Finding the right wedding gift can be a daunting task.  Originally, wedding gifts were a way for family and friends to help the young couple set up their first experience in housekeeping after their parents' house.

Today, many couples live on their own before getting married.  Once they get married they sort through their possessions to combine two single households into one married one.  What they don't need is another coffee pot.

To help your shopping for the elusive perfect wedding gift, here are five categories to consider:

Personalized gifts - Turn you photos into art.  Custom photo M&Ms.  Monogram items with the couple's names or initials: coasters, wine glasses, pillow cases.

Experiential Gifts - Give the gift of an experience.  Whether it's a helicopter ride, bungee jumping or a spa treatment, the couple will come away with an experience of a lifetime.

Home décor gifts - This requires knowing a little bit about what the couple already owns.  What fancy platter or set of crystal candle holders do they not own that they wouldn't buy themselves.  Surprise them with something they'll treasure for years.

Entertaining gifts - Has the couple always talked about getting an espresso machine?  Now is your chance to fulfill their wishes.

Gift baskets - A gift basket of fruits, wines and crackers can come in handy on the honeymoon.  The couple will already have special treats for a time when they won't be leaving their hotel room for days.

With these suggestions and a little thought about the couple, you'll find the perfect gift to give for their wedding.  And remember, if nothing strikes you as the perfect thing, cash is always appreciated.

 
 
The most universal feature of wedding traditions across cultures is the wedding feast.  For those having a small, intimate wedding on the beach, San Diego's many attractions offer a variety of choices.

San Diego's Gaslamp quarter is a short drive from Coronado Beach.  With a name like McCarthy, my choice would be the Field, a turn of the century Irish pub shipped literally piece by piece from Ireland.

Located at 544 Fifth Avenue between Market Street and Island Avenue, happy hour starts at the Field when the doors open and continues to 7pm on Monday through Friday and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Pull up a stool and order a pint of Guinness.  You'll soon feel like you're back in old Ireland.

The food is authentic Irish from their corned beef and cabbage to the shepherd's pie.  The combo platter, a sampler of their appetizers, is enough for two.

Come for drinks and snacks. Stay until they close.  The Field in San Diego's Gaslamp is a perfect selection for your celebration of your beach wedding ceremony.  There's a little Irish in all of us!