The Royal Collection has many examples of wedding gifts exchanged between royal couples. For example, the day before their wedding, Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a mid-eighteenth century German fan. Spectacular jewellery was also often given to royal brides, both newly made pieces and historic jewels passed down through the family. Queen Elizabeth II was lent a fringe tiara to wear on her wedding day by the Queen Mother. This piece incorporated diamonds from a necklace which had itself been a wedding present from Queen Victoria to Queen Mary, who in turn had given the tiara to Queen Elizabeth in 1936.

However, it was not only royal brides who received gifts; bridemaids were often presented with tokens by the bridegroom. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria's bridesmaids an eagle brooch of his own design and George V gave Queen Mary's bridesmaids a brooch containing his emblems.

With increased public interest and participation in royal weddings came the growth in the custom of present-giving – not only from close family and friends, but also from national institutions, and from individuals throughout the nation and Empire who had no personal acquaintance with the bride or groom.