Personalized Thank You Gifts Your Attendants Will Thank You For

I think it is safe to say I am a big proponent of pampering your attendants. From Day One when you pop the question and throughout the weeks and months leading up to the Big Day, you should show your bridesmaids and ushers how grateful you are for their services.

I know money is tight and you can't treat your attendants to free lunches or dinners or possibly even drinks when they are helping you plan your wedding. They know that and they don't expect you to foot the bill each time they are with you. However, sending them cards-even ecards-is a great way to boost their motivation and let them know you appreciate them. The last thing you want is an attendant who feels overworked and under-appreciated helping you at your wedding.

Most brides know they should give their attendants a thank you gift following the wedding. Some brides choose a one-size fits-all approach and buy like-minded gifts for each person. Other brides select individual gifts based on each attendant's personality.

I don't think one way is better than the other in regards to how to buy gifts but one thing is certain ... show your attendants your appreciation and do it with a thoughtful gift that will reflect your friendship.

You've probably heard successful business people say that everyone loves to hear his or her name aloud. That is why professional salespeople often repeat your name several times throughout a conversation ... research shows it works.

Well it also works with your friends. And what better way to say thank you for all of their hard work and dedication than with a personalized thank you gift?

The selection of personalized photo gifts available at Photoworks.com ensures even the most discerning bride can find something for everyone on her list. From mugs to canvas prints to woven throws your wedding attendants are sure to love whichever gift you choose.

Here are four of my favorite personalized photo gifts for under $30 each that I would have loved to receive when I was a bridesmaid.

* Personalized Photo Journal, from $14.95

Find a flattering picture of you and your attendant goofing off, hanging out or participating in a shared-interest activity (like playing tennis or drinking coffee) and splash it across the cover of their personalized journal. You can also create a jpeg version of a thank you note to include in the bottom section.

* Photo Coasters, from $24.95

For this gift idea, consider waiting until after the wedding and choosing a photo of the two of you together in your Wedding Day attire. They will be a fun conversation piece and a sentimental reminder of your special day.

* Photo Keepsake Box, from $29.95

Depending on how long you and your attendant have been friends, you might want to find an old picture of the two of you when you were younger. Pull out those old high school photos or ask his or her parents or spouse for other interesting photo ideas.

* Photo Wine Box, from $29.95

You can choose up to the three photos for the wine box gift and I suggest finding three different photos that reflect your friendship with your attendant. If possible, consider giving this gift at a later date and including a photo of the two of you at your wedding. This is a perfect gift for both the men and women in your wedding party.

What are some of the best gifts you have ever receieved for being in a wedding? Why did that gift mean so much to you?

Wedding Attendant Gifts

Your wedding party traditionally consists of the most important friends and people in your life. They have been there for you through the years. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen have listened to your romance woes, helped you make the right choices, and have scurried around to assist you during your wedding planning.

They’re shelling out hundreds to be in your wedding and you’re supposed to give them a gift at the event to show your thanks. You are spending thousands of dollars on the wedding and when you give those gifts they are just so...lame.

The wedding attendant gift is your chance to not only say thanks, but also to show these girls and guys that you really know them and what they like. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding where I swear the bride and groom went to an outlet store and got everyone the cheapest gifts in the place. I know it's the thought that counts, but there wasn't any thought in there! I mean, who gives a junior bridesmaid a hip flask?

To show your appreciation, be creative. Just remember, the gift you give should suit the personalities of your friends and your relationship with them. For example, the groomsmen are all sports fans - get them sporting event tickets. Or your bridesmaids and you go ga-ga over the "GooGoo Dolls" - find tickets to a concert and all of you go together as a post-wedding celebration!

One friend gave me "The Joy of Cooking" since she knew I loved to cook. I still use it to this day and it reminds me of her. All the groomsmen from that wedding got BBQ grill sets.

My cousin gave me a photo keepsake box with a unique piece of jewelry she had created. She gave her other bridesmaids equally lovely and unique pieces, but all wrapped up in separate types of boxes.

One of the nicest gifts I received as a bridesmaid was a heartfelt friendship card from the bride thanking me for being her friend. In it was a membership card for the World Wildlife Fund and a gift card. It was a thoughtful way for the bride to show she remembered my love of animals and shopping.

Make those wedding attendant gifts personal and show your love for the people who love you. It will make your wedding so much better!