Everything Old Is New Again
Magazines and websites are bursting with the latest trends in wedding ideas and themes - and just trying to sift through them can be as overwhelming as actually planning an entire wedding!
So take a deep breath, relax and consider this: Read More...
Bridal Party Gifts
The tradition of buying gifts for the wedding attendants is an ancient one, which dates back to the times when Egyptian noblewomen presented precious metals and gems to their ladies-in-waiting. Today, as an extension of that tradition, jewelry remains a popular gift.
Presenting your attendents are others with gifts, shows your thanks for their time and efforts leading up to a wedding.
An appropriate occasion to present your gifts is at the rehearsal dinner or at another pre-wedding party such as a bridesmaid luncheon or bachelor party. Take a moment to thank each person for his or her contribution to your special day. A gift will have more meaning with a personal message from the bride and groom.
When choosing your gifts, take the extra time that will allow you to match the gift to the recipient. If you know the person well, you should also know what he or she likes to do. Free time related gifts are especially thoughtful. The gift should have some sentimental quality which will remind the recipient of your wedding. An engraved pair of champagne flutes, a date engraved letter opener or pen, are just a few gifts which can be personalized and act as reminders of your special day.
The Bridal Party
The gift of jewelry can work both as a keepsake from your special day and as an accessory to their gowns. There are any number of jewelry items which are especially appropriate gifts for your bridal attendants. When choosing accessories for your bridesmaids, opt for a style that will complement your own.
While some brides opt to keep the looks of their bridesmaids consistent with the same accessories, others choose different jewelry for each bridesmaid to suit their personality and style.
It is also perfectly acceptable to give your bridesmaids jewelry intended to be worn everyday or for an occasion other than your wedding. There is no set amount to spend on your bridesmaids - gifts except that you should spend approximately the same amount. You can, however, spend a little more on your maid-of-honor to buy her a more lavish gift.
When purchasing bridal party gifts, remember your junior bridesmaids and flower girls. If you choose a necklace for your bridesmaids, consider a similar, simpler style for younger attendants.
Groomsmen
The groomsman gift is the groom's opportunity to offer thanks for participating in any pre-wedding activities, whether it be assisting with logistics of the wedding day or keeping the groom calm and collected before meeting his bride at the alter.
A good rule of thumb for the groom to follow when choosing a gift is to buy something he'd like but would never buy himself.
Jewelry works equally well for the groom's attendants. Traditional choices include money clips, cuff links and fine writing instruments. To add a personal touch, have the gift engraved with their initials and perhaps the date of the wedding.
While the groom should spend the same amount on attendants, he should feel free to go the extra mile for the best man perhaps splurging for a gold money clip, while the others receive a silver one.
Extra Thanks
When purchasing gifts consider these individuals:
- Ringbearer
- Mother of the bride
- Mother of the groom
- Father of the bride
- Father of the groom
- Readers
- Soloists
- Candle lighters
- Train bearers
- Minister