How To Choose The Right Bridesmaid Gift

Almost from the moment you got engaged, you knew who you wanted to stand with you on your wedding day. Whether you've been friends for a lifetime or just met but felt an instant connection, each one of your bridesmaids plays a special part in your life. While one may be your sister or best friend, the others are a collection of college friends, confidants and hang-out companions. These are your best girls, and they deserve the very best!

But with such a variety of personalities to consider, it can be a challenge finding just the right gift that expresses your appreciation for their friendship and participation in your wedding that will fit their personality, your budget and your sense of style. Admittedly, there are no hard-and-fast rules for choosing bridesmaid's gifts, but there are a few guidelines and tips that will make the choice a whole lot easier.

One thing that can help ease the frustration of choosing a gift that all of your bridesmaids will love is to remember that they don't all have to be the same. Mix it up a little and choose a gift that is unique to each person. In recent years, many brides have enjoyed the freedom of choosing bridesmaid dresses in different colors and designs to accommodate various shapes and styles. It's an idea that's not only helpful in choosing their dresses but in selecting their gifts, as well, giving you more flexibility and choices.

If she's into tennis, try a tennis-themed gift. Or if she likes scrap-booking, purchase a kit so that she can create a book to treasure all the wedding-day memories you will share. Finding just the right gift should be no problem when you use their personality, hobbies or interests as a guide.

But remember, even though the gifts may be different, the price range should remain the same. It would be inappropriate to spend $100 on one person and only $20 on another. Set a budget for the group equally divided by the number of ladies in your wedding party to ensure that everyone is treated fairly. (Now, if you get a great deal on something and the value is still there, that's another story entirely)

However, if you still want some consistency in your gifts without giving a cookie-cutter present, personalized bridesmaid gifts can help you do both. With the same gift, no one will feel slighted or experience any "gift envy" over your selection, and the addition of a monogram, name or even a change of color will make them unique to each person. Here are some customized gift ideas that most women would appreciate:

• Tote Bags
• Travel or Cosmetic Bags
• Laptop Cases
• Drinkware (Glasses, Tumbler, Pitchers, etc.)
• Crystal Vases
• Robes and Bath Wraps
• Scarf Sets
• Jewelry Boxes
• Coolers and Lunch Totes
  

Many brides choose a central theme for their wedding to create a coordinated look that flows from the invitations to the wedding and then to the reception. From the flowers to the location and even the favors, they've captured the theme in every detail. But, why stop there? Carry the theme through to your bridesmaid gifts, as well. It will help narrow your choices and show your attention to detail. Based on the theme, here are some gift ideas that accentuate it beautifully:

Beach Wedding: Personalized beach bags, flip-flops, coolers, beach towels, baseball caps and designer sunglasses.

Vineyard/Wine Wedding: A set of wine glasses, personalized bottle stoppers, decanters, pitchers and personalized winery bar signs.

Destination Wedding: Custom luggage tags, travel bags, cosmetic bags, messenger bags and carry-on luggage.

Eco-Friendly Wedding: Gardening totes, reusable shopping bags, solar-powered chargers, tote bags made with organic cotton or jute, vintage jewelry, stationary made from recycled paper and plants.

The dress, the shoes, the hair, the make up, the plane tickets (if you live out of town), the special gift for the bride and the jewelry you'll wear that day, the costs keep adding up. Let's face it! It's expensive being a bridesmaid. Often times, being a part of your special day means a big hit to her pocketbook. That's why, considering all the things a bridesmaid has to purchase, it's a great idea to help her with that cost by purchasing some of her wedding-day essentials as a thank-you gift. From the wedding jewelry to a comfy pair of slippers she can wear at the reception, there are all sorts of practical gift ideas that show you care. And, since every lady will get the same thing and it's pretty much one size fits all, this might just be the easiest decision you'll have to make.

No matter which method you choose to help select your bridesmaid's gifts, if you let your personality--and that of your bridesmaids--lead the way, you'll always find the perfect gift. Stay true to yourself, and don't be afraid to try something different.