Looking for the perfect way to say "thank you" to your closest friends and family? Consider Alaska's bountiful natural resources as inspiration for your gift ideas. From gold nugget cuff links for your groomsmen to trendy gift bags for your bridesmaids, there are practical and commemorative options to fit every bride's budget. In addition, personalized keepsakes are always a great way to express appreciation without breaking the bank.

How Much Should I Spend On Wedding Party Gifts?

Gifts to your wedding party are not meant to cause you stress, so don't worry about having to buy extravagant gifts. Simple, thoughtful tokens of appreciation will go a long way, and may provide a lasting memory of your wedding day.

In general, no more than 5% of your overall budget should go toward your wedding gifts. The exact amount will vary based upon how many gifts you choose to give and your overall wedding budget. Traditionally, gifts may be given to:

• The bride, from the groom.
• The groom, from the bride.
• The mother of the bride, from the bride and groom.
• The wedding officiant, from the bride and groom.
• The best man, from the groom.
• The groomsmen, from the groom.
• The maid of honor, from the bride.
• The bridesmaids, from the bride.
• Other attendants, from the bride and groom.
• Ring bearers and flower girls, from the bride and groom.

Regardless of the size of your wedding party, concentrate on the people most important to you as a couple. This will help you choose whom to give gifts to if you are on a budget. Remember that gifts to each other are optional -- after all, you're both giving the greatest gift to one another, already -- spending the rest of your lives together!

What's a Unique Alaska Wedding Gift Idea?

The Last Frontier State has more than it's share of natural "gifts," and two of the most abundant are gold and jade. Working these materials into flasks, jewelry sets, watches, tie studs, jewelry boxes and more may be a way for you create a thoughtful gift with an Alaska theme. To keep costs low, look to the Seward Peninsula's deep green jade.

If you've decided on the gift bag option for your wedding party, your choices are nearly limitless. Look for local products and fun ways to say "thank you," such as a gift certificate to a beauty spa or restaurant, compact make up sets and samples, gourmet treats, and more. Some brides will put together a bridesmaids' "kit," filled with special goodies like these and all the necessary info and items they'll need for the wedding. These can be handed out about a week before the wedding, or at your rehearsal dinner.

Where Do I Find My Gifts?

If you are thinking of using edible items as gifts, your best bet will be your favorite local sweet shops and restaurants. You might even consider air-mailing wild Northwest salmon or local halibut for a tasty meal they can enjoy long after the wedding is over.

However, plenty of options for treats are available online, too. Keep in mind that for non-Alaskan companies you will likely pay greater shipping costs, and that items shipped from Canada can sometimes take a few weeks to be delivered. By planning ahead with the right company, however, you can find a delicious gifts for your wedding party at reasonable costs. Pete's Gourmet Confections, for example, makes heart-shaped marshmallows of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, lemon, champagne and other great flavors. For a bit more, you can have your marshmallows dipped in gourmet chocolate. These affordable treats can even be used as wedding favors!

If you are searching for Alaskan jewelry options, look to cities like Juneau and Anchorage for a wide selection and best prices. Native Alaskan jewelry is also quite beautiful and can be a great value if the level of craftsmanship is high. As mentioned, the Seward Peninsula (and the southern part of the state, generally) will be your best bet for finding jewelry sets in local gold, jade, silver, tourmaline and more. Simply Sterling Silver Alaskan Petroglyphs provides charms, necklaces and more inspired by local rock paintings. Their reasonable costs ensure brides don't go over budget trying to say thank you.

And, of course, this is the best gift -- a heartfelt "thank you" from you to your bridesmaids. Even if its just a special "girls night out" where you pay, or an all-day spa treatment together where you split the costs, finding a way to say thank you doesn't have to be expensive. With the right budget, local inspiration and online options, you are sure to find the perfect gifts for your wedding party.