Wedding Party Gifts!

blondii428

I have a week until the wedding and I still haven't finalized wedding party gifts!  We're on a really tight budget but here are my ideas:

Guys--beer mug and a nice beer
Girls--pashmina, flip flops, monogram initial tissues, Bath & Body Works hand soap

I know the guys need something else but FI can't think of anything.  I also know the girls need something that is a little more rememberable as opposed to usable.  Anything you would suggest adding/taking away?

Thanks guys!!

Jessa617

I am giving my girls all gift cards to places they like to shop.

I am also giving them a bag, flip flops, bracelet and hairpieces. This is all for the wedding so I don't consider it a gift.

I think it's better to get something you know they would use/like rather than the typical bridesmaid gifts.

sis180

 I made a letter like this as part of my gift to the BMs (I also purchased a few other items as well) (http://www.etsy.com/listing/74677342/wooden-wedding-initial-monogram-letters)--using scrap book paper and accessories. I used smaller, white letters, and decorated each differently to sort of match their personality. 

Since your wedding is coming up, I would suggest come sort of DIY craft. The letters I made are super cute and very easy!

sis180

FYI, all materials were purchased at Michaels (and there are ALWAYS coupons on the phone app), and I think I spent maybe $20-25 total-for paper, flower and jeweled accessories, small gluegun and paper glue, and letters.  

blondii428

I love the letter idea, super cute!!  I would love to buy everyone a gift card but with my budget and 8 bridesmaids there's just no way

allychase

Trust me something usable is WAY better than something rememberable. They will have photos from your wedding for the rest of your lives, they really don't need anything else that serves as a memento from your wedding day moreso than a thank you gift for them standing beside you on your big day. Honestly I'd scrap the pashmina, flip flops AND tissues and get them all a $10 or $15 gift card (however much you're spending for those three things) for a gas station (who couldn't use free gas these days?!) gift card or for a makeup store, or convenient store (we have Wawa by us and you can NEVER have enough wawa gift cards), or a spa gift card, I believe they'd appreciate that more than small things they probably already have. 

blondii428

Well the pashminas were already bought because the weather in Colorado is unpredictable and it's an outdoor ceremony so I wanted them to not get too chilly.  The flip flops I was thinking would be good to have in case they don't want to stay in their heels the whole reception.  I guess those are more for the wedding than actual gifts.  I could probably do $10 gift cards but I just didn't know if that seemed too cheap!

sis180

Honestly, I think whatever you decide, will be perfect and the BMs will appreciate the thought. In the 2 out of the 3 weddings that I have been in, I was given a necklace that they wanted us to wear in the wedding, and for the third I was given a small clutch that said "bridesmaids". They were okay gifts, but that's not the point of being a bridesmaid. If you've already purchased all of the items you've mentioned, I would think that is ok for the gifts. Try not to stress too much about it at this point. Do what you can, within your budget, and they will enjoy the party, regardless.

However, If you are still wanting to get them something, Another idea is to provide breakfast, or mimosas or something like that while getting ready. I would rather be treated to that than getting a gas card as a gift. But that's just me. 

sis180

(I've been struggling with the BMs gifts, too, and feeling like I haven't gotten enough for them considering everything they have done for me throughout this process). They know you love and appreciate them (hopefully), so I'm sure whatever you get them will be great. 

ChiGirl2013

If you want to get the guys something else, think of something that goes with beer.  A keychain or bottle opener with their favorite sports team?  A gift card for lunch at Hooters?  (I don't drink so I'm kind of grasping at straws here.)  Don't forget - you don't have to get them all the exact same thing.  In fact, when I'm in a wedding, I prefer not to get the exact same thing as everyone else in the wedding party.  I like to think that the couple took a few minutes to think of something that *I* would like, rather than just getting 8 of everything and not giving any thought to me as an individual, after all the time and money I invested in their big day. 

As for us, I have no clue what FI is getting his BM.  I told him that's his one and only job.  We're getting married in 9 days and I don't even think he has thought about it.

My (only) attendant is getting a pink swarovski crystal-filled pen that has a jump drive in the end of it, and one of those hooks that hold your purse onto a table at a restaurant instead of having to put it on a chair or the floor.  I'm also putting together an emergency kit for her with bandaids, clear nail polish, nail glue, contact solution, a granola bar, breath mints, a mirror, tylenol, etc.

allychase

In Response to Re:Wedding Party Gifts!:[QUOTE]Honestly, I think whatever you decide, will be perfect and the BMs will appreciate the thought. In the 2 out of the 3 weddings that I have been in, I was given a necklace that they wanted us to wear in the wedding, and for the third I was given a small clutch that said "bridesmaids". They were okay gifts, but that's not the point of being a bridesmaid. If you've already purchased all of the items you've mentioned, I would think that is ok for the gifts. Try not to stress too much about it at this point. Do what you can, within your budget, and they will enjoy the party, regardless.However, If you are still wanting to get them something, Another idea is to provide breakfast, or mimosas or something like that while getting ready. I would rather be treated to that than getting a gas card as a gift. But that's just me.nbsp; Posted by Leannmb1[/QUOTE]

See this is the flawed line of thinking. Sure your BM won't TELL you they're disappointed that after all the effort they put into your big day all you got them was something the wedding industry says is a good gift, but they'll sure think it. It's just human nature to feel slighted to get more crap that you'll never use. You may be in the minority of people who think a glass of orange juice is a better gift than a gift card that can go towards something used in every day life. OP btw a 10 dollar gift card is totally okay! Especially for things like makeup or to the spa that can contribute towards a new makeup they need or a manicure. It's always nice to treat yourself without feeling guilty cause you have a gift card to pay for it. These are just suggestions.. Just try to think more along the lines of will they actually use the gift? Cause if they won't you're just wasting your hard earned money. Gift cards never go unused

LuckyGirl1713

All the suggestsions are great.  YOu have to thinka bout each girl or guy and go with your gut feeling as to what would make them happy.  I like the idea of adding a key chain bottle opener as the extrar something for the guys.