Wow…my first blog. This is going to be an interesting journey and I thank you for being part of it. When my pal Brad and I first started talking about this blog idea, my mind flew to the movie “Julie & Julia”. It was such a good movie and it opened my eyes to the power of a blog. My dream for this blog is to be helpful… That sounds so lofty but, I have been in the Bridal industry for more than 20 years. I pride myself in having learned a lot through my experiences and I diligently strive to know new trends and interests by both listening to what you have to say and by doing my own research.
I’m going to devote this first blog to gifts for the Bridal Party. It’s pretty common to give a gift to each member of your bridal party. Hopefully, you’ve assigned them tasks to lighten your own load along your journey to the Alter and they’ve completed these tasks with flying colors. Finding the right gift for each member of your dream team can be a daunting task even given the best circumstances. Your gifts to your wedding party can be fun or sentimental or traditional or any combination of those things! Whatever you decide is the right gift, the point is to thank your guys and girls for being an important part of your big day.
One of my favorite vendors is Carlson Craft . In addition to their well established and boundless selection of Invitations and stationery for any occasion, is their line of accessories and gifts made available in a publication they call “Quite Personally.” This catalog offers endless ideas for gifts for everyone in your bridal party and beyond…
For the guys: It has been customary for years for the groomsmen to receive a personalized beer Mug…Quite Personally has them. From a glass tankard with his favorite football team…Go Packers… to a black ceramic mug with pewter “Best Man” plate and room for his name or initials to be engraved. Price range…$26.90 to $30.90. Want to step out of the box? How about personalized grilling utensils…$49.90, personalized wooden cutting board…$36.90. Shot glasses, flasks, money clips, cuff links, CD case, business card holder, wallets…a lot of good ideas that have not been done to death!
For the girls: Charm Bracelets…3 styles to choose from…$24.90, personalized jewelry roll for travel…$22.90, personalized jewelry boxes…$25.90 to $32.90, compacts….$24.90 to $26.90, personalized key rings…some simple; some sparkly…$20.90 to $24.90, Pink Flask…$47.90, personalized shower wraps…$37.90, personalized custom tote bags…one is zebra print with hot pink trim and initials (very cool!)…$15.90 to $29.90…all useful items to say the least!
For the little ones: Ring Bearer and Flower Girl “Thank you” mini mugs…$15.90 to $21.90, Charm Bracelet and Guardian Angel Pendant…$20.90 to $24.90…Pewter Sports Car Bank…$36.90, Flower Girl Tote Bag…$15.90…Wedding Day Activity Books…$8.90…easy ways to remind the kids how important they are in your big day.
For Mom & Dad: Give them a treasured keepsake…a photo frame personalized with your names and wedding date…Bamboo or Silver Plated…$33.90 to $45.90, Mom or Dad Hanky…comes with verse card to mother or father of the bride…$14.90.
For the Bride: Wedding Planner…$9.90 to $15.90, Lucky Sixpence…$7.90 to $14.90, Bride hanky…$12.90 to $16.90, “With All My Heart” Brooch…$11.90, Pink Camouflage “Bride” Cap…$19.90.
For the Groom: Desert Camouflage “Groom” Cap…$19.90, NFL Glass Tankard…$26.90, NFL Key Ring and Money Clip Set…$29.90
So that’s what I know about Gifts for the Bridal Party in the way of purchasing them from “Quite Personally” from Carlson Craft. I love that Carlson Craft has suggestions that are “out of the Box” and aren’t pricey. Carlson Craft is easy to work with…I’ve received orders from them in as little as two business days. So, stop by my office or give me a call and we can spend some time together looking through this catalog. Even if you don’t find that “perfect” gift, you will be inspired!
