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Unique and Memorable Bridesmaid Gifts by Rachel Jackson

June 8, 2009

As a thank you to your wedding party, it is nice to pick out some great gifts that you can wrap up before the big day. After all, these people may have taken days off work, purchased their clothing, and often made other time and financial contributions so that you would be happy. Typically, your groom chooses the gifts for the groomsmen and best man, while you are responsible for picking out gifts for the bridesmaids or matron of honor. Make an effort to not just choose a gift card or other thoughtless gift. Here are some ideas for unique and memorable bridesmaid gifts that show your bridesmaids how much you really care:

A Tote Bag Full of Goodies

Personalized tote bags are a great way to create a “gift basket” for your bridesmaids. Choose a different color for each bridesmaid according to her personal tastes. In fact, you do not even have to choose the same totes - you can choose different styles for each bridesmaid. Then, fill the tote bags with smaller items that your bridesmaids can enjoy, like cosmetics, keepsakes, and so forth. You can give them all the same items or vary it according to their tastes, but make sure to spend about the same amount of money on each person so it does not look like you are favoring certain girls over the others.

Wedding Party T-Shirts

On the day of your wedding, will you be wearing bridal clothing that lets the world know it’s your big day? Consider picking up some t-shirts or other clothing items for your bridesmaids as well. There are fun T-shirts that say things like “maid of honor,” as well as clothing that simple says “wedding party” and has your names and dates on it. Avoid anything that the bridal party may not wear, such as shirts with your picture on it, and do not make it required that they get dressed up - but give them that option as a gift!

Photo Albums

Your bridesmaids may love having memories of the big day. A picture frame is nice, but for a special gift, choose a picture album instead. Include your announcement photograph and when your prints come in; provide a small set for each bridesmaid as a gift, along with information in case they want to order more from the photographer. You can also include copies of pictures from the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and other events you did together to get ready for the wedding. Some brides even like to include pictures that show how you became friends, even before the wedding.

Jewelry

As a bride, you might want to decide what jewelry your bridesmaids wear on their wedding day. There are renting options, but instead, why not give each bridesmaid a jewelry set as a wedding gift? You can find very affordable options that should all match. When choosing a jewelry gift, try to go for a classic style that your friends should be able to wear long after your first anniversary. Do not forget to find out about metal allergies, especially if you are going to give them earrings to wear. Some girls cannot wear certain types of jewelry.

Spa Gift Cards

Gift cards are often not appropriate, but at the end of the day, it is important that you help your wedding party feel relaxed and refreshed. Being in a wedding is hard work, so while you are away enjoying your honeymoon, set up a day at the spa for your bridesmaids. Treat them all to facials, manicures and pedicures, massages, and other spa services. It is the least you can do for them. If you have bridesmaids flying in from out of town, you do not have to plan a day at the same spa for them all to go together. Instead, let them choose their own days at a spa near their home. Along these same lines, you can instead treat them to a fancy restaurant, a concert, or another event if you do not think they are going to enjoy the spa.

Another gift option you have is to wait until you get back from the honeymoon and plan time together. If you are planning a very low budget wedding, you might not have a lot of money to spend otherwise.Spread out your gifts so you can easily plan for them much better by giving each bridesmaid a card requesting a dinner date in the future months. That way, you can thank for their hard work, while staying within your budget. Do not go the easy way out and choose a generic gift. Take the time and find something that shows how much you care. These gifts should be appreciated by your bridesmaids not matter how much you spend.

About the Author:
Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about everything from fashion to family, cooking to pet care. Ms. Jackson also focuses on family events, such as weddings, as well as specific aspects of a wedding such as bridesmaid gifts.