Bridal party gifts are an age-old tradition. They're an important way to let your dearest friends know just how much you appreciate them. While these gifts don't need to be expensive or elaborate, they can speak volumes about how much you value your friendships. Conventionally, the couple selects gifts for the entire wedding party. The bride buys gifts for her bridesmaids, and the groom buys gifts for his groomsmen. Ring bearers and flower girls are also included in this mix. Apart from these obvious wedding attendants, the bridal party is made up of anyone who has a visible presence in the wedding preparations and celebrations. Parents, musicians, seamstresses, or anyone else who plays an important role in your wedding, can be on your bridal party gift list. These gifts are normally given either right after the wedding or just before. They're typically handed out at the wedding reception, but it's entirely up to the couple as to when and where they'd like to present gifts. If there's a time or place that's more convenient or meaningful, that's perfectly acceptable. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen won't expect the gifts at a specific time. What matters most is that the gifts are thoughtful and meaningful.
Many couples opt to keep their gifts in line with their wedding theme. It's completely appropriate to ask the people in your wedding what they'd like as gifts. That way, you can be sure that your bridal party gifts will be a success. While there are some bridal party gift traditions, don't feel obligated to adhere to them. This is a great opportunity to get creative. But if you're feeling a little lost about the whole bridal party gift process, here are a few simple tips and guidelines.
### When to Present Bridal Party Gifts
Traditionally, the groom presents his gifts after the rehearsal dinner. This is a great opportunity to show the groomsmen how much they're appreciated, and to celebrate their friendship with the groom. If gifts are of a personal nature, the groom can choose a more private setting. The bride presents her gifts on the day of the bridesmaid's luncheon, if it is part of the wedding planning. The luncheon is usually held the day before the wedding, but it can also be held a few days or weeks before. The bride hosts a luncheon in the bridesmaids' honor and hands out her gifts. This is a great opportunity for the bride to decompress and bond with her closest friends.
### Groomsmen Gifts
Groomsmen are usually selected for their close relationship to the groom. Their responsibilities are to help usher guests to their seats, accompany the bridesmaids, and plan the bachelor party. Groomsmen gift options are limitless. They can be a cheeky nod to the bachelor party, a personalized mug or beer glass, a classy pair of cufflinks, an engraved lighter or knife, or monogrammed baseball caps.
### Bridesmaid Gifts
Bridesmaids play an important role in every wedding by providing support to the bride. It's important for the bride to pick out meaningful tokens of appreciation for these special women. Jewelry that can be worn on the wedding day is a popular bridesmaid gift choice, but the options are boundless. Monogrammed totes, engraved picture frames, flasks, manicure sets, and spa kits are just a few ideas. Bridesmaids' gifts should be fun and express your heartfelt appreciation. They should also be able to capture the personalities or taste of your bridesmaids. Look for gifts that your friends will treasure long after the wedding day.
### Fun Bridal Party Gifts
Bridal gifts are not only given by the bride and groom. There are a few occasions that call for the bridal party to treat the soon-to-be-spouses to a gift, for instance, the bridal shower or bachelor party. The bridesmaids or groomsmen typically provide each guest with a way to remember the occasion, like a disposable camera. Then, the bride or groom can receive a fun photo album on the day of the wedding as a special token from their closest friends. These gifts don't have to be extravagant. They're more about capturing meaningful memories than they are about expensive or ornate material objects.
No matter how formal or casual your wedding is, it's important to let your bridesmaids and groomsmen know how much you appreciate them. Take the time to consider fun or unique gifts that they'll treasure for years to come. Adding a personal touch by using a monogram or engraving is a great way to make your closest friends feel valued and appreciated. Years from now, your friends will be able to recall the fond memories of your wedding day each time they look at their gifts.