Wedding planning is an intensive process, and it usually requires plenty of help. Whether sampling cakes, choosing flowers or providing moral support on the big day, the wedding party in an integral part of the success of any wedding. Wedding tradition dictates that you present the members of your wedding party with a gift, as a token of appreciation for their participation in your big day.

Although it is expected that you will present all the members of your wedding party with a gift, there is no reason to blow your budget doing so. Make a list of all the members of your wedding party, including the flower girl, ring bearer and any other helpers such as guest book attendants. Once you know how many people that you are shopping for, it is easier to come up with a budget. Let the groom shop for the ring bearer and groomsmen, and the bride shop for the bridesmaids and flower girl if you like, but both the bride and groom should participate in choosing the gifts for each set of parents.

It is clear that there is no gift that can adequately express your appreciation for the help provided by an efficient and organized best man or maid of honor. You certainly do not want to insult them by gifting them with a token that appears cheap, or like an afterthought. This is, however, an expensive and stressful time in your life, and every choice can seem overwhelming. So, what are some popular gifts for members of the wedding party?

Gifts for the bridal party: Your bridal party has a lot of responsibility and probably some expense when it comes to buying dresses, planning the shower, and other wedding responsibilities. While you are making yourself crazy planning every last detail, your bridesmaids are keeping you from going over the edge. It is important to give each member bridal party a gift that shows them how much you appreciate what they have done for you over the months leading up to your wedding day.

If it is in the budget, jewelry is always nice, but it is not necessary. Totes, spa kits, personalized tee shirts or tank tops or a nice key chain are all special gifts for the members of your bridal party. You may want to provide a special gift for your maid of honor. If so, this can be done privately.

What about the flower girl? The flower girl is easy to buy for. Most little girls love the idea of being in a wedding, and are easily pleased. A necklace, doll, or personalized tote bag are all gifts that the flower girl may cherish.

Gifts for the groomsmen: There are many choices available when shopping for your groomsmen. What direction you go really depends on your relationship with these guys as well as your budget. If your relationship is casual and your budget is tight, gifts such as beer mugs or pocket knives are nice gift ideas. If you have a long standing relationship with these men and can fit it into the budget, a gift such as monogrammed cuff links or some type of electronic device is a nice way to show your appreciation. Again, the groom may wish to provide a little extra for the best man, but that gift can be exchanged in private.

What about the ring bearer? The ring bearer certainly deserves a special gift. Piggy banks, candy jars or a personalized football all make gifts that your ring bearer is sure to enjoy.

Shopping for the parents: It is a nice gesture to present your parents with a gift that expresses your thanks for the job that they did raising you, and their support on your wedding day. Your parents, of course, love you and do not want you to break your budget buying them a gift, but it is possible to keep an eye on your budget while shopping for your parents.

Photograph frames, including digital frames that allow your parents to display a rotating group of pictures, a vase, handkerchiefs and cigars are all popular gifts for the parents of the wedding couple. This is probably the first opportunity that you have to present a gift to your parents from you and your new spouse, so it can be an emotional occasion. Take your time shopping so that you can choose a fitting gift.

The bottom line is, wedding party gift ideas are not limited to bracelets and key chains (although today’s fashionable selections still make these nice gifts!) In addition to travel bags and totes, there is a wide variety of t-shirts, sweat shirts, hats and other "bridal gear" for both girls and guys, even for your pets. The sky is the limit when it comes to showing your appreciation to the friends and loved ones who such a big part of this special event in your life.