Gifts given by the bride and groom are certainly part of the wedding tradition. But think over who makes up the group fortunate enough to receive a gift from the bride and groom? The wedding party members top that list:
Best man, maid of honor, matron, bridesmaids, ushers, groomsmen, junior bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers.
It is also a nice gesture for the bride to give a gift to the groom and vice versa, although this is not mandatory. Today, the bride and groom also include each set of parents on the gift giving list.
Also, it is definitely a nice gesture to give a gift to any other person who did something special during the occasion.
Occasionally someone will be asked to do a special reading at the ceremony, or to step in for the bride's father and walk the bride down the aisle and these individuals should be acknowledged.

• Why to give gifts to members of the wedding party?
The reason of these wedding gifts is to show your appreciation, not break your wedding budget.
A gift has been specially picked out shows you put thought and consideration into the gift.

Including the personalized note with the gift thanks the person for whatever role he or she played and it is certainly a nice touch when having the gift engraved with the wedding date and couple's names or initials.

To help you with thank you letters, keep a note of what each person's role so you know exactly what to say when it comes to writing.

• Prepare the gifts several weeks in advance
Ensure you have the gifts purchased about 4 weeks prior to the wedding date. This gives you enough time to have them engraved and to create your personalized messages.

To help your gifts make an even greater impression on the recipient, take special care in wrapping them. Use fanciful wrapping paper and elaborate bows using colors that complement the wedding colors.

The best time for gifts giving is during the rehearsal dinner, as it's intimate, and the people to whom you're giving the gifts should all be present.

• Some gift ideas to help you get started
Foremost, check your wedding budget to see how much you have allocated to this category. You have likely spent quite a bit of your money by this stage, so it's important to take a realistic look.

Brides usually give each member of the bridal party a piece of jewellery or a hair clip that the bride would like her to wear on the wedding day. Other gifts ideas include bud vases, picture frames, bath oils, a collectible item or a gift basket.

The men during the wedding party like to receive engraved pens, pocket watches, cigars, business card holders, a clock for their desk, or key chains.

For the parents is perfect a professional wedding photo in an engraved frame as is a personalized letter detailing your appreciation. For each other is ideal anything that conveys your love and devotion.