Bridesmaids Gifts: a Token of Love, Appreciation and Affection

No one has as much fun as the bride to be on her wedding day, except, perhaps, her bridesmaids. Bridesmaids enjoy all of the fun of a wedding without the stress and headaches of planning the blessed affair. Bridesmaid's gifts are a popular item among wedding parties and the brides honored attendees. Often the bride to be offers bridesmaids gifts to her wedding party at a rehearsal dinner, in order to thank her friends and family for participating in her union ceremony, and recognize them for all of their assistance during the planning and preparation stages of her wedding.

Often the bride-to-be aspires to find bridesmaids gifts that are personal, unique and fun. Historically, a bridesmaid was a close friend or sister who is asked to take part in the wedding experience, or one who helps tend to the bride and help her prepare for her wedding. Traditionally, a bridesmaid was considered a bearer of good fortune, someone meant to protect the bride against evil. Legend has it that bridesmaids confuse any evil spirits that might be lurking around by dressing up similarly as a means of distraction. For this reason alone a bride is more than happy to bestow her thanks upon her maidens.

In contemporary society bridesmaids are often a bride's right hand 'ladies' helping her get into and out of her wedding dress, helping to infuse the bride with excitement and sharing tears of joy at the blessed event. Though the maid of honor traditionally carries the bulk of pre-wedding assistance responsibilities, the maids also are leaned upon to lend a helping hand whenever possible. Bridesmaids serve many purposes including helping keep the bride relaxed and focused on her wedding day. Wedding jitters are common among new brides.

Bridesmaids often play a strong supporting role during the wedding experience. They may be asked to help plan the wedding, address invitations, order decorations or help shop for a wedding dress. Perhaps the best part of being a bridesmaid is participating in all of the pre-wedding 'fluff'. This may include trips to the spa or salon for a little pre-wedding pampering.

The bride's helpers also often help out with guest seating arrangements at the wedding. For unmarried bridesmaids, the best bridesmaid's gift is the bouquet tossed by the bride at her reception. The receiver is said to be the next in line to marry.

Of course bridesmaids are not always the recipient of bridesmaid's gifts; many times the bridesmaids are responsible for offering classic gifts to the bride to be. These may include 'gag' gifts such as tiara's, gag rings, and other party favors often presented during the bachelorette party. No matter what type of wedding is planned, or where, bridesmaids often enjoy all of the same benefits as the bride, without, of course, the benefit of going home with the groom.

About The Author

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you'll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm

In The News:

---

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Eloping to Vegas? Why Not Lower Manhattan?
New York Times, United States - Jan 7, 2009
“With these new digs, there might just be a new world wedding capital.” The city clerk’s office issued 66600 marriage licenses 2007 and performed about ...
Manhattan's new Marriage Bureau earns wows as a place to say your vows New York Daily News
NY hears wedding bells, aims to compete with Vegas The Associated Press
Wedding Bells Ring In NYC Marriage Bureau WNYC
Downtown Express - Gothamistall 254 news articles

Boston Globe
‘Bride Wars’ is a failed marriage | 1 ½ stars
Kansas City Star, MO - 12 hours ago
And their mutual friends will have to decide which wedding to attend. All would be well if only one of them would cancel (or if they would agree to a double ...
Video: Ann Hathaway's Stellar Year CBS
'Bride Wars' stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are funny allies Los Angeles Times
Two Weddings and a Furor New York Times
Tampa Tribune - Boston Globeall 739 news articles

Boston Globe
Movie review: Cliches nag 'Not Easily Broken'
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 4 hours ago
The opening wedding scene in the new Bill Duke film, "Not Easily Broken" is so overwrought and cliched, it's akin to sitting down with a promising novel, ...
Not Easily Broken ( ** ) AHN
Movie Review: ‘Not Easily Broken’ is a romantic soap opera that ... Providence Journal
» Inspirational drama anything but 'Broken' Chicago Daily Herald
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Kansas City Starall 72 news articles

FOR FAMILIES: A guide for parents to Jan. 9 and earlier releases
Chicago Tribune, United States - 9 hours ago
By Roger Moore | Tribune Newspapers What it's about: Best friends become dueling brides when they both book the wedding they've always dreamed of in the ...

Wedding war: Las Vegas versus New York
KVBC, NV - 7 hours ago
The city has renovated it marriage bureau and even built a 24000-square-foot wedding complex with the hope of becoming the most popular wedding site. ...

Wearing white and eating cake, Brides magazine turns 75
The Canadian Press, NEW YORK - 20 hours ago
"The magazine is realistic about how people's lives are today, but still the focus is how to have a successful wedding and start a healthy marriage," says ...

New York Magazine
City to Make Your Shotgun Marriage Just That Much Nicer
New York Magazine,  USA - Jan 7, 2009
Photo: Getty Images Perhaps sensing the economic downturn (and having eventually watched the Sex and the City movie), the city spruced up its civil-wedding ...

MLive.com
Bay County gets older, refrains from marriage, likes guns ...
MLive.com, MI - 18 hours ago
Luczak said economics could be partly to blame, as young couples struggling to get a foothold in life may be putting off the expense of a wedding.

MSNBC
Couple goes from divorce to 'I Do Again'
MSNBC - 12 hours ago
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs, founders of Hope Marriage Ministries, recount the slow destruction of their relationship, which ended in divorce. ...

Former First Lady Cornelia Wallace Dies At 69
NBC13.com, AL - 4 hours ago
Just 16 months after their wedding Governor Wallace was shot. The assassination attempt left Wallace paralyzed. Fifty-four days later, he left the hospital ...

marriage wedding - Google News

Women Sufferings and Infidelity

Her dreams of marriage and collected marriage values disintegrate when she finds her husband/partner is sharing with others what was meant for her. The partner is her/his... Read More

Arizona Wedding Reception

The Arizona Inn is just the place that you are looking for if you seeking for neat and well-cared for lawns and trees combined with lush gardens... Read More

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time now. You've been dropping hints about the future and he is receiving you loud and clear. It's... Read More

Wedding Reception Entertainment - Choose Wisely

When planning your wedding, what type of entertainment are you looking for? A comedian? A clown? A 3-ring circus? Of course not ? you are looking for... Read More

3 Emerging Trends In Custom Invitations

There is an overwhelming demand for high quality, custom stationery that really reflects the bridal couple's style, personality, and wedding. It doesn't stop at the wedding invitation... Read More

Wedding Dresses - Frequently Asked Questions

You've gotten engaged and have set the wedding date and now it's time to get down to business. All the planning and decisions can be overwhelming to... Read More

Bachelorette Parties: Fun Alternatives to a Wild Night

If bar-hopping and male strippers aren't the bride's idea of a fun time, perhaps you should reconsider her bachelorette party festivities. (I know, I know...bachelorette parties are... Read More

Choosing a Maui Wedding Photographer

You can rest assured that the charm of your Maui wedding will be captured in photos. This is because it is nearly impossible to photograph the island... Read More

Is Eloping For You?

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by... Read More

Get Swept Away on Your Wedding Day: Rent a Sailboat or Yacht!

For a day you'll never forget on that special occasion, take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the world's waters ? rent a sailboat or yacht for your wedding... Read More

Minor But Important Duties For Your Wedding Party, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen

Your wedding party is a major factor in the success of your wedding day. Too many couples assume that once they've selected their brides maids and grooms... Read More

New Findings on Happiness Have Implications for Rocky Marriages

Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps Toward a More Satisfying Life" suggestions (Time, January 17, 2005, p. A8-A9) increase their own level of... Read More

Your Bridal Shoes: No Need to Sacrifice Style for Comfort

Think your bridal gown is the most important garment you'll need for your wedding? Think again! Your shoes could make or break your day. When your feet... Read More

Want To Know More About Wedding Planners?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased to have as a guest Judy Allen. Judy is the author of Your Stress Free Wedding Planner... Read More

Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day

Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But... Read More

Eight Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage

1) Write a mission statement:Most brides spend more time planning for their wedding day than for the marriage itself and are unprepared for what happens after the... Read More

Keeping A Marriage Romantic

My belief is that most relationship problems should be given less attention ... how much do you want to stir up the bottom muck? A couple will... Read More

The Charm of a Gatlinburg Wedding

Nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg's romantic and beautiful outdoor scenery is perfect both for honeymoons and weddings. Hundreds of couples take their oaths in Gatlinburg... Read More

How To Choose Your Wedding Cake

One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the cake. Over time many things have changed with weddings, but one thing that stays the same, there... Read More

Whats in a Greek Wedding?

The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an ancient and beautiful ceremony, which has been celebrated in its current form for centuries. The wedding ceremony... Read More

How To Keep Love Alive In Your Marriage

In the beginning of a relationship, love seems to have a life of its own. Without much effort, you feel like you are on top of the... Read More

Marriage Advice: Upgrade Your Marriage By Changing Your Focus

As the story goes, a Cherokee elder was sitting with his grandchildren. He told them, "In every life there is a terrible fight-a fight between two wolves.... Read More

Bridal Beauty Tips For Your Special Day

It's your day! The most special day of your life, so relax, enjoy, and don't fret the small stuff. Life isn't perfect and your wedding may have... Read More

The High Cost of Resentment and Anger in Marriage

Many spouses carry heavy suitcases filled with a collection of anger and resentment from their marriage. Periodically, they unpack these suitcases and review every situation in which... Read More

A Promise Ring- More Than Just a Pre-Engagement Ring

When one thinks of a promise ring it is common to think of a small, inexpensive ring given to a woman as a promise of marriage in... Read More

Engagement Party Ideas To Wow The Crowd!

He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the celebration, but where do you start?Your engagement party is the... Read More