Weddings are about more than just receiving. Giving is a significant component of the ceremony as well. And sharing gifts of appreciation with friends and family who lovingly help propel the lucky couple into the throws of matrimony are important. Purchasing such gifts should be taken seriously. My wife understands this concept. But she's always a little skeptical if I have the same understanding. I'll let her tell it:



"As our wedding rapidly approached, Rich and I were faced with the honor of purchasing groomsmen gifts and bridesmaid gifts for our wedding party. I was, however, a bit perplexed at the moment because Rich asked me to purchase the groomsmen gifts for the 12 college friends he asked to stand with him during the ceremony. He wanted his appreciation reflected in the gifts, so he wanted all the groomsmen gifts individualized for each of his friends. Understandably, individualized gifts would be more meaningful to his friends and give them each a fond remembrance of our special occasion. But because Rich’s work schedule was extremely hectic between then and the wedding, he asked me to buy the groomsmen gifts. The problem I had was that I barely knew some of his friends! Therefore, trying to determine what would constitute individualized gifts for men I barely knew created a tremendous challenge.

Purchasing the groomsmen gifts wasn't exactly high on my list of priorities at the time, either, and Rich simply didn’t understand the degree of pressure I felt trying to manage all the other wedding arrangements. However, my wonderful fiancé believed that I ccould do anything, including being creative in my selection of the ideal purchases for his friends. I couldn't help but wonder, “Is this a glimpse into what my ‘wifely’ challenges might involve? Will I be the one responsible for buying all gifts for family and friends on all special occasions and all holidays?"

Purchasing individualized bridesmaid gifts for my bridal party, on the other hand, was delightful. I didn’t put the task off until the last minute and enjoyed leisurely finding the delightful treasures that I knew my friends would cherish. I loved having the opportunity to shop for such special friends who would be standing beside me during the ceremony. Selecting individualized presents for my friends didn’t seem to be a problem at all. Perhaps that’s because I have known each of these girls my entire life, so I knew what each one would consider special and enjoy receiving.

In fact, this taskwas so easy that I had all the bridesmaid gifts bought and wrapped in a week's time. I felt great pride in the fact that I selected each and every gift with great personal care. As funny as it may sound, some of my most memorable wedding preparation experiences involved shopping for the perfect bridesmaid gifts—I hope the girls enjoyed the gifts as much as I enjoyed selecting them. I’m sure that each present fit the personality of each bridesmaid perfectly.

Perhaps if I take into consideration that Rich’s friends were as important to him as mine were to me, I can look upon my role in helping him purchase just the right groomsmen gifts in a different way. After all, weren’t they just bridesmaid gifts with a masculine overtone? Somehow, I find comfort in this thought and became determined to set upon my task of finding the perfect gifts with renewed vigor!"