As you planned your wedding, many people provided an ear, lent a hand, and were simply willing to listen to you go on about bridesmaids' dresses or ivory roses. Now is the time to show your gratitude.

Attendants' Gifts

Bestowing gifts upon your wedding attendants is the most popular way to say thank-you for all the work, time, and money these kind souls have put into your wedding. Although it's common to give all the bridesmaids and groomsmen the same gift to avoid resentment or hurt feelings, you can always individualize a little. These tokens of appreciation are disbursed during the rehearsal dinner, so you have some time to find just the right items. The following are some popular gift ideas:

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS:

• Jewelry (possibly something they can wear for the wedding such as earrings or a bracelet)

• Date book

• Stationery

• Perfume

• Beauty product gift pack

• Jewelry box

• Monogrammed purse mirrors

• Gift card (to a favorite store or spa)

• Something related to a favorite hobby of the bridesmaid

FOR THE GROOMSMEN:

• Monogrammed money clip or key chain

• Date book

• Pen set

• Cologne

• Silk tie

• Travel or shaving kit

• Gift certificate (to a sporting goods store, for instance)

• Tickets to a favorite sporting event or concert

• Something related to a favorite hobby of the groomsman

Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Your parents have raised and loved you. They may have helped pay for your wedding or at least provided some guidance and assistance. Thank them appropriately, too.

FOR THE PARENTS:

• Flowers

• A commemorative tree (to plant in their yard)

• Tickets to a play/concert/sporting event

• Gift card to a favorite store

• Gift card to a favorite restaurant

• His/hers spa package

• An invitation to a gourmet dinner prepared by you and your husband, in your new home, on your new china