"Weddings are about more than just receiving. Giving is a significant component of the ceremony as well. And sharing gifts of appreciation with friends and family who lovingly help propel the lucky couple into the throws of matrimony are important. Purchasing such gifts should be taken seriously. I understand this concept. But I'm not so sure my fianc?, Tim, possesses the same understanding.

As our wedding rapidly approaches, Tim and I are faced with the honor of purchasing groomsmen gifts and bridesmaid gifts for our wedding party. I am, however, a bit perplexed at the moment because Tim has asked me to purchase the groomsmen gifts for the 12 college friends he asked to stand with him during the ceremony. He wants his appreciation reflected in the gifts, so he wants all the groomsmen gifts individualized for each of his friends. Understandably, individualized gifts would be more meaningful to his friends and give them each a fond remembrance of our special occasion. But because Tim's work schedule is extremely hectic between now and the wedding, he asked me to buy the groomsmen gifts. The problem I'm having is that I barely know some of his friends! Therefore, trying to determine what would constitute individualized gifts for men I barely know is creating a tremendous challenge.

Purchasing the groomsmen gifts isn't exactly high on my list of priorities at the moment, either, and Tim simply doesn't understand the degree of pressure I feel trying to manage all the other wedding arrangements. However, my wonderful fianc? believes that I can do anything, including being creative in my selection of the ideal purchases for his friends. I can't help but wonder, ?Is this a glimpse into what my ?wifely? challenges might involve? Will I be the one responsible for buying all gifts for family and friends on all special occasions and all holidays??

Purchasing individualized bridesmaid gifts for my bridal party, on the other hand, has been delightful. I didn't put the task off until the last minute and have been enjoying leisurely finding the delightful treasures that I know my friends will cherish. I love having the opportunity to shop for such special friends who will be standing beside me during the ceremony. Selecting individualized presents for my friends doesn't seem to be a problem at all. Perhaps that's because I have known each of these girls my entire life, so I know what each one would consider special and enjoy receiving.

In fact, this task has been so easy that I have almost all the bridesmaid gifts purchased and wrapped already. I feel great pride in the fact that I selected each and every gift with great personal care. As funny as it may sound, some of my most memorable wedding preparation experiences to date involve shopping for the perfect bridesmaid gifts'I hope the girls enjoy the gifts as much as I enjoyed selecting them. I'm sure that each present fits the personality of each bridesmaid perfectly.

Perhaps if I take into consideration that Tim's friends are as important to him as mine are to me, I can look upon my role in helping him purchase just the right groomsmen gifts in a different way. After all, aren't they just bridesmaid gifts with a masculine overtone? Somehow, I find comfort in this thought and am determined to set upon my task of finding the perfect gifts with renewed vigor!"