How to Choose Gifts for Bridal Attendants, Ushers, Parents

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The Essentials of Organizing a Wedding Party

Attendant and wedding party gifts can be a way of showing appreciation to your bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, other attendants, and parents — the people who have stood by you during the planning and are prepared to deliver a flawless performance at the wedding. You need to give them gifts that are both a memento of the wedding and personally meaningful to them. The rehearsal is an ideal time to present these gifts. As you give each token of your appreciation, make a toast to the recipient.

When shopping for attendants’ gifts, be aware that gift-wrapping online orders can cost as much as $5 per item. But some stores send their products in boxes that are so pretty they make wrapping paper superfluous.

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck giving tie clips and fake pearls. Nor do you have to give each person the same thing. Here are some creative ways to say thank you to your female attendants:

• Jeweled shoe clips to wear at the wedding and to future festive occasions

  
  



• Charm bracelets with a starter charm chosen for each bridesmaid

  
  



• A chiffon stole or a handbag to match their wedding attire

  
  



• Tried-and-true gifts for male attendants include

  
  



• Monogrammed barware, such as tumblers or beer steins

  
  



• Leather shaving kits for traveling

  
  



• Portable putter sets

  
  

Tokens of appreciation that aren’t gender specific include picture frames inscribed with the date (after the wedding, send a photo that fits the frame of them sometime during the wedding); antique glass, watches or silver serving pieces; and monogrammed terrycloth robes.

Search eBay for fun, meaningful — and often inexpensive — mementos, such as souvenir postcards, monogrammed jewelry or utensils or vintage items that fit each attendant’s personality.

Thank little ones in your wedding party with gifts that are appropriate for their ages. Ideas for children’s gifts include birthstone necklaces, initial key rings, faux-jeweled hair clips and personalized baseball caps. A nice gesture is to send their parents a framed photo of them during their grand entrance.

Show your parents how much you appreciate their support during the wedding-planning process by presenting them with something they’ll enjoy. Present them with theater tickets, or arrange to have a bouquet of flowers with a note delivered while you’re on your honeymoon to show how grateful you are.

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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-choose-gifts-for-bridal-attendants-ushers-p.html