By: Rebecca Howard
You put so much time and effort into choosing the perfect cast for your bridal party. These are people who’ve been your best friends and confidantes since college, or in some cases, childhood. They’ve held your hand through all of life’s ups and downs. You want to put just as much effort into finding the perfect tokens of appreciation to show them how much their love and support means to you. Weddings are expensive enough already, though! Can a cash-strapped couple find meaningful gifts that won’t break the bank? Of course! Try one of these savvy suggestions.
Beautify Your Bridesmaids
They hosted your shower, helped you pick the perfect invitations and even agreed to wear those hot pink dresses you insisted upon. After all the work put into helping you plan this wedding, your bridesmaids could use a well-deserved break. What could be better than a gift certificate for a luxury spa day? Give them the gift of facials, saunas and massages in a blissful, relaxing atmosphere on the day of their choosing, or book a day for all of you together to unwind before your big day. Make it even more special by tucking the certificates into personalized spa robes ($39.95) or bags ($11.95) from ExclusivelyWeddings.com. Have them embroidered with a monogram to add that finishing touch for only a few extra dollars.
Sporting Groomsmen Gifts
Groomsmen will equally appreciate a gift certificate for a round of golf paired with a monogrammed golf towel ($24) from GroomStand.com. Or how about a pair of tickets to a sporting event you can all attend together? Up the fun by stashing the tickets in one of these unique Scorzie can holders (on sale for $12.99), which will let them keep their drinks cold and track the score at the same time.
Destination: Fun!
Hosting a destination wedding? Help your bridal party get there in style with these monogrammed duffel bags ($34), available in a variety of fonts and colors from theplaidgiraffe over at Etsy.com. Pack them with travel-size versions of chic cosmetics and toiletries. If it’s going to be a beach wedding, you might choose one of these canvas boat totes ($47.50) from curlyQdesign on Etsy.com instead. The totes include a matching terry velour beach towel, and both can be monogrammed. Stock them with sunscreen and matching shades.
Mementoes for the Maid of Honor
Your maid of honor deserves a special gift in appreciation of her special status. In this case, you might want to uphold the tradition of giving a piece of jewelry to commemorate your bond. Memorialize your years as besties with one of these trendy Chan Luu friendship bracelets ($20), which are available in a variety of styles and colors on ChanLuu.com. You could also go for something a bit more blingy. Every best-dressed maid of honor needs a crystal-embellished smartphone case ($80) from Swarovski.com.
Only the Best for Your Best Man
Your best man has been by your side through little league tryouts, first date jitters and college cram sessions. Show him how much you appreciate his standing up for you on the most important day of your life. A leather iPad case (on sale for $62) is a gift that he will be able to use every day. Brookstone will even personalize the case with his initials! For something more unique, try this miniature replica Louisville Slugger bat ($25). It can even be engraved with up to four lines of a personal message commemorating the day.
It’s your day, but you want it to be an equally happy one for all those who have done so much to make it perfect. The thoughtful bride and groom will follow these tips for finding unique gifts to express gratitude, and they’ll still have enough spending money left for a fabulous honeymoon!
---
Rebecca Howard is a California blonde by transplant, but usually showing her roots, both dark and Southern. Although her career path has been varied, writing is the lifelong passion she is now pursuing professionally. She is generally found: lying out in the sun reading when she should be writing. Her obsessions include: The Rolling Stones, sunshine and shoes. She is addicted to: Diet Dr. Pepper, Twizzlers, Downton Abbey and shoes. She can usually be caught: bribing her kids not to tell her husband about the shopping bags stashed in the closet. Which are full of shoes.