Gifts for the Wedding Attendants

There are usually a plethora of helpers during a wedding, from the ushers to the best man and the bridesmaids, not including all those people that helped out before the big day.  In order to show appreciation for all the hard work these friends or family members have done on your special day, it is always a nice idea, and traditional, that they receive a gift of some kind normally given during the speeches!

The Bridesmaids

Whether you have one Maid of Honour or six bridesmaids, they will all have played their part on the day.  Not only will they have almost as many dress fittings as the bride but they will have had to make sure that the bride looks stunning before walking down the aisle, been involved in the preparation of the bride on the day and lets not forget the smiles they would have kept on their faces all day and during the photographs.

At some point, the bridesmaid(s) may have also helped the bride with the little things such as going to the toilet in her big wedding dress, making sure that the bride doesn't drink too much on the day and of course keeping one eye on the groom and the best man to make sure they are where they are meant to be when it is time for the photographs to be taken or the first dance.

Remember that a lot of bridesmaids are considerably younger than the bride so things like a crystal vase or make up may not be appropriate.




The Best Man

Usually the organiser of the stag night and the person most responsible for keeping the groom-to-be in check.  On the day he would have ensured the groom made it in one piece to the ceremony and hopefully gave a witty and tear-jerking speech.

The Ushers

Most likely the ushers were also present at the stag do and aided the best man in keeping the groom-to-be in line and safe from harm.  They also helped everyone attending the church or wedding ceremony to sit in the right place and help sit those single guests by escorting them to their seats.

Other Attendants

The Ring Bearer(s) and the Flower Girls will all have done a wonderful job during the ceremony and would probably be really pleased to receive a gift at the end of the day.

Wedding Attendants Gift Ideas

Following are a few tips about the sort of things that you should consider buying your attendants:

  • A copy of their favourite book, maybe a first edition if you can find it.
  • Clock.
  • Computer games.
  • Crystal: this could be a vase or a figurine.
  • Cufflinks.
  • Electronic Diary.
  • Gift baskets.
  • Gift experience vouchers.
  • Hairbrush sets.
  • Handkerchiefs: these were once a lovely gift but you should ensure that they will actually be used and not just put in a drawer somewhere.
  • Hip flasks.
  • Jewellery box.
  • Jewellery: always a favourite with the ladies but ensure if you are buying earrings that they have pierced ears.
  • Manicure or pedicure sets.
  • Money clips.
  • Monogrammed stationary.
  • Pampering or spa products or vouchers.
  • Pens.
  • Personalised figurine.
  • Photo albums.
  • Photo frames.
  • Pocketknife: obviously for the older attendants.
  • Scented candles.
  • Silver compacts.
  • Silver lighter.
  • Soft toys and teddy bears: for the young at heart.
  • Tankards.
  • Tie and shirt.
  • Tie Pin.
  • Watches or Pocket Watch: these can be purchased for both men and women and for the smaller children they could enjoy a watch showing their favourite character.

A lot of people, when asked what type of gift they would like, will claim not to want anything but just because your attendant says this does not mean you should consider not getting them anything.  The attendants have played a big part during your day and it is only proper that you show your appreciation in some way.

Let us not forget the mothers involved in your day.  They are generally presented with a bouquet of some kind during the speeches and usually by the groom.  Their gift does not have to be flowers however and can be chosen from the wide variety of gifts available including jewellery or a watch.  How about her favourite collectable figurine or a personalised clock?

It is acceptable to spend a little more money on the maid of honour or chief bridesmaid and the best man who have both generally had the most responsibility and have contributed a lot to the smooth running of the wedding day.



Tips for Choosing Wedding Attendant Gifts

There are plenty of shops both on the High Street and online that will carry some lovely and personal gifts for those that helped you.   Your intention is to buy a gift that the receiver will either enjoy or treasure for many years to come.

  • Be realistic with the budget you want to spend on each person.  Having many attendants on the day may spread out the cost per person.  Pick a budget and try to stick to it as much as possible.  If you only have one or two attendants then of course, be a little extravagant if you can.
  • Be sure not to buy all your attendants exactly the same gifts, especially if you can get them in a buy one get one free option as you could be portrayed as cheap.
  • Engraving your items is a wonderful personal touch.  These can bear a message or the date of your wedding along with their names etc.
  • Ensure you consider the ages of the person you are buying for.
  • Giving out money as gifts is not usually acceptable so if you feel completely stuck, perhaps go for the voucher option or even tickets to their favourite Opera or ballet for instance.
  • Remember you are buying for an individual so sometimes whatever you buy may not be to your taste but the person you are buying for may love it.
  • Trying to be personal to the attendant will mean so much more than a generic gift.

Buy what you feel is right and relevant for the person you are thinking about.  Try to be creative and your attendant, on receiving your gift, will definitely know that you appreciated all their hard work as well as their friendship.