Being designated as either a bridesmaid or groomsmen at a wedding is a honor that most people will cherish for the rest of their lives. But it’s also a title that comes with a fair amount of responsibility, which is why it’s important for the bride and groom to say thanks. If you and your significant other are planning a wedding, here are some ways to show appreciation to your respective parties.
Buy Their Rehearsal Dinner
One way to tell your bridesmaids and groomsmen thanks is to buy their rehearsal dinner — or at least have someone in your family buy it for them. As explained by TheKnot, traditional etiquette states that the groom’s family should organize and pay for the rehearsal dinner. This dinner is typically held immediate after the wedding rehearsal, and it includes the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen and immediate family members. Buying the bridesmaids’ and groomsmens’ rehearsal dinner is a great way to show your appreciation for all of the work and time they’ve dedicated to your special day.
Tuxedo and Dress Rentals
Normally, the bridesmaids are responsible for buying or renting their dresses for the wedding, and the groomsmen are responsible for buying or renting their tuxedos. If you want to show appreciation to members of your wedding parties, however, you can always cover this cost yourself. A bridesmaid’s dress may cost $50 to $100 to rent, while a groomsmen’s tuxedo may cost $100 to $300. If you plan on covering these costs, be sure to let your bridesmaids and groomsmen know ahead of time.
Wedding Party Gifts
One of the most common ways in which couples show their appreciation to bridesmaids and groomsmen is with a gift. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on these gifts; it’s not the price of the gift, but rather the sentimental value it offers. For bridesmaids, consider a personalized gifts such as laser-etched wine glasses, jewelry, tote bags, or even slippers. For groomsmen, you should also consider something personalized, such as cufflinks, grill accessory set, coffee mugs, bottle openers, etc.
Thank You Card or Note
Even if you give your bridesmaids and groomsmen a gift, you may still want to send them a thank you card or note. It’s a good idea to send a thank you card to everyone who attended to your wedding, but you should put a little more thought into those created for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. When writing these thank you cards, express your gratitude for everything the bridesmaid or groomsmen has done.
Photo credit: Javier Bouzas