GIfting the Guys

A couple months ago, we shared with you how we were dressing the guys for our black tie optional wedding - vests and ties - and how their gifts were tied to their attire.

Oh, and we went with the "wisdom" of the Hive and put Mr. Turkey in a vest and bow tie.

Photo by Philip Gabriel Photography

But we couldn't very well just get the groomsmen one thing (well we could, but we didn't)! We decided to get something that would go with the tie, but would come in useful down the road, especially as most of them work in business.

Courtesy of Rue La La, I snagged coupon codes for personalized tie holders from Red Envelope.

A few different views of the tie holder - personalization on the gold plaque (2 initials for some, 3 for others)

Although not the most creative of groomsmen gifts (many groomsmen gifts seem to fall into the cufflink - tie - handkerchief - flask route), we hoped that we chose items that would get some use!

Speaking of cufflinks, we did a little something extra for the best man. Mr. Turkey and I stumbled upon these in Nordstrom one afternoon.

David Donahue Mercury Dime cufflinks

Although these might seem to be an interesting choice of cufflink to some people, there was a deeper meaning to the vintage dimes.

After Mr. Turkey's grandfather passed away, family members began finding dimes everywhere. They were generally found at a time when they were about to make a decision and needed some guidance. The dimes seemed to be Pop Pop's way of letting the person know they were going down the right path. Mr. Turkey and I have found many dimes - including the weekend we got engaged.

Close up of the dime cufflinks given to M

Mr. Turkey's choice of cufflinks for his brother M had one further layer of meaning. M's dime was dated 1945, the year of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Their grandfather fought in that battle and M, like him, is a Marine veteran.

It goes without saying, when Mr. Turkey told the story of why he chose this gift for M, there was not a dry eye at the rehearsal dinner. Such a seemingly simple gift, yet laden with incredible meaning.

What did you gift your groomsmen? Was there special meaning behind any of your choices?