Part 3 – Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Appreciation

We’re halfway through our month of gratitude here at RiverStone, and this week we’re expressing love and appreciation for the people who are literally and figuratively committed to standing beside our couples as they exchange their wedding vows. That’s right, this one’s for all the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and wedding attendants out there! We want to help our couples, communicate gratitude to the people who consistently show up in their lives day in and day out. So read on for some ideas about gifts, gestures, and words of gratitude that can be shared with your wedding party this season!

Gifts

There aren’t many rules when it comes to thanking your best friends. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to communicate gratitude, and you may opt to give gifts to your attendants before, during, or after you say I do. Remember, personalization and sentiment go a long way toward making people feel special. Consider some of the following ideas to help you thank your BFFs for being part of your special day:

Personalize one or more of these items with monograms, names, nicknames, dates, quotes, verses, or important sayings…

  • Robe
  • Wooden hanger
  • Stationary
  • Champagne, wine, or pint glass,
  • Coozie
  • Waterbottle
  • Coffee mug
  • Makeup bag
  • Clutch
  • Bottle opener
  • Tote bag
  • Memory or jewelry box
  • Grill accessories

Or customize these gifts to match your wedding apparel so they can be worn during the main event…

  • Jewelry
  • Shoes
  • Cufflinks
  • Pocket squares
  • Bowties
  • Dress Socks
  • Other accessories

Gestures

Although gifts are a great way to say thank you, as the saying goes, sometimes actions just speak LOUDER! So here are a few things you can DO for your wedding party that will clearly communicate your gratitude during this busy season…

  • Ask in a unique way

These days bridesmaid & groomsman proposals have become much more elaborate, but you don’t have to make a fuss to make an impact. The most important thing is that you communicate why you are asking them to be a part of this special season in your life…In short, let them know how much they matter to you!

  • Throw a pre-party in their honor

Your friends and family members will be showering you with love and attention during your engagement and throughout your wedding day. Why not flip the script for a day and throw a pre-party in honor of your wedding attendants? Bonus points for arranging an event where all of your best friends can get to know one another before the big day arrives!

  • Ask their opinions

Another excellent way to value your wedding party members is to ask their opinions at times when you can afford to accept some additional advice. We recommend that you ask the opinions of others on things that involve them directly. For example, do you want straps on your dress? Are you comfortable in heels or would you rather wear flats? What’s your favorite beer? Etc. But be careful how many opinions you invite. Advice can quickly become unsolicited if you don’t establish a few boundaries in the first place. (Check out RiverStone’s tips for how to deal with unsolicited wedding planning advice here).

  • Invite them to join you for wedding-related appointments

Whether you invite your tribe to go dress shopping or ask your best friend to accompany you to your cake tasting, including your attendants in wedding-related activities before the big day is a great way to help them feel included and important. Just make sure to reserve some special parts of the planning process exclusively for you and your fiancé.

  • Keep them in the loop

As we have mentioned in previous posts, if you want to keep your guys and gals happy, you MUST keep them in the loop! Let them know all important details about pre-wedding and wedding related activities as soon as you can. This will help them plan their schedules and finances in order to support you.

  • Cut costs

If you can cut costs for your wedding party in any way (pay for accommodations, rehearsal dinner meal, hair and makeup, or some part of the bridesmaid/groomsmen apparel), DO IT! In our experience, this is one of the most appreciated gestures you can offer your friends and family. In fact, many wedding attendants say, if given the option, they would choose to have a portion of their wedding expenses alleviated instead of receiving a thank you gift from their bride/groom.

Words of Gratitude

Regardless of how many gifts you give and how many appreciative actions you shower on your bridesmaids and groomsmen, please don’t forget to TELL them DIRECTLY how much you appreciate them. Write texts, call them up, send them thank you notes, and tell them to their faces that you are thankful for their friendship and the important contribution they have made to your life. Honoring your people is so important both to your individual health and the health of those relationships.

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