Pages

Bridesmaid Gift Guide - Gift Ideas, Cost Considerations and Etiquette

PersonalizationMall.com


Author: Cori Locklin

Gifts for your bridesmaids - always a stickler. They have done so much for you, not only as a part of your wedding party but also as a friend and confidant over the years. How to even begin to say thanks? Start by presenting your wedding attendants with heartfelt gifts to express your gratitude. This bridesmaids gift guide will steer you through the gift-giving process with gift ideas, budget considerations and etiquette.

What to Spend

Consider both your budget and the amount that each attendant must spend to be in your wedding. In the end, it's always the thought that counts, but giving movie passes may seem a tad ungrateful if your maids had to shell out $500 each for those couture dresses you insisted upon. Get something that lets your attendants know how much you appreciate them. Generally, spending $50-$150 is a good amount.
Consider also giving a little extra something to your maid/matron of honor, especially if she hosted a shower or engagement party for you.

When to Give

You can present the gifts during any private moment with your 'maids. Many brides give them during the bridesmaids' luncheon or tea. You can also hand them out at the rehearsal dinner, when your closest friends and family are gathered together. Consider presenting them along with a toast, thanking each bridesmaid for their support and friendship over the years.

Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

Stumped on what to give; here are some hot attendant gift ideas:

Monogrammed Robe/Pajamas - a great idea especially if you and your girls are planning a slumber party right before the wedding.

Spa Certificates - or pop for a trip to the spa, and treat everyone to a massage or other treatment. Your maids will appreciate the special pampering.

Personalized Picture Frames - including an individual photo of you with each bridesmaid.

Jewelry - it can be something to wear at the wedding - but also try to choose something they will wear again. You want a gift they will enjoy that will often remind them of you!

A Container Filled with Goodies - Can't decide on one thing? Give it all! Find a creative container and fill it with goodies and mementos. A monogrammed canvas bag or a pretty decorated box will work nicely. If your budget allows, splurge on a nice designer handbag! Be as creative as you want.

Fur (or fake fur) Wraps?a great idea, especially for a winter wedding.

Makeup - have their makeup done for the wedding, and then purchase a few items for them to keep. They will feel fabulous for the big day and will also have something to take with them that they picked out.

Mixed CD's full of tunes that hold special meaning, a great extra that can add a personalized touch to another gift.


Recommended Sites
Labels: , ,

3 Things to Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Reception Site

ryan-sarah 046


Author: Cori Locklin

The reception site without a doubt the most important piece of the wedding planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The reception site should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.

Daunted by the task? Don't be. For while you must approach your reception site selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three important factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.

1. Theme and Style of Event -

Beyond the basic banquet hall, an overwhelming array of reception site options exists. From country clubs to mansions to museums, each set the stage for a specific style of event. Before deciding, determine the type of reception you would like to host.

Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Your wedding is not your mother's or your grandmother's. It's not your best friend's wedding either. This is your once in a lifetime event and a costly one at that. Take advantage of your time in the spotlight to put together an event that really shines. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner!)

Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of reception site you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

2. Geographic Location -

Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? Or even on a Caribbean island? With today's jet set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your event will dictate the locationa tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea

3. Size -

OK so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring reception sites, there is one major factor to consider. Capacity one of the most important criteria in finding the perfect wedding venue. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests we promise. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacity based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

Now Find Your Site!

Find as many reception sites that meet these initial criteria as you can. Use the Elegala.com online wedding reception site search to find venues in your area, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each wedding venue and meet with the manager. After that it's decision making time!


Recommended Sites:


Sponsors: Merry Brides Wedding Planning Fun Weddings Sweetheart Weddings www.Elegala.com Weddings by Ashlee
Create your own Wedding Website - Free Trial Offer

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit www.Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource. Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_81572_41.html
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for and www.Elegala.com Magazine (and a recent bride!).

Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)