Gifts

Every couple wants to express their gratitude to those who have played a special role in their wedding day and put much hard work into the planning and preparation. Buying gifts for the wedding party is often a rushed affair at the last minute. A gift chosen with love, careful thought and appreciation will be treasured forever.

Buying for the Best Man and Ushers

Men are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. With women, you can always go down the ‘something pretty’ or ‘smellies’ route for ideas. Men however, tend to lead simpler lives and desire only expensive gadgets and nice cars as presents! If your budget doesn’t stretch to the latest Aston Martin, don’t worry! There are plenty of ideas out there for useful, quality gifts any man would be pleased to receive.

Cufflinks may be a traditional present for a man, but when made of silver or gold, engraved with initials and perhaps wedding date, they become a thoughtful and useful gift to be treasured long after the wedding. Other gent’s jewellery gifts such as tie slides can also be engraved and worn regularly after the wedding.

Alcohol is always a popular present for all but teetotalers. A case of his favourite wine or beer will be well received, as would a subscription to a wine society. Or for a more unusual present, why not give a trip in a hot air balloon or a day learning to drive a tank.

Buying for the Fathers of the Bride and Groom

Whilst the mothers’ of the bride and groom tend to get the most attention, it is important to remember that the wedding of their child will be an emotional day for the fathers too. You can make them feel included by presenting them with a gift when the mothers are presented with their customary bouquets.

Ideas for useful and attractive gifts include a glass decanter for his favourite tipple, a classic writing pen or a picnic hamper complete with all the equipment needed for eating al fresco. A photo frame filled with cherished photographs of family moments will be well received.

Buying for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

Mothers traditionally receive a bouquet at the top table to thank them for all their hard work in the run up to the wedding. However, there are many ideas for gifts which will last much longer than flowers.

A classic piece of jewellery makes the perfect gift for a mother. Pearls, gold and diamonds are traditional choices and will be worn long after the wedding day. A beautiful silver or wooden photo frame, filled with family photographs is sure to be appreciated by any mother.

Perhaps a day being pampered at a health spa or a series of treatments at a beauty salon would help the tired mothers wind down after the wedding.

Buying for the Bridesmaids or Maid of Honour

As a bridesmaid can range in age from a toddler to an adult and the maid of honour is a married woman, the gifts chosen need to be appropriate to the age of the recipient. Crosses on chains and bibles used to be the most popular gifts but times have changed and there is a wide range of present ideas to choose from.

‘Pretty things’ will always be treasured by girls and jewellery made from gold, silver or pearls will make even the smallest bridesmaid feel grown up. Jewellery that comes gift boxed is also easy to present on the wedding day. Photo frames sit well in any bedroom and can be engraved with the name of the recipient and a special message of thanks from the married couple.

For the youngest bridesmaid, a range of books about the big day are available, complete with sections they can fill in. Such books add to the excitement of being a bridesmaid and are sure to be treasured after the event.

Don’t forget that many gifts can be personalised with an engraved message or the initials of the recipient to make your present extra special.

By: Esther Trice

www.agift4you.co.uk