Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Gifts for the Wedding Party
Gifts for Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party participants have many duties and deserve to be properly thanked for the work and expense of helping with your wedding day and pre-wedding events. Although thank you cards should be sent for any and all gifts received as well as a general thank you for everything after the wedding day has come to a close, gifts are more appropriate.
Traditionally, the bridesmaids received some sort of necklace or bracelet while their male counterparts received cufflinks or lighters. These male type gifts have become somewhat outdated, though, as many men do not even own shirts that use cufflinks. And many people do not smoke anymore. But there are still many suggestions for a proper thank you gift.
Gifts for the Female Attendants
For women a piece of jewelry is still considered a lovely thank you present. A pretty string of pearls or a gold locket is something a woman may keep for a lifetime to remember you and your special day. It is not only pretty to look at but serves a functional purpose as well since the women can actually wear the jewelry. In addition, the bride may choose jewelry that compliments the bridesmaids' gowns for the wedding day. The bridesmaids may wear the jewelry on the wedding day and then keep it and wear it again often.
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Another gift that would suit the woman in the wedding party is a spa day or gift certificate for a massage, facial or manicure. The little girls or younger girls would not receive the same gift, they should receive a necklace appropriate to their age, a pretty bracelet or maybe even earrings if they have pierced ears. Also, the woman do not all need to receive the same dollar amount. For instance, if your maid of honor has done most of the work, she may receive a full day treatment while the other woman may receive only one service at the salon. But do make sure that if the tasks are divided evenly, that the same amount is spent on everyone.
Gifts for the Male Attendants
Some of the more modern suggestions for male attendants are money clips, pocketknives, travel bags and shaving kits. Try to think of the individual person's likes and find something that suits the personality. One gift that has become "hot" as an usher's thank you is the "flask". These come in silver, can be engraved and come in different sizes and shapes.
Younger ushers, the ring bearer and the candle lighter (if there is one in the wedding party) would appreciate a gold chain to be worn around their necks or even a favorite game for the computer.
How to Decide How Much to Spend
The cost of the wedding party gifts is usually dependent on what the bride and groom can afford and how much work the individual attendant is expected to complete. Couples on tight budgets can still find very thoughtful gifts such as fancy manicure sets, trinket boxes or and even crystal perfume bottles to keep on the dresser as a beautiful reminder of your day.
Final Thoughts on Purchasing Attendant Gifts:
Do not just buy something for the sake of buying a gift. Buy gifts that are appropriate. For example, if your best man does not drink, a corkscrew may not be the best choice of gift.
Spend some time and put some thought into the gifts. Although the gift may be inexpensive due to your financial situation, it does not have to be "tacky". There are so many beautiful suggestions out there, find something that shows you care about the people who attended you on your special day.
Make sure the gift is age appropriate.
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Choose gifts that are acceptable to the persons receiving them. Not everyone takes kindly to vulgar and dirty jokes so make sure the gifts respect a person's values.
For the small children in the wedding party, in addition to the thank you gift, think of small goody bags to keep them occupied during the ceremony and the reception. They do not have to be expensive or elaborate. Coloring books, crayons and little games from the dollar store will do.
Add a personal note with the gift. Especially for the bridesmaid and maid of honor gifts as women appreciate the heartfelt words that the bride may express.
In addition to the wedding party, any other people who helped in a substantial manner during the wedding planning process may also receive a small gift.
Traditionally, the attendant gifts were given at the rehearsal dinner but not all brides and grooms follow this custom now. When presenting the gifts at the dinner, the bride and groom should prepare a small speech or toast to each person and say something thoughtful about the person receiving the gift. Some brides will hold a luncheon for her attendants and present the gifts. Whatever method is chosen, be sure to show your appreciation for the time, expense and effort your attendants have put into your wedding.
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