by Sharon Gittleman
ROYAL OAK – Choosing the perfect reception locale, selecting your flowers and deciding what to serve aren't the only decisions brides and grooms face when planning their commitment ceremonies. Giving a little treasure to your groomsmen and bridesmaids is another custom you won't want to forgo.
After all, they're the ones who help you get through your big day with your sanity intact.
At the Decades booth at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, you'll find one-of-a-kind gifts for your attendants, from art deco figurines to vintage pottery and glass.
"It's more fun then going to the store and seeing a pile of the same thing," said Bill Krout, co-owner of Decades with Barry Shulman. "It's more like a treasure hunt."
While in the past, brides and grooms have given the same gift to each member of the wedding party, that trend has changed.
"I've had people buy very different things. They may buy a bracelet for one or a cigarette case for another," he said. "Most gay people are more creative then that. It's part of us being fabulous."
That same pattern is mirrored in LGBT commitment ceremonies, he said. They don't have to be copycats of straight celebrations.
"I've been to a lot of gay weddings," he said. "You never see those horrible crepe paper bells or doves or everything color coordinated. They seem to be much more relaxed or individualized."
At Decades, gift items change from week to week.
Price is another reason to visit Krout and Shulman's booth.
"We have really cool fun things for $6-12 and things for $400," he said.
Small shops offer many benefits over big name stores, said ChoZen by BC owner B. C. Cabangbang.
"I have unique pieces not available at large retailers," he said. "I have a lot of stuff from Europe and Asia, also from Royal Oak artisans."
Compact mirrors, lipstick cases, business card holders and wallets are stocked on the shelves of his store.
Money clips, paperweights, pens and desk organizers are popular wedding favor gifts for men, while bracelets and fragrant lotions are frequent choices for women, he said.
"The individuality of people now really matters," he said. "In today's age, they do the same price point but different things for each person."
You can choose favors that match your wedding's theme or the personality of your groomsmen or bridesmaids.
"Some are trendy, some are daring, some are classic," he said.
Cabangbang offers a "good," "better," and "best" choice in every category.
"A 'good' would be a stainless steel cake server. That would be $39.95. A 'better' would be a stainless steel cake slicer and server with rhinestones. That would run $44.95," he said. "The 'best' would be cake server and slicer with an Austrian crystal encrusted handle – for about $125-$150."
Wedding favors average $50, but you can find presents from $10 and up, he said.
What's a fashionable choice?
"Anything with bling," he said. "A little glitter is popular."
Jewelry is the favorite wedding favor purchase for people who visit State of the Art Custom Framing & Gallery in Ferndale, said Nicole Rafaill, co-owner of the shop with Veronica Lujic.
At the store, you'll find one-of-a-kind handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets, she said.
"We've had brides come and ask our designer to design something special," she said.
Lucky groomsmen might drive home from your wedding with limited edition metal watches with faces painted by an artist.
Picture frames make a practical gift, she said.
"You're not giving someone something that will just sit and never be used," said Rafaill.
Prices on items available at her shop that would make great bridal favors range from $15 to $250.
Traditions are changing, she said.
"Now the trend is to give them something more personalized to them," she said.
If you treasure tried and true customs, like offering your attendants the same tokens of your affection, you'll want to allow at least two weeks for the shop to get the gifts in stock, she said.
Don't be surprised if you see one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen heading out of the store while you're walking in.
One popular gift from the wedding party to the couple is a photo of the bride and groom, set inside a large mat and frame.
"Everyone can sign the mat and then we put in the glass afterward," she said.
Decades is located at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, at 316 E. 11 Mile. Decades is open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sat; and from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sun.
ChoZen by BC is located at 120 W. Fourth St. in Royal Oak. Call them at (248) 547-1212. Hours are: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Mon. – Wed.; 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thurs. – Sat.; and 2 – 5 p.m., on Sun.
State of the ArtÔøΩCustom Framing & Gallery can be found at 918 W. Nine Mile in Ferndale. You can reach them at (248) 582-9999. Visit the shop from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tues. – Sat.
