When you first caught his eye, they were there to pass the notes in biology class amidst girlish giggles and whispered words. When the dating started, they picked out the right dress and loaned the perfect shade of lip gloss. They were privy to the thrills and joys of your first kiss and wiped your tears after the latest quarrel. Then came the proposal. After the shrieks and excited phone calls, you now have a wedding to plan. And you cannot imagine anyone else you would rather have as your bridesmaids than your best girlfriends.
Bridesmaids in wedding parties of old, often served as a sort of ‘covering’ for the bride. Not only were they to accompany her on the journey from her home village to the groom’s, they were also tasked with keeping evil at bay. Given the fact that ‘evil’ in those days, ranged in form from vengeful suitors to evil spirits, a bridesmaid’s satin slippers were certainly tough to fill.
While your bridesmaids no longer have to worry their pretty little heads about highwaymen out to hijack the wedding party, they do have other modern-day evils to keep at bay. Think emergency stain removers for red lipstick marks on a white veil. Or even the hasty yet expert sewing-on of buttons that pop at the very last minute. And for all that ‘saving the (most important) day (of your life)’ action, what better way to thank them then by handpicking gifts for your bridesmaids? These are not only lovely tokens of gratitude but also a symbolic keepsake of the many years of friendship enjoyed and the many more that you hope to share upon the starting of this new chapter.
Bridal magazines and the Internet are excellent places to search for bridesmaid gift ideas. Even if you do not end up with e-purchases, the websites offer many great light bulb moments. Very often, you will be able to utilise the many suggestions listed as blueprints for creating your own gifts.
But should you find your hands already full with all the other wedding planning needs or if you have somehow left it to the last minute and do not have much time left to make your own gifts, these websites are a real blessing. Many allow you to place quick orders, some without a minimum order requirement. Also, retailers often include gift personalization services for a token sum.
Selecting the right gift is an exciting event in itself. With so many inspired choices available, you will not have to settle for boring kitchen aprons for the girls. Unless, boring kitchen aprons are what you want, of course. Otherwise, you could get anything from foot massagers to crystal clocks. And have them customised with your bridesmaid’s initials or monogram no less.
Given the sweet history, gifts that bear a personal touch are always a good bet. For instance, many brides are choosing to present gifts such as photo frames or albums complete with photos taken throughout the years. Jigsaw puzzles developed from photos of the two of you, are also clever. And even if you select a gift that has little personal significance, you can still bring on a few happy tears with a well-written personal note.
Another idea for a bridesmaid gift is to base it on the momentous event itself. Thus, you can opt to furnish the bridesmaid dresses along with a set of accessories to complement the look. If heading to a particular destination for the event, you may even select gifts to match the destination. Thus, a beach wedding may see you bearing gifts of straw tote bags. These are practical for storing essentials for the big day as well as for destination tours after. Or if your wedding is taking place at a spa resort, an appropriate gift would be a luxurious, monogrammed bathrobe.
Alternatively, you can always rely on the ol’ faithful method—pamper them. The girls will surely be grateful for gift baskets filled with all sorts of relaxing lotions and potions plus spa treatment vouchers, guaranteed to ease aching backs after tottering about in stilettos the entire day. Pouches for storing toiletries and cosmetic bags also make great bridesmaid gifts. Throw in a couple of items from their favourite brands and you will have yourself delighted bridesmaids!
While brides usually do not discriminate when giving out these gifts, you may want to contemplate getting a little something extra for your maid of honour. Simply because she is not only usually your very, very best-est friend but will also be the one to help you shoulder a great chunk of the responsibilities before and on the big day.
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