TRADITION

To many people in Europe the traditions of marriage are important and there are set choices for bridesmaids that fall within traditions. Of course, these have been expanded upon over the years, although those that are favourite are these.

BIBLES AND PRAYER BOOKS

Bibles and prayer books are traditional gifts for bridesmaids in a believing community although not just any. The bride and groom want the bridesmaid to remember their day as a special event, and here the choice of books available in Europe is enormous, from white leather bound books with gold trim, presented in boxes, to the more traditional natural leather colors. One of the nicest things about giving a Bible or Prayer Book is that it is something they can keep for ever, and ways of personalizing them have become common, in engraving names on the leather of the front cover. I still have one that was given to me as bridesmaid 35 years ago, and it still means as much, if not more, as it did that day. It brings back pictures of friendship, of sharing and of being part of something bigger than I was.

JEWELRY

Others chose jewelry as a lasting reminder buying lockets or cross and chains for their bridesmaids and while these are beautiful gifts, I am still glad that my friend chose a Bible, since jewelry has never been that important to me. Here the bride and groom can choose from such a large selection these days, from traditional to contemporary, and even those small bridesmaids can have a little treasure of jewelry that suits them as children.

THE DRESS

It may sound silly, but it's not such a silly idea that many brides opt to give the bridesmaid a choice of dress that they can keep and use later. This serves two purposes, one that the bridesmaid will be happy that they are trusted with choice, and that they have that special dress for a special occasion. This wouldn't be my choice of gift, although for some girls that love clothing, it seems a very good compromise.

THE BEST FOR ME

Of all the weddings that I have encountered in my life, the most thoughtful thank you presents work the best. A Bible given to someone that doesn't value books may not be a wise choice, and there are glassware items that can equally be engraved with special names and thank-yous. For those beginning their lives who have belief, I honestly do feel that their own Bible not only sets them up with a menu for life, but reflects the sentiments of the ceremony that brought their two friends together to become man and wife.

My Bible is the best present I ever received and keeps it's value.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
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