top of page

The Perfect Wedding Gifts for Attendants and Family Members

  • Writer: Allyson Brooks
    Allyson Brooks
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read

A thoughtful guide to choosing meaningful gifts for the people who have been there for you through it all


There comes a moment in every wedding planning journey when you pause and think about the people who have stood by you through thick and thin. The friends who said yes to every dress fitting, the parents who encouraged you, the sibling who drove three hours to help with a DIY project, or the aunt who has been cheering for you since the start.


This might be an unpopular opinion, but we believe your wedding day is not only about you. It’s also about the people who helped raise you, supported you, and made you into the person you are today.


When couples ask us for guidance on the perfect wedding gifts for attendants and family members, we always say the same thing. Choose gifts that feel intentional, personal, and connected to the relationship you share.


At The Social Edit, we believe that the true success of a gift is found in meaning. Let us help you choose gifts that feel heartfelt, elegant, and unforgettable.



Gifts for Bridesmaids and Maid of Honor


Bridesmaids play a huge role in your engagement season, from planning events to standing next to you at the altar. Here are thoughtful ideas they will truly use and cherish.



Luxury Inspired Bridesmaid Gift Ideas


  • Personalized jewelry for wedding day wear

  • Silk pajamas or robes for getting ready

  • Customized tote bags or weekender bags (our personal favs!)

  • Makeup bags filled with high-end makeup or skincare essentials

  • Spa gift cards or a curated self care kit

  • A framed photo from years of friendship

  • Monogrammed water bottles or tumblers

  • Engraved hairbrush or handheld mirror

  • Personalized candles that match your wedding scent


How to choose the right bridesmaid gifts


  • Think of items that align with your wedding morning aesthetic

  • Choose gifts they can enjoy after the wedding

  • Add a handwritten note for a personal touch



Gifts for Groomsmen and Best Man


Groomsmen gifts often balance practicality with sentiment. Here are ideas that feel polished, stylish, and genuinely useful.



Classic and Modern Groomsmen Gift Ideas


  • Customized flasks or barware

  • Monogrammed cufflinks or tie clips

  • High-quality grooming or shave kits

  • Personalized leather wallets or card holders

  • Engraved pocket knives or multi tools

  • A favorite bottle of bourbon or whiskey

  • Monogrammed dopp bags (our groomsmen still use theirs to this day!)

  • Matching socks or accessories for the wedding day


Tips for choosing groomsmen gifts


  • Think of their personality and lifestyle

  • Aim for high quality items they can use beyond the wedding

  • Keep the presentation clean and elegant



Gifts for Parents


Parents often carry deep emotions on wedding day. They may be reflecting on years of memories, milestones, and the journey that brought you to this moment. You can play on this with the gifts you select for each of them.



Meaningful Gift Ideas for Parents


  • Custom handkerchiefs with heartfelt messages

  • Engraved jewelry or cufflinks

  • A framed wedding day photo delivered after the event

  • A book of childhood memories or a custom photo album

  • A heartfelt letter or beautifully framed poem

  • Matching robes or slippers for the morning

  • Personalized tie featuring a childhood photo on the back. (Our founder, Ally, did this for her dad and he loved it!)


Why these gifts matter


Parents don’t need something complicated, and they certainly don’t need more trinkets. Get them something sentimental that acknowledges their love and support throughout your life. Meaning outweighs monetary value every time.



Gifts for Siblings, Grandparents, and Close Family


These are often the people who quietly support you behind the scenes. Giving them something special on your wedding day can create a meaningful moment where they feel like a valuable part of your life.



Gift Ideas That Feel Personal and Elegant


  • Personalized jewelry dishes or keepsake boxes

  • Monogrammed or custom blankets or throw pillows

  • Engraved frames or ornaments

  • A handwritten letter paired with a small gift

  • Special photo books or memory journals

  • Matching accessories for the wedding day

  • A small heirloom style gift to symbolize connection



How to make these gifts meaningful


Add personalization, a note, or a memory tied to your relationship.



Where to Give Wedding Day Gifts


Not sure when to give the gifts? Here are the best moments:


  • During the getting ready process

  • At the rehearsal dinner

  • Before the ceremony in a private room

  • After first look moments

  • During family-only moment before portraits


Choose a moment that feels calm, not rushed, so the experience feels special.



What to Avoid When Choosing Gifts


Here are a few things to avoid so your gifts feel timeless and thoughtful.


  • Items with large, logo-style personalization

  • Low-quality accessories that will be discarded

  • Trendy items that will date quickly

  • Overly generic gifts that do not connect to the person

  • Overly practical items that lack sentimental value


Stick to meaningful, elegant, and high-quality.



FAQ: Wedding Gift Etiquette


How much should I spend on gifts?

There is no set rule. Many brides spend between $25 and $100 per person, depending on their budget.


Do gifts need to match?

Not at all. Matching gifts are common for bridesmaids and groomsmen, but parents and grandparents can receive personalized gifts.


Should I give gifts before or after the ceremony?

Before the ceremony creates emotional moments and photo opportunities.


Can I write letters instead of giving physical gifts?

Absolutely. Letters can be incredibly meaningful and are often treasured more than tangible items.

Comments


bottom of page