Planning a wedding is not easy - it really does "take a village" to make an event run smoothly. From your friends and family who come from miles to celebrate with you to the vendors who do the heavy lifting to make sure that every detail looks perfect, there is so much to be thankful for at the end of your big day. However, in the frenzy of the event (which will fly by with shocking speed), it is easy to forget to say thank you to everyone who helped make your dream day possible. It is traditional to thank vendors with cards and tips, but for your bridal party and family, nothing beats hand-selected gifts. Bridal party thank you gifts is an area where a little pre-planning can go a long way, and where going green is easy! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Thank Your Parents With An Eco-Friendly Photo Album

While more couples are funding their own nuptials these days than ever before, it is still traditional for the parents of one or both parties to foot at least part of the bill. In addition to saying thank you to them in your wedding toast, it is nice to give them a gift they can enjoy for years to come. A photo album is the perfect gift for parents, and there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. For the traditional couple, we love this F loral Expressions Wedding Album . This photo album is made from recycled paper and real flowers - and you can use the flowers from your wedding or pre-wedding parties at no additional charge.

Are you more of a DIY rustic wedding couple? If so, this Rustic Wedding Photo Album Gift is perfect for your parents! This "brag book" measures 5″x7″ and can be personalized with two names and a date inside the doves. You can also use other names in the place of "mom and dad" for complete customization at no extra charge. It comes with 10 pages of card stock with photo corners.

Thank Your Bridesmaids With Organic Spa Gifts

Did your ladies throw you an amazing eco-friendly bachelorette party ? While you could thank them with a piece of eco jewelry , everyone's taste is so different. Instead, why not treat them to a wonderful set of organic, fair trade and/or non-toxic spa products? You can stop into Whole Foods and create your own collections or buy pre-made sets online. If you are treating the girls to manicures, add a hand and foot spa set tote . If you want to give them a little bit of everything, try a mixed spa set instead.

Feeling crafty? Instead of buying something pre-made why not DIY bridesmaids spa products? You can make your own lip balm , DIY soap gifts , concoct a yummy sugar scrub , or put together luxurious bath salts . If you have time, why not make more than one thing and put them together to make your own branded sets?

Thank Your Groomsmen With Recycled Bar Sets

Men who have the privilege of being groomsmen multiple times can end up with quite a collection of flasks and bottle openers. If you like the idea of giving your groomsmen barware with a green twist, you can give them upcycled glasses and provide the liquor to toast with together. This recycled glasses set comes with sphere ice molds and can be custom engraved with your wedding date or the message of your choice, for the perfect thank you gift.

Thank The Kids With Eco-Friendly Crafts

What child doesn't like art supplies?! Green craft supplies make the perfect thank you gift for kids because not only will they get lots of use, but many non-toxic products and sets can also be used as part of a kids' activity during your wedding ceremony or reception. Two cute ideas include colorful sets of soy wax crayons to match your wedding theme (which can be couple with a coloring book or blank paper at the kids' table) and reusable cotton coloring sheets . For more supervised play, a wooden peg doll kit can provide hours of fun.

By selecting eco-friendly thank you gifts you not only let your wedding party know how much you appreciate their support, but are using the opportunity to help artists and green companies. This is one area where going green is easy and makes a big difference!

During November, we are celebrating gratitude with "Giving Thanks" month, in partnership with Artifact Uprising.

And don't forget your guests! Here are some green wedding favor ideas on Pinterest:

Follow Green Bride Guide's board Favors on Pinterest.