Let’s face it: it may be your big day but it’s also a pretty big, busy day for your wedding party. While the fellows tend to keep the chores light on their groomsmen (whose job is it to fill up those flasks? did anyone forget to wake up the groom?), brides tend to load up their gal pals with a little more. And that’s OK. We all know when you sign up to become a bridesmaid, it’s more than just buying a dress and showing up. Bridesmaids have been known to do some last minute running around for the bride, from phone calls and trips to the store to venue checks and nail-polish emergencies–you name it. All this and, phew!, these ladies still have to get
themselves dolled up for the occasion. So, brides, you must say thanks. The tradition is to give your bridesmaids a little gift before the big day. We like the idea of giving bridesmaids a cheap
little tote bag, filled with goodies that they can use on the wedding day and beyond. Make up sets, lip glosses, and nail polishes from
Sephora, which carries lots of cute little gift-worthy make up kits, are always welcomed. Trendy costume jewelry is always a good idea. It’s something that won’t break the bank, something they can wear on the big day, and something they can wear later on. Check out
Dear Georgette. We also love the site
Emitations, which has cornered the market on affordable elegance and jewelry that pretty well mimics what you might see on the red carpet– what woman wouldn’t love that? (By the way, if your theme color is lime green and the dresses are taffeta, this will make up for the fact that no, she will never get to wear that dress again.) Another great bridesmaid gift is a fun picture frame. Here you can get personal and find something she would love for her home. Either head over to
Etsy for the trendy, creative type or
West Elm, for something a little more cosmopolitan and traditional. Gift certificates are also a good idea. Doesn’t have to be something Donald Trump might hand out; a Starbucks gift card is always a good gesture. Whatever you do, we urge you not to give them something they can ONLY use on your wedding day. It’s a little too self serving. That means, unless you are Brittany Spears, expensive track suits that say “BRIDESMAID” on the bum aren’t just tacky; they are stupid.
