They've
been with you through thick and thin and have heard about all your break ups
& make ups. They've spent hours listening to your chatter about flowers,
seating arrangements, menus and dresses. They're going to spend the whole day of
the wedding in your shadow. Your bridesmaids! How can you thank them for
all they've done?
Depending on the circumstances, sometimes the best gift of all is lessening
the financial burden of being in your wedding. "I think the most
appreciated gift is something that has to do with the wedding, and helps to
defray the costs for the bridesmaids," said Jennifer Reno, a veteran
bridesmaid.
Some brides pay for the dresses and/or the shoes and accessories as their way
of saying thank you. Another thought is a gift certificate to a hair salon so
your attendants can relax and have their hair and nails done professionally on
the day of the wedding. You might also choose a piece of jewelry — earrings or
a necklace — that your bridesmaids can wear in the wedding and have as a
keepsake afterwards.
Personalized gifts are always welcome — silver bracelets and necklaces with
tags for monogramming are very popular right now. You might have them engraved
with initials and the date of your wedding. Leather goods can also be
personalized; wallets, cosmetic bags, jewelry cases or photo albums can all be
monogrammed to make a special and memorable gift.
Another way to thank your bridesmaids is to host a special event in their
honor. It can be as informal and inexpensive as a luncheon in your own home or
as elaborate as a day at a spa. It's a wonderful opportunity for all of you to
relax, catch up and reconnect. After all, you've probably been so busy lately
with your husband-to-be and the myriad of wedding preparations that there's a
good chance even your best friends may be feeling a little left out and
resentful.
