Wedding Gift Giving Tips
Many couples traditionally associate their wedding day with receiving gifts, not giving them. That may be why choosing the right gifts for your wedding party, and others, can seem like a daunting task.
The good news is that the presents you choose do not have to be expensive. Thoughtful tokens of appreciation that reflect your personality will most certainly be treasured by those closest to you.
Attendant Gifts
When choosing gifts for the wedding party, consider the kind of relationship you have with your attendants. The type of gift you’d choose for siblings would be different from one you’d most likely pick for college buddies. Some couples buy an individual gift for each member of the wedding party. However, it is more common for couples to choose one special item that says "thank you for participating in my special day" for all members of the group.
Groomsmen seem to be the most difficult to buy for. That may be because some men have a hard time expressing emotional thoughts to their friends. Consider the collective personality of the group. If they share a common interest or hobby, that may be a clue to a great gift idea.
On the other hand, bridesmaids’ gifts tend to be more sentimental and decorative than those given to groomsmen. Still, noting the personality of your attendants is the best way to choose a gift they will cherish for a lifetime.
Traditionally, couples present their attendants’ gifts at the rehearsal dinner. Others may prefer to do it at a separate time, perhaps at a bridesmaid’s luncheon or just before the bachelor party. Either way, gifts are usually presented before the wedding. (Especially if the gift is something you’d want them to wear or have on the big day!)
Who pays for these lovely items? It is customary for the bride and groom to buy the gifts for their attendants separately. However, you may want to consider sharing the cost of all wedding gifts, especially if the people in your wedding party are close friends of both of you. Also, now is a good time to get used to pooling your money if you will soon be having a joint account.
Favors for Your Guests
The tradition of presenting one’s guests with mementos or small gifts called favors began at royal weddings of the 1500s. Although in those days the gifts were much more elaborate, the custom still continues today. This may be because everyone loves to collect souvenirs that remind them of wonderful times, such as your celebration. Favors of choice include printed matchbooks and cocktail napkins inscribed with their names and the date of the wedding. Candies, almonds or mints, wrapped up and decorated with the color of the day are also prevalent.
Many couples distribute bottles or splits of wine or champagne decorated with ribbons in your color or labels printed with their names and the wedding date. Small picture frames, used as place markers, are also a favorite among wedding goers. Another idea is to use bowls, vases or floral arrangements as a centerpiece and then encourage your guests to take them home.
Let your creativity and personality shine though. One unique idea is to distribute customized newspapers telling all about the big day. The stories should be as individual as you are, but could cover how the couple met, who the attendants are, or even a trivia quiz about the couple.
Another cute notion is to set out decorative scrolls, tied with ribbon, at each place setting. When opened, the scroll reveals a poem or a note of thanks to the guest for attending. You could also wish each guest luck by placing a lottery ticket at each setting.
Another favorite is the disposable camera. The couple hands them out at the beginning of the reception and collects them at the end. The resulting photos are both personal and fun; and the event is recorded from many different perspectives.
Family and Friends
Family and friends: You might want to give a token of appreciation to other people who played a part in making your day memorable. Be sure to remember relatives and friends who assisted at the ceremony or reception. Small gifts, such as a beautiful tea cup or fragrant bath set, are perfect for these helpers.
Finally, it would be especially thoughtful and touching to purchase a gift for your parents in gratitude for all they’ve done for you throughout your life. Not many times in your life are more significant, so this is an excellent time for that sentimental gift.
Choose a quiet time before the wedding to give both sets of parents a gift. Consider a beautiful frame with your engagement picture inside, a photo montage of father and child through the years, or a figurine of mother and child.