{Guest Post} Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Wedding Gifts

{Wedding Tip Thursday} Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Wedding Gifts

plus size bride
Movie Theater Wedding in Virginia by Chamberlin Photography

Your wedding isn’t like everyone else’s … your bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts shouldn’t be, either. When choosing gifts for your attendants, toss out preconceived “rules.” Your wedding is one of the most personal events you will share with friends and family and you chose your entourage because of your connection to each and every one of them. Therefore, don’t take the “one-size-fits-all” approach to buying items and, instead, give unique consideration to each person. Give every member of your wedding party something special and, if you’re drawing a blank on ideas, below are a few suggestions to get you headed in the right direction.

Jewelry/Accessories

If there is one thing a woman can’t ever have “too much of”, its fashion items. Jewelry allows you to forego worrying about size, and leaves plenty of options for engravings to add that special touch. Charm bracelets
make great bridesmaid gifts. You can choose charms that have special meaning for you and your bridesmaid,
whether it is a decorative bead with a British flag to commemorate your trip to the UK together, or a cat to celebrate your shared love of felines.

self love handbook for plus size brides, self love for plus size brides

Don’t think that men won’t appreciate some thoughtful accessories as well. No matter your friends’ career paths, every guy has dreams of being James Bond or Donald Draper; to let them enjoy a bit of a subtle rush, gift your groomsmen engraved cufflinks. Groomstand also opens up the door to some playfulness, with cufflink designs like smiley faces, champagne bottles and even decorative skulls. Whether it is a sports team logo or a set of dice, you’ll be able to find a set that matches your mates’ tastes. And don’t forget about other accessorizing options for men, including tie clips and watches. Or why don’t you think about getting them a gift that they can laugh at, like personalized bobbleheads for example. There is a bobblehead doll for every occasion.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing a fashion-themed item is that it should be built to last both the test of time and the changeability of style trends. Opt for quality overelaborate facade and, if possible, always choose timelessness over the hottest fad of today; years from now, you don’t want your friends to bury your gift in the back of the closet because it clashes with the current craze.

Beverage-themed Gifts

Want to take a different direction? You can wrap each individual’s favorite alcoholic beverage with a handwritten note thanking him or her for her years of friendship. If you have the funds to spare, a set of
personalized glasses or bottle opener will make a nice addition. Once only acceptable for your groomsmen, personalized and stylish flasks will also be a hit with your bridesmaids. Flasks come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles, allowing you to choose the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen. For a dash of fun, include a unique cocktail recipe named after the individual or a moment the two of you shared together, like “college graduation”.

Create a Memory

The bachelor(ette) party, the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinners . . . they’ve all been about the two of you. And orchestrating it all has been your beloved maid-of-honor and best-man. Show your gratitude with more
than just a vocal acknowledgement during the toast, and give them a gift that is extra meaningful. On top of the tangible present, why not give them a day entirely about them? Take your maid-of-honor out to dinner, a play, a trip to the spa, or any fun activity you know will make her gleeful; grooms, take your best man to a sports game, a steak dinner or whatever else you think he would enjoy. What’s important is that you make your best friend feel like royalty.

Handmade

Are you a DIY whiz? Personalized scrap books or photo albums will go over well with the bridesmaids (though
only consider hand making your presents if you’ve asked your friends to spend very little on your big day). Perhaps compile a basket with handmade soaps, preserves, cookies and other crafty treats to present your best friends with (A Beautiful Mess has plenty of ideas your favorite ladies are sure to love).

For your groomsmen, if your fiancé is crafty, he may be able to make something for a much cheaper price than if it was bought. Taking into account the men’s specific living space, they might appreciate some decorative light hangings, a small wooden cabinet or coffee table.

What’s crucial to remember when picking out the gift is that this is not supposed to be about what you like but, rather, what would best communicate to your cherished friends that you appreciate the time they’ve invested in your nuptials. So give your selection some thought and, when in doubt, make it personal. After all, the bond you share with these special people is worth so much more than what can be printed on a price tag.

{Guest Poster Bio} Patty Coleman is a freelance writer based out of Portland, Maine. Though her wedding was 22 years ago, Patty has helped her three daughters each plan their nuptials and, to honor the two decades she has spent with her husband, recently renewed her vows. She enjoys writing about her adventures in cooking, the joys of caring for rescue dogs and, of course, weddings!

Guest Post

The following two tabs change content below.
Pretty Pear Bride is The World’s Only Site for Plus Size Brides. Bringing Bridal Inspiration to brides that look like “YOU”, created by Shafonne Myers. Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
plus size self confidence