Please don’t go into credit card debt to propose to your bridesmaids. Please don’t gift your groomsmen another low-quality-and-probably-laced-with-lead flask. Trust me when I say, no one in your wedding party wants their initials on that many things.

The wedding industry has a track record for convincing the masses that they need to buy all the things for their wedding, and we lowkey hate that. It’s wasteful. It’s expensive. It’s mostly clutter.

Here is what we’re going to do instead.

Principles for buying wedding party gifts

Take a moment and think to yourself, “Would I want this??” If any part of you thinks you would immediately donate it or lose it in the back of the closet somewhere, it’s a bad gift. If any part of you thinks you wouldn’t even be able to donate it and will throw it away or “forget it” in your hotel room, it’s a very bad gift. Do not get it.

In MOST cases, no names or titles. Not their names. Not bridesmaid/ groomsman/maid of honor/best man. And especially, ESPECIALLY, not your name or wedding date. We beg.

Think “wedding adjacent” when choosing items. Wedding-specific items can be nice, but are mostly unnecessary. Consider instead items that your people can use for years to come, that will make them think of this special season of your wedding.

Personal touches are always the most meaningful and memorable. The reason we buy gifts for our wedding party is to show our appreciation for their support and presence through this season. No matter your budget, a handwritten note, their favorite sweet, or one-on-one time with them go a long way.

Consider Experiences

If you’re able, maybe they’ll most appreciate you lightening the load or treating them around wedding events - spa treatments, nail appointments the week of the wedding, covering hair and makeup on the big day or bringing in a barber for fresh fades.