Thursday, April 15, 2010

Wedding Party Gifts

It seems with every couple we work with, sooner or later we always get the same question: What do we get our bridal party members as a gift?

Some even start a few steps back with, "Are we suppose to get gifts for our bridal party?"

So here is our thoughts on the Bridal Party Gifts:

Is it a must? - No
Should you do it? - Yes

The idea behind offering your bridal party members a gift closer to the wedding (usually on the night of the rehearsal dinner) is to show your gratitude for all of their help in planning, organizing and participating in your wedding. Often groomsmen and bridesmaids have contributed to the planning of Wedding Showers, Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties and/or Jack & Jills. They often help you and your fiance with some of the wedding "To Do's" and are a pillar of support throughout the process. The idea of the bridal party gift is a small way to say "Thanks!"

Who is usually given a gift?
- Often everyone in the bridal party including Flower Girls and Ring Boys. Many couples also choose to include Parents, especially when they are financially contributing to the wedding.

Here are just some of the common and not so common ideas we've seen over the years:

- Wedding jewellery for the bridesmaids to wear on the day of the wedding
- Shawls/pashminas for the bridesmaids to wear on the day of the wedding
- Cuff links for the groomsmen to wear on the day of the wedding
- Day of Gift Bags for the bridesmaids with items such as: Flip Flops, Sun Glasses, Lip Gloss, Kleenex, favourite perfume etc.
- Gift Cards for the Bridal Party; it's a practical gift that everyone can use! Examples: La Senza, Best Buy, Future Shop, LCBO, Restaurants, or any store you know your friends/family love!
- Personalized Clothing: Custom Jerseys or Caps for the sports lovers - Custom T-Shirts for the fashionistas!
- Treat them to an Activity: Golf, Cigar Rolling Workshops, Day at the Spa, Yoga Workshops, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting Tours
- Get each member a subscription to their favourite magazine
- Personally Yours/Things Engraved: You can always find the traditional items here! Examples: Flasks, business card holders, pens, lighters, pocket watches, compact mirrors, mugs, Swiss Army knives
- Tickets to a show, concert, or sports event to enjoy after the wedding

The amount of money you choose to spend is up to you. The act of giving a gift isn't about how much you spend, it's about the thought you put into it!

~ Laura

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