Selecting Bridal-Party Gifts

Giving gifts to members of the wedding and other special guests is a time-honored way of showing thanks and sharing joy. It's customary to present a token of appreciation to bridesmaids, ushers, flower girls, ringer bearers, readers and parents, as well as anyone else who helps make your wedding day special.

You may choose to give the same gift to all of your attendants--one for bridesmaids, another for groomsmen. However, you might decide to give each person their own unique gift. Another option is to present your maid or matron of honor and best man with something different or a bit more special.

Here's a short list of gift ideas to spark your imagination:

• porcelain, silver or crystal keepsakes
• picture frames
• trinket or accessory boxes
• cuff links
• wallets or money clips
• spa or beauty salon gift certificates
• jewelry to be worn for the wedding day--and long after
• silver or crystal vases
• candlesticks
• personalized stationery

If you're planning a theme wedding, think of a gift in keeping with the topic. Going nautical? Give seashell picture frames or golden knot cuff links. Marrying around a holiday? Wrap up elegant tree ornaments for a wintry wedding or cool sunglasses for one near the Fourth of July. (You get the idea.)

Many gifts lend themselves to monogramming--a great way to personalize your selections. Silver key chains, money clips and compacts are just a few of the shimmering items that can be engraved with the recipient's initials.

Some brides take into account that their attendants' wedding-related expenses can quickly add up--from a possible plane ticket down to a dress and shoes--and may offer to defray some of those costs by helping to pay for all or part of the outfit, hotel room, and so on. For many bridesmaids, that can be the most welcome gift of all.

Gifts are traditionally presented to the bridesmaids at a luncheon or party held before the wedding day. The groom usually gives gifts to his ushers at the rehearsal dinner. (Just go the route that works best for you!) And don't forget to tuck a personalized card inside each one. Happy shopping!

25 Cool Gifts for the Maids

If the women in your wedding already have enough imitation pearl necklaces and monogrammed jewelry boxes for this lifetime, we suggest you put your mind where your maids are-as in, spend the brain power and select gifts that reflect their personality and interests. (The gifts don't all have to be the same, you know.) Use this list of our 25 favorites for inspiration.

• Aromatherapy candles that fit in with each of their lifestyles (tranquility, energizing, de-stressing.).


• Beautiful hair jewelry, like a butterfly barrette or rhinestone bobby pins.


• A small box of decadent chocolates.


• Perfume and a dainty atomizer.


• All the fixings for a luxurious bubble bath. (Don't forget the rubber ducky!)


• A day of horseback riding (or kayaking or roller-skating, etc.).


• Gorgeous candlesticks and candles that fit their decor (there are so many out there to choose from!).


• Cooking, art or ceramics classes (fun for the creative types, and relaxing for those who are highly stressed).


• A pair of margarita glasses, a good bottle of tequila-and limes, of course!


• For a business traveler, a tiny blowdryer and mini sizes of all her favorite toiletries (or even the expensive ones she'd never buy for herself).


• A deluxe set of designer makeup brushes for the beauty aficionado.


• A fine linen handkerchief (for all those happy tears she'll shed at your wedding).


• A gourmet gift basket (include a tiny cookbook and all the ingredients to make a few recipes).


• Découpage a shoe box with memorabilia: old photos, ticket stubs from movies you saw together, snippets from letters. Fill it with sweets or another treat.


• Concert tix for a favorite band.


• Manicures and pedicures all around! (Great to give before the wedding.)


• A precious evening bag-and not necessarily one for the wedding.


• A subscription to a "___ of the month" club. From flowers to wine, there's one for every passion (and budget).


• Gourmet coffees or teas in a fun, jumbo-sized cup and saucer.


• A beautiful handblown vase or other artful objet.


• Lingerie (they'll never expect it).


• For a movie nut, a small collection of her favorite videos, some microwave popcorn and a video guidebook. (Don't forget the Junior Mints!)


• A lovely photo frame (or two)-and a promise for a wedding photograph of the two of you.


• Classy stationery-splurge on a monogram if there's time.


• Still stumped? How about a gift certificate for a day-spa treatment or two? It's a gift that never misses.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Coming Clean

Right now, one of the most popular bridal party gift ideas going is the beauty basket. It’s thoughtful, pretty, affordable, great-smelling and can be personalized in endless ways.

Most bath and beauty shops offer pre-packaged gift sets as well as tons of individual items that brides can mix and match. Look for bath gels, soaps, lotions, powders, potpourri, massage oil, candles, eau de toilette, hand cream and sunscreen, among lots of soothing products. What many brides really like about this pampering present is that they can customize it to their attendant’s tastes. Your maid of honor is a freesia fan? Select a boxful of items scented with their sweet smell. Got a sister who’s a good-skin fanatic? Put together a basket packed with jojoba and vitamin E.

Did we say basket? While a top choice for this gift bundle, there are lots of other imaginative "containers" you can go with. Try a hat box, fruit or vegetable crate, beach bucket, flower pot—you get the idea. Again, it’s all about personalization, so shop around. Some stores even have baskets geared just for gardeners and romantic aromatherapy kits.

And let’s not forget the men in your event. Though not nearly as extensive, grooms can also find stuff for the guys in their party. Shaving kits lead the hot-item list, followed by hair, shower and skin boosting products.

In your own city you’ll probably discover at least one "body boutique" to suit your Big-Day gift needs. Ones we like: Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath & Body Works, Aveda, Victoria’s Secret and The Body Shop.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Jewels Rule!

We gotta admit. We love the idea of giving spa certificates, basketball tickets and really good wine to wedding attendants. But the most classic of all bridal party gifts-- jewelry-- still rates way up there with us.

There's a reason great jewelry has remained such a popular gift idea over time. Lots of reasons, actually. For starters, appreciation is basically guaranteed. Who doesn't love receiving a beautiful pair of earrings or very cool cuff links. And, if you and your friends are at the age where weddings seem like a weekly event, this is the gift that will get lots of use.

Of course, if the bridesmaid look you're going for hinges on uniformity, giving them all the same pretty set of jewelry will also assure success. Even if your attendants' dresses all vary in style, identical pearl chokers can give just the right touch of unity. Also think bracelets, rings and lockets.

Grooms can get in on the act by giving cuff links that really complement a tuxedo--as well as other suits hanging up at home. The classic money clip (we like them engraved) is still a welcome accessory. And why not look into watches? Check for great deals in the months before the wedding--there are decent timepieces that won't break the budget. The bonus: Getting groomsmen to the church on time.

And don't forget any flower girls in the group. Delicate pieces of jewelry featuring a birthstone are popular with the younger set. A locket for a holding a favorite photo--perhaps one of the bride and groom for starters--is also a welcome present. And a special jewelry box (with a surprise inside?) is a must-have at this age. As for ring bearers, use the watch idea, but this time look for a digital version with a cartoon character or super hero in the design. He'll be the envy of the playground.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Delicious Gifts

Delicious Gifts

Everyone wants to give the members of their bridal party presents that won't end up in a drawer. There are lots of great gifts that both sides will love (see our archives!), but few are more useful than food and drink.

Zero in on the interests of each of your wedding members-- you may realize that one is really into fine wines, another is a chocaholic, and so on. Before you know it, a food theme may take shape. The most appreciated gifts are also those that show you put true thought into the giving. And your bridal party will love you for it.

Here are some more delectable-- and totally unique-- edible gift ideas. Most of them work well in a themed basket or bucket.

• Wine and beer. Special vintages and premium micro brews are high on the A list when it comes to wedding party presents.


• Teas and coffees. For those who prefer something more mellow, there are tons of gourmet teas and super-charged coffees out there with price tags that are gift-worthy.


• Martini or margarita sets. Very much in vogue, pitchers and the makings for these cool cocktails are perfect for parties--and you just may get invited.


• Chocolate heaven. Get the really good stuff and lots of it. Throw in hot chocolate mixes, chocolate-covered pretzels--you get the picture.


• Cooking class. Especially fun in metropolitan areas where big-name chefs often share their expertise at schools and restaurants. Friends can meet, cook and eat with some real culinary stars.


• Cookbooks. Whether they're currently wrapped up in a single cuisine or spend the weekend baking, there's a large collection of cookbooks out there to indulge any interest.


• Restaurant gift certificate. Don't know their way around a kitchen but have been to every restaurant within a 50-mile radius? Then a gift certificate (for two!) to an elegant establishment sounds ideal.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Strictly Tickets

Strictly Tickets

Looking for that one-size-fits-all, winner of a wedding party gift idea? Think tickets. They can be for one, two or an entire group. Personalize the presents by choosing different events for each attendant or invite everyone on the same outing. Either way, this is a bridal party gift sure to please both sides-- and here's a list to prove it.

• Concerts. Rock, classical, jazz, country, even opera--it's all music to our ears. From the band everyone's been waiting to hear at the big arena to that cool jazz club that's always seems to be sold out, these passes are a hit.


• Sporting events. Though the World Series and Super Bowl may be out of reach, local games, college bowls, hockey play-offs or even nine holes of golf at your town's toniest course is a great way to spend time together. (The guys might like it, too.)


• Museum events. Ah, the art of giving: If you live in or near a major city, important, temporary exhibits in it's museums often require advance ticket purchases--and costs can be right in line with gift levels.


• Movies/film festivals. How about a dozen movie gift certificates for the bridesmaids who see every one of Leonardo's films-twice? Or bestow a weeklong pass to the science fiction flick fair for the best man who's never missed a Star Trek episode.


• Stage plays--Broadway even. From top regional theater to the Great White Way (depending on your budget and location), the play can be the thing for everyone in the wedding.


• Ballet/dance. A little Swan Lake, the Nutcracker at Christmas time, or something more modern--think Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Twyla Tharp.


• Comedy clubs. Laughter's the best medicine, especially if it's wedding stress that ails you. Treat the whole gang to a great stand-up place and roll in the aisles together.


• Conventions. Is your city known for its flower show? Is the "X-Files" convention coming to your civic center? Events like these just might please the whole bridal party.


• Ski lifts. The slalom seekers in your crowd would probably appreciate lift tickets to their favorite slopes. Hot toddies, optional.


• Wine tastings. Oenophiles-- you know, wine lovers-- would jump at the chance to sample some fine vintages presented by an expert. It's a great way (for the single set) to meet people, too.


• Lectures. From cooking classes with a renowned chef to a series of chats featuring some pretty famous actors, attendance at these events can reach standing-room type numbers.


• Circus. Clowns, acrobats, elephants, the works. Some troupes are more sophisticated than others--but it's still for the kid in everyone.


• Day cruise. If there's water where you live, chances are you'll find companies who sail around the shores. This can be a tour that takes in Manhattan, a raft that roughs white water out west and everything in between.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Do the Spa Thing

Do the Spa Thing

Looking for that one-size-fits-all present that your bridesmaids will actually like? Go the spa route and indulge them with a gift certificate. Sounds good, but not sure what to get? Read on for a rundown of ideas.

First off, there are "away spas" and "day spas," each with an array of pampering services. If you opt for a destination spa, the experience can be completely soothing. A pre-wedding weekend getaway with the whole bridal party in tow makes a terrific group treat-- if it's in the budget.

Overnight stays at local spas can be affordable, especially if the establishment offers a wedding party package and your group is on the small side. Beyond beauty and body treatments, activities such as yoga, hiking and aerobics may also be on the schedule. Generally, everything from meals to massages are included, with the result being happy, relaxed bridesmaids and one very de-stressed bride.

However, not everyone is comfortable with constant hands-on attention. For them, day spas, where you can spend an hour or an afternoon, are good choices since they offer individualized services that can be given as gifts in any combination. Certificates are usually redeemable for up to one year so they can be used at the recipient's leisure. Costs for services vary greatly depending on where you live and the type of spa or salon you select. (And don't forget the guys: lots of places offer facials and massages just for gents.)

Here's a sampling of popular services offered at both destination and day spas around the country:

MASSAGE:
Types include Swedish, shiatsu, sports techniques and reflexology to relieve stress, soreness and tension.

FACIALS:
Deep cleansing and rejuvenating, facials feel soooo good--this gift will get you raves. Aromatherapy, herbal and fruit acid varieties are some top choices right now.

BATHS:
We all know how soothing a bath can be-- and spas have made a real splash in that department. You'll find options such as mineral soaks and hydro massages that put the power of water to work.

THE BODY:
Many treatments lavish attention on every inch of skin. Oils, sea salts, clay, seaweed, paraffin and even algae are used to slough off dead cells, polish the body and jump start circulation.

FINGERS AND TOES:
Sure, we want trimmed and polished nails for the wedding--and way beyond. But spas don't stop at expert manicures and pedicures. They often list hand and foot massages, soaks and warm paraffin treatments among their more luxe services.