BM & GM gifts--tip!

There's no set rule on how much you should spend on thank-you gifts -- it all depends on what you're willing to spend. Perhaps the sky is the limit for large-budget weddings, but don't worry if you're a budget-conscious planner. You have plenty of creative options that won't break the bank.

What do guys give each other -- pats on the back, handshakes and advice about women? Sure, but now's the time to furnish close friends with tangible tokens of your appreciation. Surprise them with innovative gifts the night before your wedding. Here's a short list to give you some ideas:

Flasks
Watches
Key rings
Leather-bound date books
Nice pens
Hobby accessories
Cologne
Gift certificates for an oil change, car wash, video rental or favorite hangout
An evening at a sports bar to watch the big game
Tickets to a sporting event
Subscriptions to receive a microbrew or wine of the month
Customarily, the bride presents gifts of appreciation to her bridesmaids the night before the wedding. However you may choose to host a bridal luncheon a week or two before your wedding day. Take the girls out for afternoon tea or an evening pizza party. However formal you choose to be, a bridal luncheon is a perfect time to introduce out-of-town attendants, schedule final dress fittings and give your bridesmaids their gifts.

While it's common to give each bridesmaid identical gifts, you still can personalize them in lots of ways, such as giving variations of one gift idea or monogramming each present:

Business card cases
Silver jewelry boxes
Bouquet vases
Spa certificates
Sterling compacts
Jewelry to match their gowns
A special fragrance
Hand-made journals - buy a plain journal, decorate the cover and write a note on the first page
Magazine subscriptions
A fun one-time class like pottery or painting
Charm your friends with gifts that challenge tradition. Crafty and stylish gifts reveal your gratitude for their time and friendship.