SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN GETTING TOGETHER GROOMSMEN GIFTS
In case you didn’t know, it is often customary to give little gifts to your groomsmen for helping out with the wedding and also renting the tux and all. With that being said, are you looking for the best groomsmen gifts?
Will your groomsmen only be able to use their gift once? Or will they be able to continuously use the gift and be reminded of how much fun they had on your wedding day?
GIFT IDEAS – When it comes down to actually selecting a gift, most people go between $35 – $100 or so, so it can sometimes be challenging to find just the right thing. You need to be thoughtful, but at the same time affordable. Unique, yet at the same time practical. Because your crew probably all know each other, expect them to compare notes. Therefore, all the gifts should be well thought out and roughly the same value. Always set a budget.
$50 RULE OF THUMB – I always say around $50 is good. This is not outside the realm of reason.
Here is neat shot glass idea you can get at www.groovyguygifts.com/ . Both the glasses and the nice wooden box that they put them in come in for around for under $40. The quality wooden box adds to the whole piece, as well, making it feel special.
BE PRACTICAL – As fun as it is to buy crazy groomsmen gifts, lame stuff isn’t likely to be used again. When thinking of groomsmen wedding gift ideas, it’s best to give the posse high-quality, meaningful gifts while also focusing on how practical the items are.
Back when I got married, I did cool Fossil watches, however, in the advent of smart phones, watches are becoming less used. The key to finding the very best groomsmen gifts should be ones that end up symbolizing a lasting token of your friendship. Some ideas could include watches, but why not something they will use over and over again like shot glasses, jack knifes.
Better yet, if the item is personalized, it will even more bring back the memory of where it comes from, and that it was special.
TIMING OF GIFT GIVING – There are so many things to consider when planning your wedding. Many couples will choose to give their wedding party thank-you gifts after the rehearsal dinner, but you really can do it whenever you want. Some people do it at the end of the wedding reception, others do it 2 weeks later. In short, there isn’t really a wrong time to do it.
Who wants their wedding to be just like everyone else’s? If your answer is, “Not me!” – then here is a real neat idea that you may have not seen before. How about shaking up your ceremony seating? Instead of the typical straight row layout for your chairs, remove the element of what everyone expects. Put your own “spin” on your wedding ceremony!
You can still have a beautiful traditional wedding ceremony, yet be creative with your seating at the same time. Sitting your guests in a completely different arrangement than they are used to sets the mood for the rest of the night.
Spin your guests head and set a fun and unique tone!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH SPIRAL / CIRCULAR SEATING
1) WEDDING PARTY POSITIONING: Think about where your bridesmaids and groomsmen will stand and in what formation. In some seating arrangements, there may not be room for all your attendants to stand alongside you and your groom. Worry not as they can always be seated, instead.
2) FUN GUEST CONFUSION: Guests are accustomed to facing forward and know exactly where the couple will be positioned. Alternative layouts may leave guests guessing where the best seats are!
3) USHER ROLES: Once guests arrive, you don’t want them to be confused or hesitant to sit because they’re not used to the seating layout. Whether you have ushers directing guests or signage explaining the set-up, make sure you communicate to guests what your expectations are for them.
4) PICTURES: Whenever planning a location for your wedding, always think background. It is important to pay attention to what is behind you as your backdrop for your ceremony photos. Consider where your photographer will be positioned to get the best shots and what you’ll likely see in the background in those images.
5) SOUND: How tight or loose your spiral is will affect how well people hear the wedding officiant. If you want everyone to hear what’s being said, think about how far away the furthest guest is to be seated from the action.
6) WHERE IS YOUR AISLE? You’ll need to figure out the best place to position your walkway; one that makes the most sense for the ceremony. Angling your wedding party to enter the wedding ceremony may need to be strategic.
7) ALTERNATIVE SHAPES: These could include horseshoes, complete circles, or squaring off the edges of circular seating arrangements.
HERE ARE SOME PICTURES TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR OWN SPIRAL WEDDING CEREMONY:
Honestly, there is only one thing you really need to think about when putting your guest seating chart together… KEEP THE OLD PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE DJ!!!
God bless them, but they hate loud music.
That is ironic, you might say, as these are the same people who can’t hear well, often due to age. However, it never seems to fail. Those who can’t hear well, will be the same people to ask the DJ to turn down to an inaudible level, all night long. Then, people in the back of the hall will ask the DJ to turn up the volume. What can you do?
Don’t let this problem ruin the party! Just sit the elderly wedding guest as away from the DJ table, as best you can!
Are you a bride or a groom and thinking about doing a sports themed wedding? DO you want to make your guests feel at home at your reception by giving their team a shout out? If you answered yes to either of these questions, here is a neat little idea for you!
GIVE EACH WEDDING TABLE A TEAM THEME
What a simple great idea. Make every table represent one team of the sport of your choice. Put a postcard with the stadium that the team plays at. For the place cards, add a team pennant to direct them to their table, which is also the stadium the team plays at.
We just had a “British Invasion” Beatles Themed Birthday party and they didn’t just “Let it Be” with the decorations. They really went all out! I’ve always said to customers, “Try a theme if you have the courage! It makes the party much more memorable, and usually better!”
If you have the courage to go with a Beatles theme, things will really Come Together. (Pun intended!)
It doesn’t take much money. Grab up some Beatles posters, party favors, stacks of records to throw on the tables, Sgt. Pepper jackets for the employees at the venue, and a PARTY DJ in Albany to finish it off. I know a great one! (Call 518-506-3305.)