Gifts given by the bride and groom are certainly part of the wedding

tradition. But who makes up the group fortunate enough to receive a gift from

the bride and groom? Members of the wedding party top that list. That includes

everybody: best man, maid of honour, matron, bridesmaids, ushers, groomsmen,

junior bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers. It's also a nice gesture for

the bride to give a gift to the groom and vice versa, although this is not

mandatory. Nowadays, the bride and groom also include each set of parents on the

gift giving list. Also, it's definitely a nice gesture to give a gift to any

other person who did something special during the occasion. Sometimes someone

will be asked to do a special reading at the ceremony, or to step in for the

bride's father and walk the bride down the aisle and these individuals should be

acknowledged.

Why give gifts to members of the wedding party? The purpose of these wedding

gifts is to show your appreciation, not break your wedding budget. A gift that

has been specially picked out shows you put thought and consideration into the

gift. Including a personalized note with the gift thanks the person for whatever

role he or she played and it is certainly a nice touch when having the gift

engraved with the wedding date and couple's names or initials. To help with

thank you letters, keep a note of what each person's role so you know exactly

what to say when it comes to writing.

Prepare the gifts several weeks in advance. Make sure you have the gifts

purchased about 4 weeks prior to the wedding date. That gives you enough time to

have them engraved and to create your personalized messages. To help the gifts

make an even greater impression on the recipient, take special care in wrapping

them. Use fancy wrapping paper and elaborate bows using colours that complement

the wedding colours. The best time to give your gifts is during the rehearsal

dinner, as it's intimate, and the people to whom you're giving the gifts should

all be present.

Here are some gift ideas to help you get started? First, check your wedding

budget to see how much you have allocated to this category. You've likely spent

quite a bit of your money by this stage, so it's important to take a realistic

look. Brides typically give each member of the bridal party a piece of jewellery

or a hair clip that the bride would like her to wear on the wedding day. Other

gift ideas include bud vases, picture frames, bath oils, a collectible item or a

gift basket. The men in the wedding party like to receive engraved pens, pocket

watches, cigars, business card holders, a clock for their desk, or key chains.

For the parents, a professional wedding photo in an engraved frame is perfect as

is a personalized letter detailing your appreciation. For each other, anything

that conveys your love and devotion is ideal.