Traditionally, the bride and groom give thank-you gifts to significant members of the wedding party and each other. This is another fun and creative aspect of your wedding planning. However, it can get stressful and expensive without a plan.
You primarily need to think of gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and both sets of parents. Also, consider anyone that social etiquette suggests should receive a present - such as your MC, flower girls, ring bearers, or anyone who's doing you a favour at the wedding.
Aim to wrap up these presents 4 to 6 months before the wedding day.
To choose ideal gifts for your wedding party, it's best to consider each group of people.
This is typically a straightforward set to buy gifts for, and there's so much you can do. You can decide if you'd like to give something extra special to one or two people or keep everyone's presents the same. If, for example, your maid of honour has gone above and beyond, it's good etiquette to give her something more significant.
If you have few bridesmaids and your budget allows, consider giving each one a personal gift. This is a thoughtful touch. If you do this, consider each person's tastes and preferences individually. Just make sure each gift is of the same value.
If you have several bridesmaids or are on a budget, you can purchase small gifts that are essentially the same for each person. This way, there is also a sense of equality.
Consider ideas like:
1. A small makeup set of lipstick, nail polish, mascara, and such for each lady.
2. A spa gift set.
3. Give each bridesmaid a small bottle of her favourite perfume.
4. Costume necklaces with your wedding date and something like ''wedding team'' engraved on them.
5. A nice bottle of wine each.
6. Something that is specifically meaningful to you as a group of friends.
The same goes for groomsmen. You can plan to get them all matching or individual gifts of the same value or consider giving the most proactive attendant something special. Guys are often not as wedding crazy as the ladies, but they do provide much support to the groom during the wedding process.
Guys can be trickier to shop for. Chat to your partner about what kind of things his friends would like.
Consider items like:
1. A pamper pack for guys.
2. A small bottle of their favourite cologne.
3. Vouchers or tickets to sports events.
4. A small, nifty item of sporting or gym apparel.
5. Something like genuine leather belts or cuff links they can wear at the wedding and then keep. This one may be a bit costly, but it's a nice idea if your budget allows it.
These special people deserve beautiful gifts to thank them for all their support in your lives. You can give each person an individual gift, or you can get creative. If you can, giving each set of parents a weekend away, a dinner at a smart restaurant, tickets to the theatre, tickets to a wine tasting, or other experiential gift is a fantastic idea.
Be mindful, however, of what kind of people they are. Perhaps they'd prefer a gift they can enjoy at home. Talk to your partner about what you think would be best to give each set of parents.
It's up to you if you’d like to give each other wedding gifts. Not everyone does. If you do, give your partner something personal and meaningful.
It doesn't have to be an expensive gift. Giving them something with emotional significance at the beginning of your marriage partnership will show that you care and are committed to your journey together.
Again, if you decide to give each other gifts, you'll have to dig into your knowledge of that person and choose something very particular. Only you will know what gift will make your partner glow.
Lastly, make sure your gifts are beautifully wrapped and presented to show each person they matter. People love receiving and opening gifts almost as much as the actual gift. Make the entire gifting experience a memorable one.
You can find some more exciting gifting ideas on HAPPLY's directories.
Happy shopping!
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