You love your friends for who they are, uniquely. Their differences from you and each other have made them as much an irreplaceable part of your life as the similarities. This is why you have asked them for their support and honorable presence on one of the greatest days of your life. Unfortunately, it is easy to get so swamped with bliss and details during your wedding season that you neglect the bridesmaids and groomsmen 'til last minute (with the exception of general Big Day Wardrobe Pandemonium). So, here are two ways to capture what makes your bridal party special.
1. Document Your Relationship and Tell the Story
One of the most special aspects of your relationship is your story! How you met, the awkward moments, the romantic, movie-worthy encounters, the perspectives of others. It's great to here people say things like, "They bring out the absolute best in each other" and know that they truly mean it.
Why not ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to document your tale so that you'll never forget the way it all started? Have each member of the bridal party take turn interviewing in front of a camera about how they know you. They can start with your friendship, "We met in college and were best friends right away . . ." and move into how you met Mr./Miss Right, "So one night, at a mutual friends' going away party . . ." If you and your friends don"t have the video equipment, there are many professional wedding video companies that offer this service.
Once everyone has collectively woven together an epic fairytale (keep it real, though, no embellishing necessary), edit the interviews and put them to music. You'll have a piece good enough for TLC - something meaningful to commemorate the relationships that surrounded you at the start of your journey, and you could always play them back at the reception or cocktail hour.
2. Give a Unique Gift to Each Person
Here's the test of how well you know your friends, but it doesn't have to be stressful or expensive: Think about what has brought you and each of your friends together. What has made you close? What are your past times? The answers will help you figure out a gift that is personal for each bridesmaid or groomsman.
If you and your best girlfriend adore antique shopping, a vintage clutch that expresses her style will make a far greater gift than a monogrammed stationary set (unless she has a thing for stationary). If you and your best man are veteran outdoorsmen, a new fishing pole, tent, or something of the like will be just right. You could also think of something special to say when you hand them the gift at the rehearsal dinner and have a wedding videographer there to record that moment in your relationship.
Not every gift has to be the same, and it's okay if the price tag varies. While it wouldn't be appropriate to buy a watch for one and a cheap trinket for the other, thoughtfulness does go a long way. Understand that it isn't necessary to spend a fortune on your party. Sure, they have invested time and dollars for your grand event, but each gift should reflect your appreciation for their friendship, not merely the money they've dropped on a dress or tux.
1. Document Your Relationship and Tell the Story
One of the most special aspects of your relationship is your story! How you met, the awkward moments, the romantic, movie-worthy encounters, the perspectives of others. It's great to here people say things like, "They bring out the absolute best in each other" and know that they truly mean it.
Why not ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to document your tale so that you'll never forget the way it all started? Have each member of the bridal party take turn interviewing in front of a camera about how they know you. They can start with your friendship, "We met in college and were best friends right away . . ." and move into how you met Mr./Miss Right, "So one night, at a mutual friends' going away party . . ." If you and your friends don"t have the video equipment, there are many professional wedding video companies that offer this service.
Once everyone has collectively woven together an epic fairytale (keep it real, though, no embellishing necessary), edit the interviews and put them to music. You'll have a piece good enough for TLC - something meaningful to commemorate the relationships that surrounded you at the start of your journey, and you could always play them back at the reception or cocktail hour.
2. Give a Unique Gift to Each Person
Here's the test of how well you know your friends, but it doesn't have to be stressful or expensive: Think about what has brought you and each of your friends together. What has made you close? What are your past times? The answers will help you figure out a gift that is personal for each bridesmaid or groomsman.
If you and your best girlfriend adore antique shopping, a vintage clutch that expresses her style will make a far greater gift than a monogrammed stationary set (unless she has a thing for stationary). If you and your best man are veteran outdoorsmen, a new fishing pole, tent, or something of the like will be just right. You could also think of something special to say when you hand them the gift at the rehearsal dinner and have a wedding videographer there to record that moment in your relationship.
Not every gift has to be the same, and it's okay if the price tag varies. While it wouldn't be appropriate to buy a watch for one and a cheap trinket for the other, thoughtfulness does go a long way. Understand that it isn't necessary to spend a fortune on your party. Sure, they have invested time and dollars for your grand event, but each gift should reflect your appreciation for their friendship, not merely the money they've dropped on a dress or tux.