by Veronica James

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: September 19, 2008

You have chosen your Bridesmaids because they are special to you in some way. It may be your baby sister or big sister, your best friend. Whoever they are, although it is traditional, you will probably want to give them a gift as a way of thanking them for taking such a personal part in your special day. Think of something that will make their eyes light up, you don't have to go with tradition and buy a keepsake which will get pushed to the back of a drawer.

Choose and buy your gifts well in advance, it can often be the one thing that is forgotten, this usually means buying something in a rush which may be disappointing or totally unsuitable.

Ages 2 - 6
The Bridesmaid dress alone is enough to make these little ones happy - they have been feeling like a princess all day ! If you have a Mom, Aunty or Friend who is clever with her hands, you could think about buying a lush teddy bear or rag doll and having a matching outfit made. I had a friend who did this, and seeing a 3 year old walking up the aisle dragging her rag doll behind her was just the cutest thing - she carried this instead of a posy of flowers and wore fresh white daisies on a headband.

Ages 7 - 11
A white leather bound bible or prayer book?
A silver bangle?
A pretty photo frame to hold a picture of her with the Bride/Groom for her bedroom?
A pretty purse or handbag with money inside

Ages 12 - 16
These young ladies are probably into the latest fashion trends or music.

A DVD or album they have been dying to get?
Tickets to a show or pop concert?
A gift voucher for their favourite fashion store?
A ticket to a theme park?
Or again a pretty purse with some money inside

Ages 17 upwards
These ladies are probably into the more mature things in life and will more appreciate a special gift that has been well thought out.

A gift voucher for their local beauty salon? the list is endless here ... manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, all girls love a good pampering

A crystal or porcelain ring holder for their dresser?
A pearl bracelet?
Theatre tickets?
Perfume? the type they can't afford to buy themselves
An embroidered cushion?
A 'shabby chic' door/drawer knob hanger
A glass paperweight with something beautiful inside i.e. their birth sign, guardian angel etc

Remember, you don't have to buy exactly the same for each Bridesmaid. If you spend the same monetary value on each, make each gift personal to them, they will appreciate it so much more.

Something to make you go awwwwwww ... A friend of mine getting married had a little sister who was totally distraught at the idea of big sister leaving home once she was married, little sister thought she was losing her best friend forever. With parental consent, of course, my friend bought her a beautiful puppy to give her the companionship of a new 'best friend'. At the wedding breakfast, the speeches were made, flowers given to the respective Mother's, and the Bride then made a very tearful speech about how much she was going to miss her sister .... at this point, the Groom took little sister by the hand only to return a few minutes later with the puppy in her arms who was wearing a big silk bow. Not a dry eye in the house ! the best pictures of the day were taken !

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