Gifts From the Bride & Groom
It is an established tradition that, to show their appreciation for all the help and support they have received, the bride and groom purchase gifts for all members of the wedding party.
In addition to the bride and groom (who will find something really special for each other) the wedding party normally consists of the best man, all the bridesmaids - including the chief bridesmaid or matron of honour, page boys, flower girl, ushers and of course both sets of parents.
This charming custom means that carefully chosen gifts ensure that parents and attendants, who give their time generously, are made to feel special and fully recognised for all the hard work they have put in both before and during the wedding. Also in years to come they will have a happy reminder of your big day.
The choice of gift is largely down to how much you can afford and how imaginative you are, but on the whole it is the thought that really counts and no one who cares about you is going to expect an expensive and lavish gift. It is advisable to stay well within your budget and not get so carried away that you end up in debt. Never try to match the recipient’s lifestyle; if they are fabulously wealthy they won’t really appreciate how much you are beggaring yourself just so that you don’t look mean!
Buy what you can comfortably afford, but also try to find something unique that has special meaning, alternatively if you are gifted you may even decide to make something which could well be truly treasured in years to come.
To help you make your mind up about the various gifts you need to purchase, we have listed a few suggestions to get the ball rolling:
FROM EACH OTHER
Antique jewellery
Beautifully framed portrait
Gold and diamond locket
Designer watch
Subscription for a top-class health club
Fabulous handbag
Polo lessons
Cuff-links & tie pin
Sporting equipment
Pure cashmere stole
Leather wallet or briefcase
A golfing or horse-riding holiday
Matching luxury luggage set
A share in a racehorse!
CHIEF BRIDESMAID OR MAID/MATRON OF HONOUR
Gold or silver locket
Pashmina
Gold or silver bangle
Vanity case
Silver photo frame
BEST MAN
Cufflinks
Tank driving day
Tie pin
Leather goods: wallet, desk set