They’re your childhood friends, college roommates, family members, other halves, and now a part of your big day. You’ve kept them up numerous nights checking off to- do lists, stuffing gift bags, and planning parties. Until it’s your turn to return the favor, why not spoil your bridesmaids and groomsmen with a heart-felt gift thanking them for carrying you home after one too many and squeezing into that hideous bridesmaid dress.
We get it, it’s been your dream to get married and you want to shout it from every proverbial rooftop. But before you pop the bridesmaid/groomsman question, take a deep breath. Think of a way to make the moment special, after all your bridesmaids and groomsmen are your saving grace throughout your engagement.
On a day when it’s all about you, it’s nice to make your friends feel special. The duty of a bridesmaid is not over until the last bottle of champagne is popped, and the duty of a groomsman is not over until the DJ goes home, so before you bestow this privilege on your “bestie” or “bro” make it a moment they will never forget.
Take your future bridesmaids to a special dinner or lunch. Decorate the table with fun wedding themed place cards or settings. Celebratory toasts are never forgotten and who doesn’t love a great meal with friends. For the more creative type, send each bridesmaid a mini wedding survival kit, filled with everything a girl needs to party all night. For a more intimate approach, send your bridesmaid a collage of all your best memories together. Reserve a blank page at the end of the book, where she can place a picture of you and her on your wedding day.
Take your future groomsmen to a game. Whether it’s wedding season or not, it’s always a great time to tailgate with the boys. For the simpler guy, take your buds for dinner and drinks, but make sure to pop the question before the liquor starts flowing, you don’t want them trying to talk you out of your big day (just kidding)!
All About the Girls
Your job as a bride is never over. After making one decision after another, you find yourself stuck on what to get your bridesmaids. Lucky for you, we have some creative ideas for every type of friend. No two bridesmaids are alike, so why give them the same gift?
For the Foodie:
Everyone has a foodie in their clique. Indulge her with a deluxe picnic basket filled with tasty foods and wines. Add a monogrammed apron or a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant or gourmet grocer.
For the Fashionista:
Get your fashionista bridesmaid a trendy tote filled with her favorite things. Add in a pair of silk pj’s, a monogrammed bathrobe, a makeup bag or gift certificate to her favorite salon or boutique.
For the Entertainment Buff:
Have a movie or theater buff in your bridal party? Give her an entertainment themed basket filled with her favorite movies and television shows. Fill the basket with tickets to the theater or the taping of a live show. Make it extra special and include an iPad or Kindle so she can watch all her favorite movies and TV shows any time.
For the Thrill Seeker/Athlete:
For the health-conscious bridesmaid, fill a monogrammed gym bag with everything she needs to break a sweat. Include some stylish sneakers, Lululemon gear or sessions with a personal trainer.
Boys Night Out
Grooms don’t feel left out. You may not be buried under tulle, sparkles and hairspray, but without you there is no bride. Groomsmen are just as important, so make sure you treat them right, after all they are carrying your bachelor party secrets to the grave.
For the Foodie:
What guy doesn’t like food? Give your bud a monogrammed cooler stuffed with his favorite snacks and drinks. Add in some NFL inspired mugs, tailgating gear and a beer/wine of the month subscription.
For the Metrosexual:
Get your pretty-boy groomsman a trendy overnight bag packed with cufflinks, personalized socks, a luxury shaving kit and a spa gift certificate. Just make sure he doesn’t look better than you on your wedding day.
For the Entertainment Buff:
Gift the entertainment buff with the ultimate entertainment package, whether it’s the deluxe box set of Scarface or the full season of Breaking Bad. Add in tickets to a taping of a live show or tickets to see his favorite band. Give him something extra, and add an iPad or Kindle so he can watch all of his favorite movies or TV shows.
For the Ultimate Fan:
Get the die-hard fan their favorite team’s gear or autographed memorabilia. Include everything from towels, sweatshirts, jerseys, mugs, hats and more. Make it interesting and get tickets to see your opposing teams battle for bragging rights.
People say getting married is stressful, so why not have your best friends by your side every step of the way. Let them know how much you appreciate them, with a unique personalized gift. But think twice before you put them through the wedding ringer, they still have to give a toast at the wedding reception.