A trend we have noticed with weddings abroad is the giving of gifts to the bridesmaids and groomsmen. A lot of people tend to forget to say a hearty thank you to their bridesmaids and groomsmen after the wedding.

Lets face it, when you ask a friend or sister or colleague to be a bridesmaid or groomsman at your wedding, you are asking a lot of that person.

Not only are they expected to help with some of the planning and details, they are expected to spend money on your bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen wardrobe (which are usually expensive). They are expected to organize and throw the hen party and bachelor party, they are also expected to throw a bridal shower and the list goes on.

These people spend a lot of money, time and effort in making the whole wedding experience memorable for you and your spouse. So how do you show your appreciation for these important and lovely people who help make your wedding a success?

Simply get them a small thank you gift!

Now we know you are probably already frowning at the idea of spending even more money on your wedding. We just want you to think about this, if you played a bridesmaid / groomsman at someones wedding, you know you really would have appreciated a thank you gift, no matter how absurd or small it was. It would show that the couple thought about you in their all the craziness surrounding their wedding and decided it would be nice to show you how much they value the time, effort and money you have put in to make their day spacial.

You must understand that it does not have to be a big gift, or anything extravagant, it is just something to show a little gratitude and appreciation for their love and effort! Here are some things you could get.

Bridesmaids gifts:

Jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, pendants, rings or even sets of aforementioned jewelry items are all suitable gift ideas for your bridesmaids.

Bags are also a cool idea for bridesmaids gifts. When we say bags, please do not fret because we do not mean expensive designer bags (if you are financially fit for those, no problem). We mean make-up bags, tote- bags, toiletry bags, laptop bags, carry alls and even back packs (school bags) for the little bridesmaids.

Personalized towels, and water bottles or flasks are also nice gift ideas. Compact mirrors, luxury spa / bath set (with oils, bath salts, shower gels and such) also make great gifts. Jewelry boxes are also great and can be customized or engraved, you could also get picture frames, slippers, hair accessories, clothes accessories, shawls (pashminas), etc.

Groomsmen gifts:

The guys in the groom's party are usually very close friends, family or colleagues of the groom. Knowing them well helps you make sure that your gifts for each person is suited to that person - something sporty (a gym bag) for the sporty guy, something handy (pocket tools) for the very handy guy, accesories (cufflinks, tie clips or money clips) for the fashionable or classy guy, etc.

The groomsmen's gifts can range from guy centric gifts to general items that could serve as gifts. Try handing out personalized wine glasses, or shot glasses, beer mugs, card cases or card holders, travel sized grooming kits, personalized pen and pencil gift sets, monogrammed scarves, key holders, head phones, travel sized loud speakers, leather tray organisers, etc.

Always remember to make sure you buy gifts to suit the personality and tastes of your bridesmaids or groomsmen and you can take it one step further by getting these items personalized, either by having their initials or names embroidered, engraved or monogrammed on whatever item you are giving to your bridal party. You can also choose to get your chief bridesmaid or best man something a little extra special.

Traditionally, these gifts are supposed to be items that can be worn at the wedding by bridal party  such as jewelry or cufflinks for the groomsmen, which is why they are traditionally given at the wedding rehearsal dinner, but you can shy away from tradition on this one.

The gifts can also be given out at the bridal shower or at any private time you have with the ladies or the guys before the wedding.

To help you with your choices, you should have and stick to a budget for these gifts. Another thing that will help is for you to consider how much your bridal party is putting into your wedding, financially and otherwise.

Also try and include your flower girl(s) and ring bearer and remember that you don't have to spend too much to show appreciation. Your friends will love the fact that you took out the time and money to say thank you for their contribution towards making your wedding more memorable.

Resource: weddingsolutions.com

       knot.com

Photo Credits: sweetmemorybaskets.com

beau-comp.com

americanbridal.com

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