory. Instead, they can keep a digital diary of things such as reception halls, flower arrangements, place settings, dresses, etc., and can review and make decisions in the comfort of their own home instead running back and forth for second looks.

Also, having a camera on hand will allow them to chronicle all the adventures they encounter on the road leading up to the "big day" and will make for a terrific photo album of memories to enjoy long after the wedding is through.

Finally, visit a bookstore and select a few wedding planning guides you think the couple might find useful. Books on ceremonies, honeymoons, flowers, finances, etc. are very popular and all can provide helpful wedding tips.

* ON THE ROMANTIC SIDE OF THINGS

There are many great online resources offering creative and beautiful gift packages to celebrate "love." Let the surfing begin, but be sure to choose a selection that has staying power -- meaning that the package incorporates gifts that have tangible gifts and sentimental value. The most memorable gifts are those that not only have function but also touch recipients on a very personal, emotional level. It shows that you know the couple well, that you took the time and effort to choose things they would enjoy, and that you feel honored to be able to share in the celebration of this happy time in their lives.

An engagement gift idea that many engaged couples would really enjoy is a gift certificate at a local dance studio to help them prepare for their first dance together. There is nothing more beautiful than the site of a bride and groom who are in perfect sync on the dance floor.