They're more than your gals pals, your besties, your BFFs since junior high. These ladies stood beside you during every new crush and every heart break. They watched you grow into the beautiful bride you will be... and will stand along side you as you say your "I Do's". If you think about it, your BFFs get as much of the limelight as your soon-to-be-Mr! So for all the times they went dress shopping, cake tasting, invitation making, and of course, wedding listening... it's time to give it up for your BRIDESMAIDS and show them how much you love and appreciate their friendship.
Brides ask me all the time what a good gift would be for their bridal party. Every bride wants something unique, special, memorably and the famous line, "and something they can use again!" Alrighty... here's my top 3 picks for bridal party gifts.
1. AccessoriesWe're not talking any ol' jewelry here. There are many ways to make this special. You can "kill two birds with one stone" and get your gals a necklace or earrings that matches their bridesmaid attire to wear during the wedding. If your colors are black and white, look for a piece that'll pop... a fire engine red necklace and matching cocktail ring. Then ask your florist to infuse red roses or hypericum berries to tie all the colors together!
If you want to be "O" for Original... do something custom for your BMs like a signature necklace with their names on it. My favorites are available at Bamboo Sky in gold script letters or at The Wedding Cafe (new item!) in sterling silver. Made popular by MTV's show THE HILLS, sporting your name is all the rage. Why not go chic in your wedding day festivities? This is one gift that will surely get used more than once!
Signature Necklace
Treat your BMs to an oooh-la-la day at the spa (Touch Spa and Waikiki Plantation Spa are my faves and they both do parties!). Make a fresh fruit salad and mimosas and call it a day-of-thanks. You can easily ask the spa to create a rotation for however many girls you have attending - one can get a facial, while another gets a mani and you get a massage...
If you're a crafty bunch? Book a private bead making class at Creations by You and treat your girlfriends to a shopping spree around the craft store for a certain dollar amount. This day is all about YOU being thankful for THEM after all.
3. Be Creative!Here's where your creative juices get to flow... think of something your bridal party loves. Are you all wine lovers? If so, customize your own wine and make it a girl party when you bottle the wine at Wine the Experience. Love dogs? Volunteer together one day at the Humane Society and make a donation in your friends names to sponsor a dog! Beach fanatics? Book a catamaran and sail a Sunday away.
And of course, we didn't forget the MEN! My all time favorite groomsmen's gifts (forego the tacky monogram cufflinks please!)... baseball/football hats that represent their favorite teams, tickets to a UH football game, a collection of beers from around the world, or what Bryson did for our groomsmen was get them all mini BBQ sets since they all love a good BBQ!
Whatever you decide to do, let your gift reflect your friendship, but most importantly, your gratitude for everything they've meant to you.
