Weddings don’t just come together overnight, they’re celebrations that take a lot of time and effort to plan. This is especially true if you opt for a large event, as is often the case with Indian and multicultural weddings or multi-day celebrations.

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.

It can therefore be a delightful gesture to get certain people a gift to say thank you for the role that they’ve played in bringing your dream celebration together. But who should you give gifts to, and who gets a 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.

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, cuddly toys are a popular choice, whereas older children may appreciate a similar gift to the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, such as a bracelet or a watch. You needn’t spend too much money on children’s gifts – the important thing is for them to feel special and included.

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.

No matter who you decide to buy for, it’s good to remember that a gift doesn’t need to be extravagant – it’s more important that it’s thoughtful and culturally significant. They’ll be sure to appreciate the fact that you recognise the support they’ve given, and that’s the key thing.

Get in touch if you would like to discuss how to elevate your wedding stationery and gifting.

Until next time,

Vaishali