Bridal Party Gifts

The secret to buying a great bridal party gift is thoughtfulness. Not money, not luxury, but thoughtfulness. You can spend all the money in the world on your bridesmaids and groomsmen, but that doesn't mean that you'll end up with the best attendants' gifts.

So what to buy? Start out by asking yourself what your friends want but might not buy for themselves. If nothing comes to mind, consider giving gifts that the wedding party can use at the wedding along with things that can be used for other occasions.

For example, how about buying beautiful handmade shawls for your bridesmaids? You can match them to your wedding colors, but think about choosing shawls in shades your ladies will love. Have fun with it. Wrap the shawls with a real cloth ribbon and place them where bridesmaids can find them. Another great gift is a gorgeous, roomy makeup bag filled with a generous supply of high-end makeup -- think Chanel, MAC, Laura Mercier. What woman doesn't love makeup? Especially if it is a splurgey brand she doesn't normally buy for herself.

For the groomsmens' gifts, high-quality, silver or gold cuff links are a traditional, but great gift. Box them beautifully, and, again, leave them where the groomsmen will find them. If you're looking for something a bit less traditional, gift certificates for lessons are perfect. Cooking lessons, parasailing lessons, a beer-tasting class... there is no limit to what you can give as a gift. If you have a groomsmen with a specific hobby -- perhaps your best man is a disc jockey -- buy a gift associated with that hobby.

Happy shopping!


A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Groomsmen Gifts

Congratulations, Mr. Groom-to-be!

By now, you've probably chosen your best man and groomsmen. If not, it's time to start seriously considering who will stand at your side when you say your vows. Brothers and college buddies are a common choice, but cousins and even dads are frequently asked to stand with the groom. Don't be afraid to gender bend, either. If your best pal is a gal, why not have a Best Maid or a groomswoman?

For the purposes of this post, let's just say you've chosen your attendants and they're all dudes. You've talked to them about their responsibilities, and now you want to show your appreciation for the help they've given you so far. That means it's time to start thinking about groomsmen gifts.

Maybe you're not a big shopper, and prefer to leave the shopping to your fiancee. No matter who is wielding the credit cards in your relationship, this post should give you some fun and memorable gift ideas. As always, your overall wedding budget should dictate your choices. Generally, the cost of groomsmen gifts is in proportion to the cost and size of the wedding and the responsibilities of the men.

You can go the conventional route and present each of your men with the same gift. You can't go wrong with traditional masculine gifts like monogrammed mugs, beer steins, toiletry sets, handkerchiefs, engraved pocket watches, engraved cuff links, manicure sets, or engraved money clips. If you do decide to give engraved gifts, you can be sure your attendants will treasure them for many years.

You can also individualize your gifts to each of your groomsmen's tastes. You don't have to give each of your attendants the same gift just because it's what's usually done. Nor do you have to give them the usual masculine gifts if that's not your style. Think about their likes and interests before you buy anything. Your best friend might appreciate a gift certificate to a bookstore more than sports tickets. Your brother might rather enjoy a nice meal with you at his favorite steak house.

Let what you know about each of your attendants be your guide and you can be sure they will treasure whatever you ultimately choose to give them.


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Bridesmaids Gifts

Saying a proper "thank you" is always important, no matter what the occasion. In the case of a wedding, showing your wedding party how grateful you are for their help is even more important because of the time and expense involved in their participation. If you have the time and the energy to find super personalized gifts for your gals, great. But if you're like most brides, you're going to want to go the traditional route when shopping for bridesmaids gifts.

What's traditional? When it comes to gifts for bridesmaids (and any other female attendants you may have) girly is usually the way to go. After all, when it comes right down to it, few things are more feminine than a wedding with all the gowns and the cake and the little presents. Here are a few ideas to help you thank your bridesmaids for being there for you.

• Bag it up -- Personalized tote bags do double duty, serving first as wedding day emergency kits for the bridal party and then as beach or overnight bags for the bridesmaids. Totes come in all shapes, colors, styles, and sizes. For fun, try switching it up and giving each of your gals a different bag.

• Drink it up -- Pink monogrammed flasks may seem a little frivolous, but they are a fun alternative to the usual makeup bags and keychains. You never know...the flasks might come in handy on a long wedding day!

• Bling it up -- If you know your ladies' tastes, consider gifting them with bridesmaid jewelry that they can wear to the wedding and after the wedding. Remember this simple rule: Fewer rhinestones mean more chances to wear the jewelry again.

• Tear it up -- And by it, we mean "the town." Give each of your 'maids a personalized bridesmaid shirt so everyone in the bar knows that it's your bachelorette party and they are your best friends.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/