The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a wedding. While many may

believe that a wedding is all about the bride, it is still important to show

appreciation to your bridesmaids. These are your right-hand ladies who have

always been there for you. They have taken the time to be there and help you out

on your special day and what better way of showing appreciation than getting

them a bridesmaid gift. But how do you avoid getting a generic bridesmaid gift

or something that they will just throw away when they get home?

Here are some bridesmaid gift guidelines that should help you in your pursuit

of finding the perfect bridesmaid gift.

1. Make it Personal. The most important thing to remember when

   getting a bridesmaid gift is to get something personal. It is easy to give

   gift certificates or cards as gifts, but it is much more meaningful if you

   pick something out that you know they will enjoy. If you know their favorite

   actor/actress has a new movie out on DVD, get it for them along with some

   popcorn and candy. If they like to go to concerts, give them concert tickets

   to their favorite group. A personal and thoughtful gift demonstrates to your

   bridesmaid that you pay attention to them and their interests.
   

    

2. Keep it Simple. You do not have to worry about getting something

   incredibly elaborate for your bridesmaid gift. This is not your time to

   demonstrate that you are a natural Martha Stewart. Remember, this is your

   family and friends and they already know that this is not the case. Jewelry

   makes a great bridesmaid gift. Everyone likes to get jewelry and it does not

   require you to cross-stitch pillows for each bridesmaid. Anklets or earrings

   make simple but elegant gifts. There is no need to try to be crafty with

   your bridesmaid gift.
   

    

3. It does not have to be Expensive. Weddings are already incredibly

   expensive; do not let the bridesmaid gift add to your debt. An expensive

   bridesmaid gift is not expected from your bridesmaids. You do not need to

   prove your love to your bridesmaids by getting them something that cost you

   a lot of money, you just need to get them something that shows that you

   care. One idea is to get your bridesmaids some stationary. Stationary is not

   expensive, but is something that is useful and everyone can use. Another

   idea is getting each bridesmaid their favorite flowers. This shows you care

   without emptying your wallet. If you are really tight on cash, you can

   always right them a personal thank you note. Just remember that you do not

   need to buy the love of your bridesmaids with your gift.
   

    

4. Make it Tasteful. This is a request from someone who has been a

   bridesmaid several times. The cards that say "Maybe next time it will be

   you, but probably not" or "You don't look good in white anyway" get old real

   quick. I would stay clear from a gag bridesmaid gift unless you know for

   sure that your bridesmaids will really appreciate it. The bridesmaid gift is

   part of your wedding and you want it to be tasteful and appropriate to the

   occasion. A possible idea is getting your bridesmaids your favorite book.

   This is something that is tasteful, personal but doesn't require a lot of

   time or money. Also, you can give them a "relaxation kit" with your favorite

   scented candles and bath salts. Keep things elegant; your wedding is not a

   time for cheesy gifts.

While wedding plans can be very busy and even a little hectic, this does not

mean you need to stress out about the bridesmaid gift. Remember to keep things

simple and work on getting something that will be useful to the bridesmaids.

Your bridesmaids will appreciate your effort.