By: Melissa Wilkinson
So, your big day is fast approaching and you’ve been planning for months, talking about it for even longer and it seems like you’ve got everything covered.
The venue is booked, a wet weather contingency plan is in place, the photographer is good to go, the guest list (after numerous headaches) is set, and invitations have been sent – need we say it, the list goes on…
But as the excitement of your wedding begins to take hold, your thoughts turn to the people that you’ll share the majority of this special day with — your bridal party!
A sometimes-eclectic collection of you and your partner’s nearest and dearest, this group will see you at your best (and maybe your worst), as you ride the roller-coaster also known as a wedding.
Often underestimated, the bridal party have an important role to play, both in the lead up to, and on your big day. From fittings to rehearsals to decorating, your bridal party is in it for the long haul: acting as advisors, problem solvers and pillars of strength throughout your entire wedding journey.
So, if you’re completely stuck on how you can show your appreciation to the members of your bridal party — look no further! We’ve done all the hard work for you and gathered a collection of the top five gift ideas for the most particular bridesmaid or the fussiest groomsmen.
A Pampering Experience
As part of the lead-up to your wedding day, you want everyone to look their best — but you also want them to feel their best. Spoiling your bridal party with a pampering experience will achieve just that, and this one isn’t just for the bridesmaids.
With the resurgence of barbershop culture, you can pamper your groomsmen with a haircut, cut throat shave and facial – all as part of your pre-wedding preparation.
Treat your bridesmaids to a manicure, pedicure, body exfoliation and massage to have them feeling fabulous before leading you down the aisle.
Personalize It
What better way to show your appreciation to your closest friends than with a customized keepsake that will last a lifetime? Some engraved cufflinks for your best man, a personalized mini hip flask key ring for your MC (for just the right amount of ‘dutch courage’), or a bespoke bar blade bottle opener are thoughtful and practical gifts that will keep on giving.
An engraved wooden wedding fan for your bridesmaids can share a special message and help keep them cool throughout the day, and an engraved keepsake jewelry box is an ideal way to gift all the accessories your bridesmaids may need for the main event.
Personalizing your presents shows thoughtfulness and care – expressing how much it means to you that they are by your side on this momentous occasion.
Experience This
This is a great option, because you can also enjoy this gift yourself! If you’re traveling away for your wedding, you can even theme your experience around the location.
If you find yourself in wine country, choices include a tailored wine tasting or a round of golf (for the guys), or it might be surfing at an exclusive break or deep-sea fishing (again, for the guys), if you’re getting married on the coast.
Better yet, surprise your bridal party and take them to your favorite restaurant to celebrate your impending nuptials and maybe even kick on for some pre-wedding celebrations.
Get Creative
This is where you can put your DIY skills to the test. A gift like this might come after-the-fact, but it will be cherished and appreciated for many years to come.
Collect your favorite photos of your bridesmaids and groomsmen and gift them in engraved wedding photo frames, fill a mini hessian burlap sack with their most coveted sweet treats and complete with a personalized wooden tag or fill a mason jar with messages that signify the special memories you created on one of the most important days of your life.
The best gift of all
So there you have it, some inspiration to help you choose the perfect presents for even the hardest-to-buy-for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the company of those you love most, which is a gift in itself.
Melissa is the founder of Personalized Favors. She is commonly sought for comment on all things wedding related and has worked closely with thousands of couples to create invitations, gifts and wedding favors that are truly unique.
