Weddings don’t come together overnight; they’re celebrations that take a lot of time, effort, and collaboration. This is especially true for larger events, such as Indian or multicultural weddings, or multi-day celebrations, which often include several traditions and intricate planning.

Throughout it all, you’ll hopefully be supported by your family and friends, who will band together to help you create decorations, table plans, choose your outfits, plan your hen/stag/mehendi party and generally listen to you as you prepare for this big stage of your life.

A thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to say thank you and show your appreciation for the roles they’ve played. So, who should you give gifts to, and who gets a heartfelt thank-you note? Let’s take a look.

Stationery by Ananya Cards at The Hilton Dubai Palm

Bridesmaids and groomsmen

Members of your wedding party are likely to play a big role in bringing the day together and helping you keep calm throughout the planning process. They’ll probably have been some of the first people you told about your engagement, and so you’re likely to have already discussed with them different colour palettes, wedding stationery themes, and which traditions and cultural elements to include.

On the day, they’ll get you where you need to be and make sure you look fantastic, as well as taking care of smaller details like checking your parents are happy and that everyone feels welcome and catered for.

Since they’re probably your closest friends, it should be relatively easy to buy something meaningful for them. If you’re stuck for ideas, a bracelet or cufflinks marked with the date of your wedding, or a beautifully calligraphed poem or favourite quote can be a beautiful, long-lasting memento. For a more unique touch, gift them an experience, such as a wine-tasting session or a wellness retreat voucher.

Image: Fiona Kelly Photography | Gifting and stationery by Ananya Cards

Children with special roles in the ceremony

If you, your siblings or close friends have children, it can be a lovely idea to have them participate in the ceremony in some way. Not only will they look super cute, but many children like to feel included, especially if their parents are featuring in the wedding party. They can act as flower girls and boys, hand out order of service sheets, be ring bearers or even act as ‘unofficial photographers’ if they’re old enough.

Gifts for children often depend on their age. For little ones, you can look into sustainable cuddly toys or bespoke wooden puzzles. Older children may appreciate a similar gift to the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, such as a bracelet or a watch, or reusable keepsake boxes. You needn’t spend too much money on children’s gifts – the important thing is for them to feel special and included. If you’re incorporating cultural elements, consider gifts that reflect those traditions, such as handcrafted trinkets or culturally inspired items.

Each other

It can be easy to think about everyone else when you’re planning your wedding – what your guests want, what music they like, and what food they would like to eat. But your wedding day is all about the love you share for each other as a couple.

Take time before the day to buy a special present for your other half, and keep it as a surprise until the morning of the wedding. Use this as an opportunity to show each other how much you’re looking forward to spending your lives together. Surprise your partner with a handwritten love letter on luxury stationery or an experience-based gift, such as a weekend getaway. Another option could be a charity donation in their name to a cause that’s meaningful to both of you, aligning with the growing trend of conscious gifting.

No matter who you choose to gift, remember that it’s the thought and cultural significance behind the gift that matters most. Whether it’s something practical, sentimental, or tied to a special memory, your gesture of gratitude will always be appreciated.

For inspiration, check out the Knot’s 50 Best Wedding Gift Ideas for Couples, which features a fantastic range of suggestions to suit every taste and budget.

If you’d like to explore ways to elevate your wedding stationery or add a personalised touch to your gifting, we’d love to help. Get in touch today to start designing something truly special!

Until next time,

Vaishali