Bridal Gifts
Delivered by groom to bride, her gift is another symbol of his love and commitment. Popular ideas include necklaces, pendants, and bracelets which will accent the bride's wedding day look. Keep your chosen wedding colors in mind, or even ask him to take you on the shopping trip to avoid special "additions" to your bridal fashion. Note that the bride's gift is traditionally an optional gift, and should be given only if taste and budget allow.New Jersey has two beautiful native gemstones you might consider working into your gifts. They are smoky quartz, which has a smoke gray color and is slightly transparent, and pearl, from oyster cultivation along the shore. Both can be beautiful additions to a necklace or bracelet set.
Gift Ideas for the Groom
The groom's gift is given to the groom by the bride. This is typically a gift made of fine hardwood, silver (such as a pocket watch or set of pens), or a nice wristwatch. A nice touch for a New Jersey groom's gift might be a matched set of golden cuff links shaped as sand dollars for a beach wedding, or the Garden State Parkway sign as a gag gift, sure to make your fiancé smile. Traditionally this is also an optional gift.Presents for the Bridal Party
These gifts are given to your bridesmaids, your maid of honor or both. Think about a jewelry set featuring simple pearls in sterling silver settings for lovely accents to your bridal party's dresses. The maid of honor's gift is sometimes of slightly higher quality than that of your bridesmaids. Choose a piece which will be cherished, rather than a large eye-catching pendant which might distract your guests.Outstanding Gifts for Ushers
As tokens of friendship and gratitude, the groom often gives something special to his best man and groomsmen. Stylish flasks, pocket watches, or money clips are traditional choices. Also, consider cigar humidors, grooming kits or silver engraved lighters for further options. Cuff links are another appropriate selection for a formal wedding gift. Again, the present given to the best man may be a bit more intricate or pricey than those given to the ushers.Wedding Gifts for Helpers
Your closest family, vendors, officiants and your wedding planner may have played a crucial role in helping you realize your wedding vision. Although they will receive favors, these special people have been supportive and complimentary more than the average guest. If you are on a budget, even small, handmade keepsakes will make these contributors know how much they are appreciated.The officiant's gift is often simple. Whether the officiant is a close friend, religious leader or a recommended person, they will appreciate a token of esteem from you. Money and gift certificates are options, but they hardly remind the person of the special role they played in your wedding. Giving a gift that commemorates their role in your wedding, such as a letter of thanks on special stationery, an engraved gift or a framed photo of the three of you during the ceremony may help generate further business for your officiant, if you feel they have done a great job. It's acceptable to deliver this gift up to a few weeks after the wedding, often upon return from your honeymoon.
For family, consider hand-written thank you cards, saltwater taffy, special jars of local New Jersey honey, custom candle sets or even fresh made blueberry buckle for a summertime wedding. Reception decorations like centerpieces and floral arrangements often find their way home with guests, which is why it pays to consider budget and options. Anything that you've put effort and time into can exemplify your appreciation, including video copies of the ceremony and photographs. Your family, spouse and planner may be able to offer further advice.