Attendant Gifts: 5 Ways to Wow your Ring Bearer & Flower Girl

Hopefully this mini-series on attendant gifts has helped take the frustration out of buying for your bridal party. The hardest part, by far, is choosing for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. So with that out of the way, this third and final post will be dedicated to the best part: the little ones!

When it comes to ring bearers, flower girls, junior brides(maids)/ grooms(men), your gifts of choice can definitely be less formal and more fun. That's not to say that you can't give monogrammed and fancy items, because for the right kid, you can! Just remember (especially with the youngest ones) that toys are always more appreciated than, well...anything else!

• Something Similar: Especially if the kiddos will be with the wedding party when getting ready for the wedding, think about giving them similar if not the same gifts as the adults. Let's say you've decided to get your maids matching, monogrammed button-downs for the morning-of...have one made in your flower girl's size so she can feel like a part of the group!

Photo Credits: Millie'sGifts, SomethingGlitzy, ThePinkPixieShop, LittleGentlemen

• One-on-One Time: Spend the day with him or her! As part of their gift, spend an afternoon getting pedicures, going to the baseball game or grabbing lunch.

• Something to Play with: Go straight for their little hearts and get them the toy they've been dying to have! Or better yet, get them a gift card and let them pick out whatever they want.

Photo Credits: Melissa & Doug, Amazon, Build-a-Bear Workshop

• Something Personalized: Personalized items are still a good idea! Just make sure it's something they will use, like a monogrammed backpack for school.

Photo Credits: stargazinglilly, TheStylishLetter, Gator Tots, Pottery Barn Kids

• Something to Keep them Busy: If they don't fall asleep by the end of the night, chances are the kids of your wedding party will be bored at some point. Think ahead and grab them some activity/ coloring books, crayons and small toys they can entertain themselves with! (The Dollar Store has GREAT options for this!!)

Photo Credits: The Dollar Tree, Walmart, Five Below, Melissa & Doug

Well, that wraps up the series on attendant gifts! Do you have more questions or a post you'd love to see on the blog? Comment below and tell me! I'd love to hear from you!

Attendant Gifts: 5 Keys to Awesome Groomsmen Gifts

Last week, per a reader's request, I started a series of attendant gifts, beginning with the bridesmaids. So today, we will continue with the equally important and confusing groomsmen gift-giving. If you missed the first post, you can check that out here and get all caught up.

The same basic rules apply, but the categories are, of course, different. Choose two or more options below and/ or combine them for awesome groomsmen gifts!

• Something Practical: Like my guidelines for bridesmaid gifts, groomsmen gifts should also be practical. Do not buy your wedding party something they will not use after the wedding day unless you also give them something they will! The options below can be used as color-coordinating, wedding-day attire and later, worn again at the office!

Fossil 'Grant' Bracelet Watch, Argyle Dress Socks, Yellow & Grey Stripe Necktie

• Something Interest-Related: Generally, your groom and his friends will have similar interests so use that to your advantage! If they don't share similar interests, choose a gift that represents each guy's individual taste. Do they hunt or fish? Are they die-hard college football fans? 

Nike Cardinals Shirt, Personalized Man Cave Sign, Realtree Otterbox

• Something Edible...er, Drinkable: Okay, this one is a cinch! Men are easy to please, right? Get each of the guys a 6-pack of their favorite brew or even one that represents your wedding location! (If you're tying the knot in Mexico, give them some Corona or Dos Equis)

Beer of the Month Club, MR. BEER Premium Beer Kit, Pandora's Bock-Breckenridge Brewery

• Something they can do together: Especially if your groomsmen are traveling for your big day, sending them out for a night on you and your guy is a fabulous way to show your appreciation! You can tie this into the interest-related category by sending them out for a sports event or just send them out for dinner and drinks at a local hangout. Either way, they get to enjoy themselves and your groom gets a night off from wedding chatter! 

• Ask your Groom: Last, but probably most important is to involve your guy! Ask him what he thinks they would like best, about the specific interests of each guy or even what he would want to receive as a groomsmen. If nothing else, he will definitely lead you in the right direction and get you started. 

What are you planning to give your groomsmen? Comment below and tell me about your own great ideas! And to ensure you don't miss any more posts, join the blog here! Stay tuned for next week's post on the little ones...

Attendant Gifts: 5 Keys to Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts

Because attendant gifts are often the source of confusion and frustration for couples, I've decided to do a series on them. Friends and readers alike often ask me for advice for choosing these gifts and on any wedding forum, you're bound to see dozens of posts on this subject.

First, there are two rules when it comes to all attendant gifts:

1. You don't have to buy the same gift for every guy and girl. In larger groups, it's unlikely that every attendant will be thrilled with the same gifts. (For example, instead of giving every girl the same tote bag, choose different patterns that reflect each girl and have them personalized.)
2. Wedding attire and beauty appointments don't count as gifts! If you are going above and beyond by paying for bridesmaid dresses, tuxes, hair/ makeup/ nails, rest assured, your attendants will thank you! But being that these things are necessary to the wedding, don't consider or refer to them gifts to your bridal party.

Today, we're going to focus on the ladies! After throwing your bridal shower, bachelorette party and being such an important part of your life, this is your chance to show your bridesmaids and maid/ matron of honor how much you appreciate their efforts!

Source: Uploaded by user via Hollyevents on Pinterest

Next, there are five keys to bridesmaid gifts. You want to choose items that are a combination of the following:

1. Personalized
2. Practical
3. Wearable
4. Handmade (Etsy counts as handmade, right?)
5. Pretty 

Ready for some examples? 

These four options are wearable, handmade and personalized (see how easy?)

Photo Credits L to R:  thearmorofGod, Memento, Monkey Lu Monograms, Memento

And these are pretty, practical and (2/3 are) personalized.

Photo Credits Clockwise: PersonalGiftBoutique, Thirty-One, Nordstrom

The last set are pretty and practical. 

Photo Credits L to R: GlamHouse, thefrenchfleashop, Cusp

I hope using this simple formula will eliminate the mystery from shopping for bridesmaids gifts. Use the above examples to inspire you and I promise you're girls will love you even more! Stay tuned for the next post in this series...

What is the best attendant gift you've ever received? Did you give some amazing gifts for your wedding? Comment below and share!