Here's When to Give Gifts to Your Wedding Party

Giving thoughtful gifts to your wedding party and important loved ones (like your folks) is the best way to thank them for being key players in your wedding—and in life. But when do you give wedding party gifts? And what about gifts for other important people who have contributed to your wedding day in a meaningful way? While there are no strict rules when it comes to the timing of gift giving, we've got a breakdown of when most couples traditionally choose to present each person with something special. But no matter when you choose to present your token, you'll definitely conjure up a few happy tears from the recipient.

Who gets gifts at the rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity for you to hand out gifts to your wedding party. Your maid or man of honor, best man or best woman, groomsmen or groomswomen, bridesmaids or bridesmen, the ring bearer and the flower girl all should receive gifts on this occasion. You may also wish to give your parents a special gift here, but it's fine to wait until a more-private moment.

When else can you give your wedding party gifts?

If you choose not to present your presents at the rehearsal dinner, you can also give your wedding party gifts on the morning of your wedding—either at brunch or lunch or while getting ready together. This timing might make more sense, depending on the theme of your gift. (Presenting nice pajamas and robes as everyone arrives to get ready feels more thoughtful than offering them up the night before.) Plus, if you have a particularly labor-intensive wedding ceremony rehearsal or if you have wedding party members traveling at the last minute to make the event, you may just want to let your wedding party relax vs. trying to wrangle them together to give gifts simultaneously.

Maid of Honor

Your maid of honor is likely your sister, a very close relative or treasured friend, so if you're wondering when to give a maid of honor gift, it's a great idea to carve out a special time for just the two of you. That doesn't mean you have to share an entire evening or event together; it's perfectly acceptable to pull her aside at your rehearsal dinner or on the morning of your wedding to give her a token of your appreciation.

Best Man

Similarly, your best man is your bro! So when do you give the best man his gift? Make him feel special by handing him his gift at a moment where it's just the two of you. This is especially advantageous if you've chosen a best man gift for him that's a bit more lavish than that of your groomsmen. If you want to go above and beyond, invite him to lunch or to shoot pool in the days leading up to your wedding or even on the day of your rehearsal dinner. Or just catch a moment on the morning of your big day.

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Bridesmaids

Wondering when to give bridesmaid gifts? You could have a separate meal, like a fun bridal brunch or dinner, a few days before the wedding and present your presents then. If that doesn't come together, it's perfectly acceptable to hand them their gifts at the rehearsal dinner or on the morning of your wedding while you're getting ready. This is especially ideal if your gift is something they should wear at your wedding, like a beautiful pair of earrings or a necklace.

Groomsmen

When to give your bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts might also depend on what you give them. If it's something you want them to wear during the wedding day—like jewelry, getting-ready robes, cuff links or customized sneakers to slip into at the party—the answer to "when to give groomsmen gifts" is while you're getting ready. That way, no one risks losing it or forgetting it in their hotel room. If it's not something they're meant to wear or have at the wedding—a gift card, beauty products, picture frame or wine paraphernalia—hand it out at the rehearsal dinner so they don't need to worry about keeping track of it throughout the busy wedding day.

Parents

Wondering: "When do you give parents wedding gifts?" Consider taking a moment before the wedding—it could be a special meal a few days prior, at the rehearsal dinner (often after your toast thanking them) or on the morning of your wedding (if you have a spare moment)—to share some private time with your parents and give them their gifts. When it comes to wedding gifts for parents, you could give each parent an individual gift or choose one present from both of you to each set of parents.

Other Helpers

There are probably other important individuals who aren't in your immediate family or adult wedding party whom you want to thank and honor with a sweet token. You can offer flower girl gifts and ring bearer gifts at the rehearsal dinner, if you'd like, or ahead of the reception, if your present includes games and crafts to keep them busy during the reception. If you're still wondering who gets wedding thank-you gifts, the list could include your grandparents, officiant or any loved ones doing readings, serving as ushers or playing music at the ceremony. These special people can receive gifts at the rehearsal dinner or the morning of your wedding.