Great Gifts
for Guys and Gals
Thoughtful ways to thank all of your wedding's VIPs
Giving gifts to members of the wedding and other special
guests is a time-honored way of showing thanks and sharing
joy. It's customary to present a token of appreciation to
bridesmaids, ushers, flower girls, ringer bearers, readers
and parents, as well as anyone else who helps make your wedding
day special. Basically, you have three gift-giving options.
- Find those two great gifts (his and hers) you're sure
everyone will love, and buy in bulk. The larger the
bridal party, the more couples like this idea. It usually
works out well because friends are drawn together by similar
interests. Box seats for the hottest game in town may be
more welcome by the guys than money clips. But if your buddies
are bankers or accountants, engraved sterling silver money
clips may get the oohs and aahs.
- Present your maid or matron of honor and best man
with something different. If you have a large bridal
party, but you'd like to thank the people who offered the
most help with something special, this is the way to go.
Stick with the bulk gifts for the rest of the bridal party,
but choose personalized gifts for the two most important
people in your bridal party.
- Select individualized gifts for each member of the
wedding. Of course, this is easiest to do with smaller
bridal parties. If you're tuned into the interests and hobbies
of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, surprise them with personalized
presents. Software for a computer freak, frames or film
for a photo bug and dinner gift certificates for food aficionados
are all welcome gifts.
Great gifts
Whether you're buying for a crowd or simply need a couple of
special things, use this list for inspiration. One last note:
the his—and-hers columns are loose guides. Don't be afraid
to break through the gender barrier. Your maid-of-honor may
appreciate a beautifully monogrammed silver-plated business
card case. Your best man may have always wanted a facial, but
never had the nerve. You get the picture.
HERS
- Perfume and/or atomizers
- Cosmetic brushes
- Porcelain, silver or crystal keepsakes
- Wedding day jewelry
- Top-quality brush/comb sets
- Picture frames
- Spa gift certificates
- Concert tickets
- Magazine subscriptions
- Flower-of-the-month club
- Gourmet teas or coffees
- Massages or facials
- Body-care goody baskets
- Gift certificates
- Candlesticks
- Personalized stationery
- Accessory boxes
HIS
- Silver-plated card cases
- Deluxe Swiss army knives
- Golf accessories or club date
- Really good sunglasses
- Cufflinks
- Martini or margarita sets
- Wines
- Beer- or cigar-of-the-month club
- Shaving kits
- Music gift certificates
- Tools for the handy types
- Wallets
- Money clips
- Gift certificates
Something different
If you're planning a theme wedding, think of a gift in keeping
with the topic. Going nautical? Give seashell picture frames
or golden knot cuff links. Marrying around a holiday? Wrap up
elegant tree ornaments for a wintry wedding or cool sunglasses
for one near the Fourth of July. (You get the idea.) Many gifts
lend themselves to monogramming—a great way to personalize
your selections. Silver key chains, money clips and compacts
are just a few of the shimmering items that can be engraved
with the recipient's initials. Some brides take into account
that their attendants' wedding-related expenses can quickly
add up—from a possible plane ticket down to a dress and
shoes—and offer to defray some of those costs by helping
to pay for the outfit, hotel room and so on. For many bridesmaids,
that can be the most-welcome gift of all.
When to give
Gifts are traditionally presented to the bridesmaids at a luncheon
or party held before the wedding day. The groom usually gives
gifts to his ushers at the rehearsal dinner. (Just go the route
that works best for you!) And don't forget to tuck a personalized
card inside each one.
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