Gifts for Members of the Wedding Party

Buying gifts for the members of your wedding party is easy to overlook during the busy time leading up to your wedding day. But, each member of your wedding party is deserving of a measure of gratitude for his or her efforts during this special occasion. Help with your shopping needs, preparation of invitations, throwing a bachelor party or wedding shower, are all roles they have played to ensure your special day goes off smoothly. You don't need to spend a fortune, just give a little something to show how much their efforts are appreciated.

What to Get?

You should know the people in your wedding party well enough to be aware of particular likes and dislikes, but that still doesn't make it any easier to decide what to buy for them. There are no guidelines on how much to spend or the type of gift to buy, but with your penchant for pulling things together cooperatively this task is one to be enjoyed. Don't choose something in haste though. After all, you most likely want the gift to be as personal as possible. Undoubtedly, your Maid of Honor and Best Man have been with you through this entire process and have given you outstanding support. Therefore, you will want to get them something extra special.

Traditional Duties

It is a matter of tradition for the groom to arrange gifts for the groomsmen and for the bride to arrange gifts for her bridesmaids. These gifts are customarily given out at the rehearsal dinner if you choose to have one. There does not need to be any fanfare, just quietly hand the gifts to the members of the wedding party. One option is to hand out the gifts at the very end of the evening so the recipients can open their gifts when they return home.

Commemorative Mementoes

Many couples choose to give some sort of tangible memento commemorating their special day. For instance, women might get a jewelry box or picture frame engraved with the couple's names and wedding date. The men in the party might receive an engraved travel clock or a pen/pencil set. Sometimes the couple will personalize the gift with the recipient's name and even add a Thank-You for being a part of their day.

On the Big Day

Another idea is to select accessories for the wedding party to wear on the day of the wedding, such as jewelry or cufflinks to match their outfits. This also helps contribute to the occasion by giving everyone has a look of uniformity. Everyone will have not only coordinating jewelry for the wedding day, but they'll have memorable reminders of the day as well.

Children's Gifts

Purchasing gifts for flower girls and ring bearers is much more of an assignment, as you'd prefer to find something more fitting for the age of each attendant. An engraved jewelry box, locket or bangle for a young girl and perhaps a dresser-top money bank, tie clip or engraved souvenir classic toy for a young boy are thoughtful ideas.

Parents could put jewelry or valuable gifts away until the children are old enough to look after them. It is also not unusual for the bride and groom to give gifts of savings bonds, which are gifts that keep on giving.

When it comes to gifts for the bridal party, it is important to give something personal and memorable. Take as much time as you need to shop for these special people. After all, you couldn't have done it so well without them.