The Perfect Wedding Gifts for Attendants and Family Members
- 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.































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