Bridal party gifts

[jamie22]

What do you guys think is good amount to spend on your wedding party. I dont want to look cheap , but I want to get everyone something nice for our special day. These people are a big part of the wedding, close friends and family all of whom I love very much. Thanks

[Liquiddi]

I need to know the same thing. ????

[staylor]

I don't think the amount should determine what makes a gift good or not. Try to come up with something that you know they will both need and/or enjoy and that should matter most.

Remember, it's the thought that counts.

Unless you know they determine the quality of the gift as how much you spend then you might need to think about it a little more. :wink:

[Konstanse]

Well said staylor! What my new husband and I did was think about the person we were looking for and buy something they would like and use. There was one couple helping with our wedding that can buy anything they want whenever they want. We ran across a few massagers and knew they would never think of buying those for themselves! For the mothers and grandmothers I decided to get them hankies with their initials stitched onto them. It all depends on the people!

[pink butterfly]

Are we talking of favours for the guests here? If so...I'm not having any!
I am aware that the majority of us on here are from the USA and you have very elaborate etiquette but here in England favours are not a big deal unless you are having a very posh wedding or, on the other hand you're still living in the 80's when sugared almonds wrapped in coloured tulle were rife.
The last few weddings I have been to there have been no favours for the guests. They were not missed and they are an incredible waste of money if this is the case. I have been to a very posh wedding where mini bottles of pink Moet were placed at each setting along with sterling silver keyrings for the ladies and sterling silver tie pins for the gents. That was great but there really was no need-guests expect to have a nice time and assist you in celebrating the happiest event of your life but nothing more.
Instead of favours I'm going to have a candy buffet at my evening reception, accompanied by a chocolate fountain which we are having in place of a wedding cake.

[Konstanse]

this topic is actually for those who help in the wedding. I don't know European customs, so I have no clue if it is the same in England. In America a lot of people give gifts for those who are part of the wedding or those who help out in some way (ex. bridesmaids and groomsmen.)

As far as guests are concerned, it depends on the individual getting married and their ancestory. Most of the Hispanic comunity will provide some kind of gift for the guests due to their culture. I personally provided Chinese fans, but only because the wedding was outside in July in summer in Texas during the day. I think we only reached about 95 F that day, but I really didn't check. Most people today provide the rice/birdseed/bubbles for keepsakes...or napkins with their names and date on them. Anyway, to each their own as far as guests are concerned.

[pink butterfly]

Fans are a good idea! You could get the children involved with making them after the ceremony for the guests!
Sorry-I did'nt read the initial post correctly and though this topic was about favours for the guests! Yes in the UK we tend to present gifts to the bridesmaids, best man, ushers, mother of the groom and father of the bride traditionally. We have decided to just present elaborate flower bouquets to my mother and my H2B's mother to thank them for their assistance, buy silver mirrored compact cases engraved with the date of our mariage for the bridesmaids, tie pin and cufflink set to the best man and ushers and the fathers are having tradtional glass decanter sets for their brandy!

[Konstanse]

Ya'll are fancy! We gave things like model cars (for my brother-in-law), the bridesmaid's jewelery...well, it wasn't very fancy or expensive. The mothers got a glass rose. Every time I went on a trip growing up I would buy my mother a glass rose. I thought it would mean a bit more to her. Of course I couldn't have my mother-in-law feeling left out (although I almost would have rather not.)

Anyway, it is interesting to hear how similar weddings are between countries!

[angel bride]

Family an friendes presence are so important you must share thm this special day

[bridalgirl]

We made up little gift bags filled with things that each individual person liked. We personalized the color to their favorite color. We put their wedding jewelry in their along with a mess of other items that each individual person would appreciate.

I don't think it matters at all how much you spend, it's totally the thought behind it that counts on this one.

[leansimpson]

Gift is very important.

Great price not cheap

[stringviva.com]

I think the hankies with the initials on them sound good.