Wedding parties play more of a role than merely showing up and looking handsome or pretty. They are more than just a backdrop to frame the bride and groom. In many ways, without the love, support and friendship of the wedding party, the bride and groom’s day would be a lot less special.

Ideally, wedding party members are chosen for their relationship to the special couple, either individually or as a pair. They do not have to be family members, often one or more are not, but they should be men and women that each entity considers “like a brother” or “like a sister.” That carries a ton of responsibility.

For the bride, the bridesmaids serve as a balance, sounding boards, advisors, planners and facilitators of the big day. They frequently help with the planning and aid in many small tasks that make the day so special for the bride. Most of all, they serve as friends who can be relied upon to provide an anchor for the bride, especially the closer the day comes and the tensions of planning the perfect event looms.

For the groom, his groomsmen play the same role as bridesmaids and usually play a role in the wedding. They provide advice, friendship and normally handle feting of the groom, including planning and holding the bachelor party. Leading up to the wedding, the groomsmen serve as ushers to seat guests. At most receptions, the best man celebrates the couple with a toast.

To thank wedding party members, the bride usually gives each of her bridesmaids wedding party gifts that are a token of her esteem for them. One suggestion is an engraved key fob with cable that serves a practical purpose as well as reminds the individual of the day and the friendship. Another suggestion is a 2 section wine carry bag, which again, practical and reminds everyone of the wedding for many years to come. The silver plated double photo frame will remind everyone of the wedding each time they view whatever photos are placed in them.

For the groomsmen, a car wheel holder and pen desk set is a practical idea that they will use over and over. A wine gift set will not only come in handy, if the groomsmen are young, it might be the first step to a well established bar. Other gifts include a travel/desk clock or a silver plated brass money clip.

Your gifts do not have to be practical. Sporting event tickets as well as gift certificates for greens’ fees always are appreciated. One wealthy groom paid for an entire night at a casino for each of his groomsmen. For the women, day spas gift certificates are popular gifts as well as tickets to a wine tasting. As a gag gift, a “Best Man” T-shirt or “I Stand Up For Brides” wedding iron-on transfer are fun ways to let everyone know the role that the person is playing in the wedding.

If you are purchasing different gifts for each person, remember to make sure that each costs roughly the same. A good idea is to buy one type of gift for the entire wedding party. If, however, you want to vary your gifts, you do not want to risk hurt feelings by getting someone a gift that clearly is more expensive or extravagant than what you gave everyone else.

Regardless of the gift, it should be a distinct thank-you for their support and participation in what is one of the most memorable days in a person’s life. Wedding party gifts do not have to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, some of the best gifts are less expensive, but serve as a daily reminder of the event.