Planning your wedding is a lot of work—we certainly don’t have to tell you that! But it’s also something you probably had a lot of help doing. And while there’s no requirement to give a thank you gift, it is something many couples do. It’s a small way to show the gratitude for the few MVPs who really helped make your special day perfect.
Because you can’t give everyone a thank you gift—that would defeat the point!—there are a few people who deserve a gift, if you feel so inclined.
1. Your Parents
If any of your parents invested a lot of time or money into your special day, a thank you gift is a nice gesture. Of course, your gift isn’t to repay them for all they did. It’s simply to show appreciation for their contribution.
What’s a good thank you gift for your parents?
Give them something they can use to recharge—whether it’s date night, a spa day, or some time on the golf course to unwind. The wedding might not have been as stressful for them as it was for you, but they still put a lot of time and energy into it. Plus, it’s an emotional time to see their baby all grown up.
2. Your Maid of Honor and Best Man
It’s typical for everyone in the wedding party to get a little appreciation gift—often something they can use at the wedding or during the wedding weekend. But your maid of honor and best man go above and beyond in supporting you. Getting your BFFs a little something extra is a nice gesture.
What’s a good thank you gift for your BFFs?
For these gifts, get personal. You can go the sappy route with pictures and mementos from your friendship. Or you can go practical with something you know they’ll use, like a set of golf clubs or nice perfume.
3. Whoever Went Above and Beyond
Did you have a friend or family member who went to the next level to support you? Maybe they connected you with a sought-after caterer, or they got you a great deal at your venue. They didn’t have to, but they were happy to because they care. Giving them a thank you gift will show your appreciation!
What’s a good thank you gift for an overachiever?
Unless you’re very close to this individual, you don’t have to gift anything personal or extravagant. A gift card or nice bottle of wine will be perfect. As with any other gifts, this isn’t to repay them—it’s simply to show your appreciation.
When do you hand out gifts?
The best time to hand out your gifts is at the rehearsal dinner, if the recipients are present. Find a few minutes to pull them aside to say, “Thank you.” This way, you don’t have to worry about gift-giving on your special day. And there’s less crazy during the rehearsal, so it’s easier to find a few minutes for it.
If your above-and-beyond friend isn’t at the rehearsal, do try and find them during the reception for a few minutes. Have one of your bridesmaids be in charge of bringing the gift, so it’s ready when you need it.
Conclusion
This isn’t to add yet another thing on your ever-growing wedding to-do list. Instead, it’s just to give you some guidelines if you’re considering thank you gifts. You may not even have everyone on this list—if you didn’t have any wedding party, there’s no maid of honor or best man!
Whatever you choose, make sure both you and your spouse are on the same page. And if you want to do something, but gifts are out of your budget—a nice hand-written card is a perfect alternative!
