| It is customary for brides and grooms to provide | | | | are there and stamp each note card or sheet to |
| their bridesmaids and groomsmen with gifts. Gifts | | | | make a set. As you do this, keep in mind the |
| bestowed upon the wedding party are simply to | | | | personal tastes of each of your bridesmaids so |
| thank your special friends (and sometimes | | | | that you can tailor each set to each girl’s |
| relatives) for participating in your special day. While | | | | style. |
| it is customary, it is not required, though it is | | | | Photo Albums |
| usually greatly appreciated. Gifts for your | | | | Bridesmaids often receive beautiful photo albums |
| bridesmaids can be as extravagant as you can | | | | from the bride. In most cases, these photo |
| afford or as simple as you like. There are no | | | | albums are empty and must be filled. Though of |
| concrete rules as to what is appropriate and what | | | | good quality, they are often from the store, |
| is not. | | | | which any bride can obtain. To put a unique spin |
| The gifts you give your bridesmaids may depend | | | | on the classic photo album, think about simply |
| on your budget, how traditional your wedding is, | | | | filling it before you give it to your bridesmaid. You |
| and on your personality. Whichever route you | | | | could print out copies of photographs of specials |
| take, it is a good idea to go with unique gifts. | | | | days that the two of you shared (do this for |
| Traditional bridesmaid gifts include jewelry, | | | | each bridesmaid so that each album is unique) and |
| stationery, and photo albums. Here is a unique spin | | | | perhaps with some beautiful paper and a nice pen, |
| on these typical gifts, and some other good ideas, | | | | place a caption on each page that illustrates the |
| to make you stand out as the unique and exciting | | | | memory. |
| bride! | | | | With a photo album, you could wait until your |
| Jewelry | | | | wedding pictures are printed as well. Order a few |
| Jewelry may be the most traditional bridesmaid | | | | extra copies of certain shots to include within |
| gift there is. Many brides give their bridesmaids a | | | | your bridesmaids’ photo albums. There is no |
| pair of earrings or necklace that would | | | | rule that you must give your bridesmaids their |
| complement their bridesmaid dresses for the | | | | gifts before the wedding. |
| ceremony. While jewelry is an excellent idea, why | | | | The Gift You All Can Share |
| not break the mold and give your bridesmaids | | | | A unique way to thank your bridesmaids, and |
| handmade jewelry that is made by you. | | | | have fun with them, is to give a gift that you all |
| If you have absolutely no idea how to make | | | | can share. Sure, your bridesmaids are treating |
| jewelry, that is fine. Seek out a local jeweler and | | | | you to the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and |
| design the jewelry specifically for your | | | | many other treats along the way to your big day, |
| bridesmaids. Whether you actually fashion the | | | | but you may want to do the same for them. A |
| jewelry with your own two hands or design it | | | | very unique gift for your bridesmaids would be to |
| with a jeweler, the sentiment is the same. Your | | | | purchase tickets to a concert, event, or show |
| bridesmaids should love it. | | | | that you would all like to attend. That way, you |
| Stationery | | | | can all enjoy the show and you can give them a |
| Many brides opt to give their bridesmaids | | | | unique gift. |
| stationery. While it probably should be the other | | | | Another unique bridesmaid gift that you all can |
| way around, especially since the bride may need | | | | share is a day at the spa. If you choose to do |
| to write thank-you note upon thank-you note | | | | this, it might be well worth the effort to schedule |
| after the wedding, stationery is a classic | | | | this event close to the big day. That way, all the |
| bridesmaid gift. Instead of buying a pre-packaged | | | | girls can get together, have a “girls’ day |
| set of note cards and envelopes, consider making | | | | out” at the spa, primp, relax, and get ready |
| your own for your bridesmaids. Although good | | | | for the biggest day of your life, together. This is a |
| quality stationery is an excellent gift, it will mean | | | | really fun way to spend a day with your closest |
| more to your girls if you give them handmade | | | | friends. |
| stationery. | | | | Just remember, as long as you put some heart |
| Making your own stationery is not as difficult as | | | | and soul into choosing gifts for your bridesmaids, |
| you may think. Simply go to your favorite paper | | | | you really cannot go wrong. If you put that extra |
| retailer and pick out some good quality note cards | | | | thought and effort into it, you are likely to come |
| and separate sheets. A good paper store should | | | | up with a unique bridesmaid gift even for your |
| have a wide variety of cardstocks, sizes, and | | | | most traditional wedding celebration. |
| paper types available. Buy some stamps while you | | | | |