Gifts: Perfect gifts for your wedding party
Your guests have it easy — they simply have to look at the bride and groom’s registry to find the perfect gift.
But as the bride and groom, it’s expected to do a little gift giving of your own. Tradition dictates that a little token of appreciation should be given to each member of the wedding party either at the rehearsal dinner or before the ceremony.
What you choose to give is totally up to you, but it doesn’t have to be something generic. There are many meaningful trinkets you can give from the heart that your friends will cherish forever.
Northern Michigan is a one-of-a-kind place. To remind your attendants of your special day with something only found here, there’s the Petoskey stone. Katelynn Murray from Grandpa Shorter’s in Petoskey said the Petoskey stone cutlery is always a great option because it’s practical and anyone can use it, plus it’s all made locally.
Linda Teska from Linda Michaels Jewelry in Petoskey said often a bride and groom will want to coordinate their gifts and the Petoskey stone works well for bridesmaids and groomsmen. At Linda Michaels they sell many items with Petoskey stones such as pocket knives and necklaces. Or sometimes couples will be part of the wedding party, and a bride and groom may want to present them with a picture frame or clock made from the state stone.
“The stones are used for so many things,” Teska said. “It’s a neat all-purpose idea, unique to our area.”
Of course, the gifts don’t have to match. A groom may give his groomsmen a flask, a money clip or even tickets to a sporting event, while the bride may want to give her bridesmaids jewelry.
Teska said it’s all about creating something special. At Linda Michaels they can create a variety of looks for your bridesmaids such as custom dyed freshwater pearls to match the dresses or delicate butterfly wing earrings, made from real wings, perfect for outdoor weddings.
Judith Ann Boyer from Harbor Springs has been creating custom jewelry for almost five years and said torsades — several strands of beads, chains or crystals twisted together to make one big necklace or bracelet — are very popular and unique. 
“You can create anything you want, choose different colors or textures and mix them all up or wear them separately,” said Boyer. “But don’t wait until the last minute to buy your gifts, especially if you want a custom piece.”
Kris Rundblad from MerryMakers in Charlevoix said jewelry is always a safe bet when it comes to gifts for bridesmaids, but purses or monogrammed tote bags also make excellent gifts. Spa certificates and pampering products could be included for a unique touch. Pashminas or wraps are also considerate ideas because they can be used again, and are really nice in case the weather on the wedding day suddenly turns a little colder.
Gifts for groomsmen can be a little more difficult, but Rundblad said right now cigars are experiencing an upswing in popularity, so consider a nice lighter or cigar accessories along with a package of cigars to enjoy.
Remember your friends have often spent a lot of time and effort to make your big day a little extra special. Let them know how much you care about them by giving them a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but the gesture will be greatly appreciated.
Up North Bride Home » Spring 2011 Edition » Gifts: Perfect gifts for your wedding party