Bridal Party Gifts They Will Actually Want!
Now that you've selected your dress, your banquet hall, your save the date wedding magnets, and all the members of your wedding party, you need to find them some bridal party gifts that they won't throw away the minute they are out of your sight. Gone are the days when you hand the bridesmaid a typical cheesy crystal figurine (what the heck are they going to do with that?) or give the groomsmen an engraved beer stein (that is not meant to be drunk out of--hello?). Having your DJ company make a CD of your wedding songs or distributing left over wedding accessories or wedding favors is also a sure way to lose a friend. Even if the wedding videography is amazing, giving them a DVD of your wedding doesn't pass mustard either. It's time for some unique wedding ideas. Below are some unique bridal party gifts your wedding party is sure to love--or at least put to good use!
Bridal party gifts bridesmaids:
The Swag Bag. You know your girls. This is why you chose them to be a part of your wedding day. Think about all the little things they love. Then go buy all of them! Seriously, though, purchase 3 to 4 items that all the girls are sure to love...lotions, cosmetics, perfume, movie passes, a Visa gift card, the options never end. These things aren't really wedding related so yo don't have to shop for the best bridal prices on these items. Then, think about them individually and figure out something a little nicer that you can give to them, personalized bridal party gifts that are unique to each of them. Once you've got the swag all gathered up, buy the right sized zipper bag, load them up , and voila! A lot of work, but your bridesmaids will love them.
The Bling. some say jewelry is the easy way out, but nowadays with stores like Brighton out there, you can find reasonably priced hip trendy baubles that won't break your budget. If you take a moment to shuffle through each bridesmaids jewelry at home (come on, you know you love to snoop!) you can easily find something they will want to wear, maybe even on the wedding day. Don't go too extravagant. Most likely, they wouldn't be wearing bridal tiaras out to McDonalds anytime soon. Also, their bouquets do not count as a gift!
The Spa Day.This is a post-wedding gift. It can get rather pricey, but it will be an awesome time where you all get to sneak away one more time together after the wedding. Look to buy a group package during an off-peak time to save on this wedding party gift. if you're thinking beach weddings, maybe a local hotel on the sand will have some deals for you. if you took the time compare wedding insurance quotes and found cheap wedding insurance, there's no reason why you can't finda smoking deal.
Beer! That's right, a six pack of Bud and you're set! Seriously, though, I'm talking about real beer; stouts, pilsners, cask ales, and Belgian wheats. A variety case of really good brew will set the guys alight with fervor. It will at least give them something to look forward to later. Make sure you have the caveat of the first one gets poured when you two get together again. For the non-beer drinker there's the old standby, the engraved flask. Or perhaps a wine club membership. If you've got guys on the wagon, though, this is not a good idea. You don't want insurance claims against you for them losing it and drinking and driving! If they all imbibe, remember this: if you go booze, they're not gonna snooze.
Watches. This is about as close to giving another man jewelry as you want to go. Still, buying matching awesome watches for all of you to wear on the wedding day (did you hear me say awesome?) makes a great bridal party gift. You can base the quality of the watch against your budget. If you've got $100 or so for each guy, you should be good. You don't have to stick with wrist watches. Engraved pocket watches or other techie gadgets might be a way to go. For the super rich, why not get each guy wedding cars? I'm talking remote control here--unless you can afford real ones!
Sports. Short of buying each of them their favorite sports franchise (aren't the Detroit Lions going for a few hundred bucks?), a full day of professional sports together after the wedding would be a treat that can't be beat. A night out with dinner, drinks, and the daring-do of professional athletes all on your tab. If you've got the means, a suite for hockey. If not, a baseball game with dogs and brewski's.
There are three awesome wedding gifts to give to the special people in your life. You can give these to them at the rehearsal dinner or right before the wedding at the wedding chapel. These can be inexpensive bridal party gifts if that's what you prefer as you can take each one up to whatever level you'd like. You could also remortgage your home to pay for some of them. I'm thinking something in between will make the perfect bridal party gifts that they will actually want.