How to score sweet bridesmaid gifts

Though there's no true tonic for the pain of the puff-sleeve gowns, the outrageous expense and the intolerable groomsmen, attendants have but one chance at happiness during the whole wedding circus: the bridesmaid gifts.

Though bridesmaid duty can be grueling, exceptionally good bridesmaid gifts-like a day at the spa or tiffany jewelry-can actually atone for a lot of bridezilla behavior. Below, Weddingstand provides you a most excellent guide on how to snag the best bridesmaid gifts possible.

The key to receiving ideal bridesmaid gifts is to strike the perfect balance between gratitude and guilt. Try alternating periods of heartfelt thanks over being chosen as your friend's attendant, subtly interwoven with worry over expense and time off from work. Your bride will be so flattered she won't be able to help getting you the sweetest bridesmaid gifts money can buy.

Another important factor in getting good bridesmaid gifts is to skip the bartering and go straight for the bridesmaid saint approach. Don't say, "If you buy me these amazing hair accessories as bridesmaid gifts, I promise to keep your loser ex entertained at the wedding." Instead, when she asks you for a wedding- related favor, just say "Sure! No problem!" The Pollyanna approach ensures great bridesmaid gifts in your future while negating the bourgeois exchanging of favors.

The next step in our foolproof method to scoring sweet bridesmaid gifts is doing whatever everyone else won't. When the other bridesmaids bail out on the third bachelorette party or buck at the thought of another morning going through wedding dress catalogues, you show up with the scissors and scotch tape, carefully helping her paste all her favorites into a planner. Hint: be sure to cut out a few favorite bridesmaid gift ideas too!

Next, remember that women are very competitive, so a good way to ensure excellent bridesmaid gifts is to casually mention all the sweet swag you scored at another friend's wedding. Once the bride sees the standard that's been set, she'll kick in with some history-making bridesmaid gifts of her own.

Another great way to get better-than-average bridesmaid gifts is to participate in a destination wedding. Not only do you get a great excuse to go on vacation, but the bride- mindful of the personal expense you've put yourself through,-is more likely to spring for bridesmaid gifts that will make the lost work days worth it. Also, destination weddings are often held in tropical climates, which increases your chances of getting something cool as bridesmaid gifts. Who wants a breadmaker when you could have a bikini, right?

An important tip in bridesmaid gift hunting is to be vocal about what you want. The bridesmaid gifts are an accepted part of the whole ritual, so there's no need to feel coy about putting in your two cents. In fact, many brides are so flummoxed by shopping for their finicky friends, they'd welcome input on what kind of bridesmaid gifts their girls would like. Don't be a brat, but don't be afraid to say, "Hey, the ladies and I were talking and we would all really love jewelry boxes for bridesmaid gifts." Think of bridesmaid gifts as your chance to register, even if it is just verbally.

Last but not least, remember, when it comes to bridesmaid gifts, you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Don't bitch and moan about what a diva the bride is being. Instead, by constantly complimenting her on what a sweet, thoughtful and considerate brides she is, you'll slowly brainwash her into becoming one. And when the time rolls around to buy bridesmaid gifts, she'll remember your good opinion and won't want to let you down-which means sweet bridesmaid gifts all around. Way to take one for the team!