When it came to giving gifts to our bridal party, it was so hard to narrow down our selections. No gift seemed enough to express our gratitude for not only standing with us, but for being helpful and supportive every day of our lives.
We set our budgets fairly high, and set out on the search for something that would be fun, could be used at the wedding, and would definitely be used after. I had been trolling around for some purses and handbags on eBay earlier in the year. And when it came time for the Coach Factory Sale, I was invited to the “event.” There, I found these beauties:
Coach Large Ashley wristlet / Image via on9plaza.com
I picked different colors for the girls. MOH Wino is a bright personality, so I got her the coral (they call it Geranium). For BM Sis, I got a patent blue. I felt she would love the shiny pop feel it had. And BMs Pow and Dash got the nude color. They’re fashionistas, and nude accessories are versatile. I snagged a black one for myself!
I had the clutches all ready to go when I realized that I hadn’t given the girls any instruction as far as jewelry was concerned. I headed to Forever 21′s online store and searched for a necklace that would work for the wedding and beyond. With the high turnover of Forever 21 merchandise, I can’t find the exact necklace now, but it was very similar to this.
Forever 21 Layered Bead Necklace / Image via Forever 21
Instead of purple, the beads were an opalescent white, and they fit the girls’ necklines perfectly!
Mr. Genie had more trouble figuring out what to gift the guys. And of course, at two weeks before the wedding, we were still at a loss. We thought of everything from watches to Swiss Army knives to beer steins. MIL Genie helped with the suggestion of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. They’re classic, stylish, and had plenty of utility before and after the wedding.
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer / Image via Amazon
Ray-Bans can be pretty pricey, but we found some good deals on Amazon.
Instead of giving our gifts at the rehearsal dinner, we both had mini parties in our hotel rooms with just the bridal party. It was a more intimate and fun moment that worked for us.
It was so nice to see the gifts all make appearances on the wedding day, and you’ll all have to just wait for recaps to see how great they turned out!
What did you gift to your bridal party? Did you choose gifts specifically to be used at your wedding? Or did you go a totally different route?
I think the ladies are always easier to buy for, so the Ray Bans are an excellent idea for the fellas! Sunglasses would have never crossed my mind but they are a great gift. Great job on gift selection!
Finding gifts for my ladies was super easy (I got Kate Spade cosmetic cases, plus robes, and name hangers). I will probably fill the cosmetic cases with emergency BM kits for the day-of.
The guys have been harder to think of. We’re still a little more than a year out so we have time, but being in graduate school necessitates planning when I have time, so I’ve been thinking hard. I realized last night that my FI loves watches like I love shoes, so it made sense as a gift for the guys. I don’t know if he’s on board fully (he loves *expensive* watches) but I was pretty excited about it.
Those are great gift ideas! I gave my bridesmaids engraved silver jewelry boxes and a pearl pendant sterling silver necklace. The groomsmen gifts were ties and tie clips.
for my bridesmaid im making them quilts since ive been sewing for a while and make quilts alot i figure i would make each of them one, also the name hangers and bath and body works kits. For the groomsmen i have no idea yet maybe football jersey.
I’m doing a layered Oscar de La Renta pearl necklace for my MOH with a custom kimono for when we are getting ready in the morning. Luckily I don’t have bridal party, so I only had her to buy for!
These are great gifts for your wedding party! I hope we get to see some pictures of the guys using their Ray Bans!
What cute presents! We are going to give the girls jewelery and the guys personalised beer glasses
That was such a great idea for the Bridesmaid’s. I’m sure they appreciated it, I love that they can use this again after the wedding is over.
Mrs. Genie, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 23, Admissions Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Biotechnology Engagement Date: July 3, 2010 Wedding Date: July 2012 Venue: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center About Me: I am bibliophile and Disney nerd who is marrying her science genius high school sweetheart in not one, but two, weddings! When I am not working or wedding planning, I am usually found reading a book (or my Nook), weeping at an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or frolicking in Disneyland. Mr. Genie is usually found rolling his eyes at my eccentric behaviors while playing Diablo III, solving great big science problems, and introducing me to highbrow television like Breaking Bad. We are getting married in a traditional American wedding, jetting to Costa Rica, and coming back for a traditional Bengali wedding one month later! I can’t wait to share all my plans with the Hive! "You ain’t never had a friend like me!"
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