It seems like such a small detail in the sea of wedding planning: What does one buy to thank the bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Choosing something can be stressful, especially if the attendants already have a silver flask or a monogrammed tote. Most bridal websites carry the same items.
To find something unique, wedding planners advise to forget the formula. “The key is to make it personal, just to show that you really know these people you have in your wedding, and you’re not just getting them the standard,” says Allie Liebgott, an event planner with Fete in Denver.
Here are a few suggestions for unique gifts that won’t break the bank.
For men
A monogrammed poker set
Heather Allen, a wedding planner with Table Six Productions in Denver, says she’s recently started recommending these to her clients, considering the game’s popularity. “It’s kind of one of those things that guys would never buy for themselves but would probably use,” she says. The sets come with cards and chips and a cool leather case. Find them online at BayVillageStore.com.
Cost: $44
A monogrammed steak branding iron
For the meat-loving man, a branding iron that burns his initials into his food signals that he is firmly in control of his sustenance. And he can use it while barbecuing, the quintessential manly activity. Find them online at Williams-Sonoma or Sloanbrands.com, or a host of other sites.
Cost: From $20 to $40 each.
A beer or soft-drink holster
Women won’t get much use out of a gadget that holds one’s drink at waist-level. But men would adore something like this, which harks back to the days of the Wild West. (Or at least allows them walk around with a beer hands-free.) Find the holster at famousgallery.com.
Cost: $22 each
For women
Homemade Jewelry
If you don’t have lots of cash to spend on cute earrings for your bridesmaids, head to a local bead shop and make your own jewelry. Allen of Table Six says she made five hefty necklaces two years ago for about $85. Some bead stores also allow you to bring wine or food – be sure to ask.
Cost: As little or as much as you want
A personalized – and affordable – spa basket
If you’re truly keeping to a small budget, hit the Dollar Store or Big Lots, where you can find a cute basket and lots of sweet-smelling lotions and soaps. Choose your bridesmaids’ favorite scents, add a neat frame (they’re everywhere at discount stores), wrap it in cellophane and tie with ribbon in your wedding colors.
Cost: $5 to $15 each, tops
Vintage evening bags from eBay, Yahoo! Shopping or another auction site
Vintage bags, especially beaded ones, are still hot items, perfect for fashionable bridesmaids. Just make sure the seller is reputable. If you’re itching to fill the bag with something, try their favorite pot of lip gloss.
Cost: Usually about $10 to $30 each, although you may get it cheaper
