FAQ  /  The Ultimate Groom Gift

If you didn’t find what you were looking for in our general FAQ, these answers about our Ultimate Wedding Day Groom Gift Books should help. 

Frequently Asked Questions about creating an heirloom wedding-day gift for your groom:

More than any watch or physical memento ever could, this one-of-a-kind heirloom book spells out your love—and gratitude—for your groom. Through a 90-minute in-person interview, founder Dawn Roode helps you find the words and sentiments to shape your love story, then crafts an elegant extended letter to the one you love. Your words, your photos, elevated into a gift destined to become your first family heirloom.

Designed with your style in mind and finished with the most exquisite materials, this is the ultimate gift for the one you love—guaranteed to make him feel connected to you on this momentous occasion. Without question, the most personal gift you could give to him, one that sets a meaningful tone for your wedding day.

See samples in our Ultimate Groom Gift Book Gallery.

As this is a fully customized gift, you are able to say anything you want to the man you love. We encourage you to speak from your heart, and to focus on details that make the two of you unique.

A few favorite themes that may help frame your extended letter:

• 50 Reasons I Love You
  The number isn’t important, it’s choosing reasons why you love him that will resonate—that will make him smile and laugh and tear up, that make him remember why he loves you, too. From the littlest things you love about him (that he walks the dog in his flannel pajamas) to the most profound (that he was willing to move across the globe for your job!).

• My Vows to You
  An elaboration of your vows, weaving in memories from the first chapters of your life along with dreams for your future together, and promises you make to one another.

• The Story of Us

• As We Begin Our Next Chapter…

• Dreams for Our Future

Our books are very visual, and weave in photographs throughout. Consider including your favorite selections from your engagement shoot, photos from your proposal, from the early days you met, and a few snapshots from your childhoods. A balance of beautiful professional images and fun selfies and goofy candids make for a most engaging read. We can also incorporate keepsakes (a postcard from your first trip together, tickets stubs, keys to your new home—we’ll help you brainstorm during our first meeting).

Our Ultimate Groom Gift books typically cost between $1,500 - $3,000. Base package includes in-person interview and photo review session; book editing, design, and production; and a 26-page silk-covered 6x9-inch book. Upgrades include more pages (up to a 50-page book), larger format book (up to 10x10 inches), acrylic and leather covers, page gilding, and matching presentation box.

We generally present you with samples and discuss all design options during our initial visit, so we can be sure to set appropriate timelines based upon materials and book length.

Most of our Groom Gift books are between 26-50 pages. We prefer to work from the interview and images as well as your budget to determine the size that best suits the material.

We know what a special—and hectic—time this is in your life! We make it as easy as possible for you to gather your photographs and prepare for your interview by supplying checklists of suggested pictures as well as ideas for what to include.

While the process from beginning to end may be up to three months, most of that is book production. So don’t worry, your time commitment is minimal (one 90-minute interview plus and hour or so gathering photos and filling out a questionnaire). Wedding planning is time-consuming; creating this gift for your groom is sure to be an enjoyable respite from the chaos—and a reminder of why you have chosen this path in the first place.

Depending upon the book materials you choose, the process could take from one to three months to complete. After the free initial consultation, the process involves:

• a meeting to go through photos and discuss the shape & style of your book

• one 90-minute interview by our professional personal historian; timing depends on subject availability and any necessary travel

• book production (writing, editing & design)

• book review (client revision, copyediting, and final proofs)

• book printing (turnaround time is dependent upon the style of book chosen, and varies from 7 days to 8 weeks from approved proof)

We are always willing to work with you to try to accelerate a schedule when feasible, but timing is truly specific to each individual book. Please be sure to start the process with enough time to have the book ready to give to your groom on your wedding day!

Whether you are an over-the-top emoter or a reserved individual unsure how to express your feelings, we will help you craft your words to best express your joy and gratitude for this next chapter in your life—and for the partner you have chosen to share it with. Dawn is an encouraging and empathetic listener, skilled at setting clients at ease and helping them talk freely. During the interview, she will gently steer the conversation toward material useful in your book, all while having an open-hearted and private conversation.

Absolutely! Like every person we meet, all our books are one-of-a-kind, and it is our privilege to help you share your thoughts with whomever you love.

Give us a call or text at 917.922.7415 to discuss your project, or set up a free phone consultation by filling out this quick form. I sincerely look forward to speaking with you!