Be a Great Giver

Let's face it: there are many gifts given and received around a wedding day and wedding couple, and this is a place where everyone wants to do a well. How good does it feels to give a great gift? The dollar store will not suffice, as if it were a little party in need of favors. You want to show your feelings and gratitude, so here's a little encouragement for those getting married with some tips on what to give their support teams.

For the Bridesmaids & Maid of Honor

Shops are filled with custom items for nearly every type of person. Attendants were chosen for their years of friendship and commitment, shared memories and history, trust and affection. You know these people!!
Buy with those personal details in mind, be it for the ladies or gents.

Monogramming is still big, if not bigger than ever. Candles, towels, necklaces and lockets, luggage tags, tote and make up bags - the sky is the limit. If your tribe has a funny in-joke or mantra, add that as a reminder of this special time in your lives.

Ring dishes for jewelry lovers, cutting boards for kitchen wizards, special charms for charm bracelets that can act as talismans also make wonderful keepsakes. 

Framed portraits are always a good idea. We don't care who says otherwise. Put a pic in it or just choose a frame that is gorgeous and tell her you want to make a date to grab a new special memory. Go with a digital frame if that's more suitable. ​

Phone cases, tumblers for coffee/water/smoothies, jade rollers, sleep masks and other more practical and/or self-care items work too.

For the Groomsmen

It has been The Thing since the dawn of man to give drinking related gifts to groomsmen. We get it. A whiskey and a cigar make the man in some circles. Flasks in monogrammed leather cases, decanters and cocktail shakers all still make great gifts. Double Old Fashioned glasses, beer steins and pilsner glasses do too. You're graduating from solo cups at parties to "real life." It's time to upgrade and these are great gifts for that reason or no reason at all.

There are also subscriptions to whiskey, wine, coffee and food clubs that will allow your mates to expand their interests. Consider those gifts that keep on giviing.

If your bridesmaid or groomsman loves to travel, give them something useful or inspiring. Yes, you can buy them a globe, but you may also find maps of places they've been and pinpoint a city or street that is particularly significant. If they love books or sports, get them a subscription to Audible or a bookstore, or subscribe to an online service that will feed this hunger all year long. If they appreciate art, think about something custom that will show them how much you appreciate that side of them.

Think "Experiential"

Rather than something tangible, consider giving them an experience. Go zip-lining (with a reputable team), rent a cabin, hike part of the Appalachian Trail, go fishing, go to a theme park to act like kids again. Spending time with your nearest and dearest pals does count.

You can also give the experience of a service. Maids and Matrons of Honor and Best Men help carry the load as your day approaches and planning gets hectic. Think of giving a massage or spa day and a gift certificate for a lovely dinner out with the love of THEIR life. 

Know Your Recipient

When all is said and done with a wedding, the most important thing that needs to have happened is a celebration. This means that the greatest gift you can give is your gratitude and love. We know that COVID is still an obstacle, but as you can: give hugs generously to those who've dug in when there were too many errands to knock out yourself. 
Write Thank You cards.
Call people. It doesn't have to be a marathon, but a text isn't enough. Say Thank You like it was going to be the last thing you get to say to that person. 
Generosity of spirit lasts so much longer than a saucer to hold your jewelry. If you can't decide on a hug, an experience or a simple gift, try to do all three within reason. These are your people. Show them you adore them.