If you’re in the final planning stages of your wedding, you likely have many tasks to attend to. With so much to worry about, your bridesmaids and groomsmen will likely help out with minor details and arrangements. The question of whether or not you should give gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen will likely arise at this point. The answer is a definite yes for a variety of reasons.
Why You Should Give
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are putting time and effort into your celebration. Even if you have asked very little of them, chances are that they had to spend a decent amount of money to purchase their attire for the wedding day. On top of that, they may have to take time off from work in order to come to the wedding, the rehearsal dinner and other events related to the celebration.
In most cases, bridesmaids and groomsmen also pay at least a few hundred dollars to go to the bachelorette and bachelor party, and women tend to spend money on the shower too. They may have to book flights and hotel rooms if you’re planning a destination or out-of-town wedding. Giving a gift is a way to let them know that you are thankful.
How Much Gifts Cost
Grooms typically spend an average of $36 per groomsmen gift. However, the amount of money that you spend on your bridal party is going to depend on a few factors, such as what you can afford and how many members of the bridal party you have. You may also base your budget on how much your bridesmaids and groomsmen spent on your wedding.
To cut down on costs, you can shop for gifts in advance or buy items in bulk. You can later have them monogrammed for a more personal touch.
When to Give
The most common time to distribute bridal party gifts is during the rehearsal dinner. Many couples stand up to give a small speech of thanks to their bridal party members; this is the best time to give out your thank-you gifts. In the event that you are not having a rehearsal dinner, you can have a private conversation with your bridesmaids and groomsmen before the wedding.
What to Give
You should decide the types of gifts to give based upon the personalities of your bridal party members. Remember that you want to show them that you know them, love them and appreciate them. Opting for personalized bridesmaid or personalized groomsmen gifts can accomplish that goal.
Try to stay away from gift cards, since it shows a lack of effort on your part. Gift cards can seem as though you forgot about the presents and just stopped to pick up an item quickly at the last minute.
Whether or not you should give gifts to your bridal party members is an easy decision. They have focused their time, energy and money on your wedding, so thanking them through gifts is only apt.
