Bridesmaid Gifts For The Civil Ceremony

Sure, it's a bit of a contradiction in terms - if you're having a civil ceremony, aren't you skipping the whole wedding party deal? Just because you're getting it done at City Hall rather than the local cathedral, though, doesn't mean you have to do it alone. At the very least, you'll need a witness to the ceremony, and it's only right to get that friend a little something in thanks. No need to even call them bridesmaid gifts. We're not holding our breath for "witness gifts" to come into style yet, though.

Skipping the big ceremony and reception means skipping the open bar, too, so take the money you've saved on that and spring for your favorite top shelf liquor for an impromptu celebration afterwards where you can give her bridesmaid gifts of a Personalized Martini Glass Set. Splash out on a set for yourself and your new husband, too! Call your apartment or house your reception hall and have all your friends over to celebrate - or if you're really keen on keeping it low-key, just have a few people over for cocktails and get the news out that way.

Since you're not going all out, you can skip the bridesmaid gifts of the Bridesmaid Survival Kit and save your own cash on the Wedding Survival Kit. Instead, celebrate with a girls' day out and treat yourself and her to a day at the spa before you hit City Hall. After all, just because you're not going to be setting down a few thousand dollars for a wedding photographer doesn't mean you shouldn't look great on your wedding day! Just get a one-time use camera and make sure she holds steady to get a good shot when you're up in front of the officiant.

Brides with a sense of humor and husbands wearing a tuxedo-printed shirt to the ceremony will get a kick out of the handily labeled Bridal Party Spaghetti-Strap Tank. Get one for yourself with "BRIDE" spelled out in crystals across the front, and have a giggle over your bridesmaid gifts when you offer one up printed with "bridesmaid" to your best friend/witness.

She's been there with you through thick and thin - even if you're skipping out on a big wedding because you want the minimum of fuss, it still wouldn't hurt to say thanks. Whether it's with full-on bridesmaid gifts of an Embroidered Hanky or all-occasion friendship gifts of a Personalized Frame, it's only fair to show a little love to your best friend on your big day. Just because you don't want a big fuss doesn't mean she won't be excited still to stand up with you and witness your wedding, so don't be afraid to show your thanks.