Ideas For Choosing Great Bridal Party Gifts

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Although there are many things to spend money on when you are planning your wedding, the gifts you give to your bridal party should be at the top of your list.

Although you and your wedding planner have probably spent the most time of anyone getting things ready in order to make your wedding a success, your wedding party still commits a lot and spends a lot of money leading up to that special day. That’s why it’s important that you reward them and remind them how very special they are to you with the right bridal gifts.

Deciding on gifts for people is always something that takes some thought and deduction. Although you could get similar gifts for everyone in your wedding party, it’s more personalized to get a unique gift for each person. It makes more sense, too, since these are the people closest to you and the groom, and that’s why you’ve elected them to stand with you on the big day as you make those precious vows.

With that said, it’s time to make a list. Sit down with a pen and paper (or on the computer with a word processor document). Write down the name of each member of your wedding party, and write next to their name some of their favorite things (interests, hobbies, items they collect, etc.).

Instead of thinking of your list as something you need to get through, and thinking of each name as something you need to “check off,” change your mindset. Individualize! Give your undivided attention to each name on your list, even if that takes you 15 minutes or more. It’s worth it.

Once you have made your general list, now it’s time to take those interests/hobbies and turn them into gifts. Start by going to your favorite search engine online and searching for gifts based on those things. This should give you a ton of ideas. Write down the top two or three items you find next to your recipients name, and then narrow it down from there.

To narrow down the final gift, consider a few things. First of all, consider your budget. Your wedding is going to cost a lot, and yes you can splurge on the important things. But don’t go overboard. It adds up (as you already know, if you’ve done much wedding planning).

Aside from budget, you’ll also want to choose that final selection based on what will make the member of your bridal party feel most loved and appreciated. Remember that the more personal the gift is to his or her tastes, the more flattered he or she will be.

With that in mind, it may seem obvious (but is worth mentioning) that whoever (between the bride and groom) is closest to each member of the bridal party should choose the gifts for that individual. Your list should only consist of the people you have selected.

On the other hand, if the groom isn’t very involved with the planning, isn’t good at shopping (which is likely!), and isn’t good with lists, there is still hope! You can physically make the list. Just do it with him, perhaps over coffee or brunch. This could be a nice time for the two of you to bond and talk more about the people in your bridal party. It never hurts for each of you to get to know more about each other’s closest friends and family.

If you take the right approach, each step of your wedding plans, including bridal gifts, can be a joy rather than a chore. It’s all in the mindset!

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