A gifted party Say thanks to your wedding party with thoughtful gifts

Gifts for the wedding party are more than just a formality -- they're a thank-you to friends who spent eons listening to you debate coral vs. salmon pink, patiently buttoned and unbuttoned all those teeny-tiny buttons on your wedding gown and stood in support of your marriage on the wedding day.

According to the Emily Post Institute, "the best gift you can give your wedding party is a pleasant experience while they help you prepare," but it's nice to give them a tangible gift, too.

"Party gifts are often kept as mementos long after the wedding is over," says LeVa Clement of Milestones Weddings and Events in Jackson. Jewelry is a classic gift from the bride to her bridesmaids, while popular gifts from the groom include cuff links, ties, monogrammed flasks and engraved key chains, according to Emily Post.

Clement also suggests an engraved box in which to keep jewelry or engraved compact mirrors, lipstick cases or glass gifts. Silverware is a nice choice for groomsmen, says Clement, as are an engraved pen or personalized paperweight.

At one wedding Clement worked with, each bridesmaid was given a personalized embroidered clutch that included "survival items" for the big day: Band-Aids, bobby pins, a towelette, matchbox-style sewing kit, breath mints, a travel-size Kleenex pack and a heart compact mirror engraved with the bride and groom's names and the wedding date.

Other great gifts Clement has seen: A throw blanket with a picture of the wedding party on it, a decorative wine box with the wedding information engraved on it and the bridesmaid or groomsman's favorite wine inside, a set of personalized multi-tool pliers or Swiss Army knife, and an engraved flash drive with photos from the wedding already loaded onto it.

Are there any gifts that are off-limits? Definitely, says Clement, and she's seen some doozies. Avoid any gifts that are sexual in nature, T-shirts, art or anything that looks cheap or tacky.

"You should also never give money -- it is better to not give a gift at all," says Clement.

How much to spend on gifts depends on the budget, but you should also consider how much your wedding party attendants are shelling out for travel expenses, hotel rooms, attire, shower gifts and more, according to wedding website theknot.com: "You're certainly not expected to cover what they've spent, but you should be spending enough to say 'I appreciate the time, effort and money you've put into this wedding.'" About $75 to $150 per person is a safe range, according to the website.

PULLOUT

More gifts we love

LeVa Clement includes a list of gift ideas from theknot.com in a packet for all her brides. Here are some of our favorites; look for the full list on www.theknot.com.

> Tickets to a musical or dinner theater

> A movie-themed gift basket

> Tickets to a sporting event

> A bottle of wine and a new board game

> A designer clutch

> A gift certificate to a luxury spa

> Assorted jars of homemade jam and scones

> A gift certificate for introductory dance or pottery classes

> A wine club membership

> Silk pajamas

> Personalized stationery