Sometimes a simple 'thank you' just isn't enough. If you're considering purchasing a special gift to show your bridal party just how much you appreciate them, then look no further. Here are four easy tips to keep in mind when shopping for your loved ones.

1. Buy something they can wear at the wedding
Weddings are not only an expensive affair for the bride and groom, but for the whole wedding party, as well. Your bridesmaids have to buy new dresses, shoes, get their hair done and usually end up purchasing multiple gifts for showers and parties leading up to the big day. And groomsmen have expensive suits to rent. So it's a much-appreciated gesture to buy your wedding party something they can wear at the wedding. Earrings, a necklace or bracelet are perfect gift options for your bridesmaids and a tie or cufflinks work well for the groomsmen. The best part? You buying the accessories guarantees your wedding party will match!

2. Think of individual personalities and tastes
It's lovely to buy your wedding party gifts they can use at the wedding, but it isn't so lovely if the gifts stay in the packages, never to be used again after the big day. Before you buy your gifts, think of your party's taste. Since you're probably balancing many different styles, stick with simple designs. Don't go for the statement necklace; instead, choose a simple pendant and chain. And avoid ties in flashy colours. Orange may be your wedding colour, but your groomsmen aren't likely to wear orange ties again. Look for ties in more neutral colours that your groomsmen can wear to lots of other functions or even to work.

3. Be sentimental
If there is ever a time to get a little mushy it's on your wedding day. You will remember your wedding for the rest of your life and you want your bridal party to feel the same way, so it's not at all cheesy to give them a wedding day memento. Many brides and grooms will buy something inscribed with their wedding date, like a charm for the bridesmaids and beer glasses for the men. And don't be afraid to personalize your gifts to each member of your bridal party. For example, get the bridesmaids jewelry with their birthstones. And get your groomsmen cufflinks with their initials or engrave their beer glass with their favourite sports team's emblem. It truly is the small touches that, ultimately, make the biggest difference.

4. Be practical
It's important to make sure your sentimental gift is also something your wedding party will actually use. Will your groomsmen make use of that beautiful shaving kit you bought them? And do your bridesmaids really need silk robes? Probably not. It's easy with weddings to get caught up in all the excitement and lose track of practicality. So always ask yourself, "Would they use this?" and make that your guidepost for buying your bridal party gifts.

We have lots more wedding tips, including 10 unique gift ideas for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.