Bridal Party Gifts - They Earned It!

By Donna Ennis

So, you have chosen your bridal party very carefully and you know that they will be there every step of the way during the wedding planning. Chances are, after allowing you to endlessly talk about your wedding at every waking moment, trying on a million dresses in different shades of chartreuse, and planning the bridal shower you have absolutely no idea about whatsoever, you may owe your bridesmaids a little something. And the groomsmen will probably have shelled out quite a bit of cash on your bachelor party, tuxedos, gifts, and the whole nine yards. To show gratitude, it is customary that the bride and groom give back in the form of an attendant gift, so give them something useful they'll actually like (not keep in the closet only to be taken out when you come to visit), while not breaking your already fragile piggy bank.

Best advice...personalize the gift! You and your bride can avoid spending tons of money on useless gifts simply by thinking of each recipient as an individual. Resist the temptation to buy in bulk! Giving a personalized gift can ensure that the recipient won't care about the price on the tag. Does your best man, who has never smoked a day in his life, need a stainless steel engraved cigarette lighter? Of course not, but maybe he's a bit of a party guy so a personalized engraved flask could be just the ticket. Or even something as simple as a nice picture frame intended for a picture of you and the recipient enjoying the wedding is a thoughtful keepsake. Consider their hobbies and personalities and you won't fail.

If personalized gifts aren't your thing, there are many timeless items that everyone in your party will appreciate. For example, cufflinks make a great groomsmen gift because at one time or another every man is going to need them for work or special occasions such as weddings (even YOUR wedding, winky wink) and many young men do not own a single pair. The best presents are those that the recipients would love to have but would never buy for themselves. Always buy from the heart - never by the price tag. Practicality and timelessness are two ingredients necessary to select a thoughtful attendant gift that no one will put into storage and hide from sight.

Happy shopping.

TeamWedding.com - Home of Top Wedding Gifts Sites