5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Bridesmaid Gifts

We've all been on the receiving end of bridesmaid gifts before, from the good to the truly groan-worthy. Brides have a notoriously hard time picking bridesmaid gifts, due to lack of time and money and pressure to put other priorities first. Below, WeddingStand reveals the top five factors to consider when choosing bridesmaid gifts.

1) Is it something you want them to have, or something they want to have? It may seem obvious, but once brides get into the "my day, my way" mode, it can be hard for them to put themselves in their attendants' dyed-to-match shoes. It's tempting to go with your own personal tastes when picking out bridesmaid gifts, but try and keep your girls' best interests in mind. Chances are, your attendants are already allowing their bridesmaid dresses, hair and makeup to be dictated by your personal style on the wedding day, so now's your chance to consider their tastes. The bridesmaid gifts are a perfect time to acknowledge each girl's individuality with presents both special and sweet. Also, thoughtful bridesmaid gifts are a good way to smooth any rifts that arose during the wedding planning process.

2) How much did it cost your bridesmaids to participate in your wedding? If your girls simply had to straggle into the local church on Sunday morning and smile, casual bridesmaid gifts may be perfectly appropriate. But if your attendants had to splurge on three hundred dollar handmade Hawaiian dresses, fly to Maui and miss a week of work, bridesmaid gifts of a more sophisticated caliber are in order. Just as the bride and groom should price their registry in accordance with their dollar amount spent per guest, the same principle should apply to bridesmaids and bridesmaid gifts.

3) Are your ladies the bridesmaid "type"? For some girls, the thrill of bridesmaid duty is such a riveting accomplishment; it's a gift in itself. For others, it's more like jury duty. You go and fulfill your teeth-gritting obligation. If your girls are really acting out of type in order to pander to your need for them to wear puffy dresses and paste on giant cheesy grins, you might want to consider getting them something special as bridesmaid gifts. Go for joking or irreverent bridesmaid gifts to ease the tension and let your pals know you haven't become a total bridal Barbie just because you are getting married.

4) How much are you going to see them after the wedding? Some people get married without changing more than their message machines. Others pack up, move across the country, have babies and are only seen on holidays and birthdays. If you know your wedding marks the end of an era for you and your maids, consider some sentimental bridesmaid gifts to soften the blow of your departure. Picture frames, journals or monogrammed bridesmaid gifts are all great ideas. And if you are staying in the area, bridesmaid gifts that signify future adventures (bingo cards, ball game tickets) are a kind reassurance that you will remain in your friends' lives even after you are happily wed.

5) How much work did your bridesmaids do for you during the wedding? Cost aside, how much elbow grease did your bridesmaids put in during your wedding planning? Were they grumbling and hard to get a hold of, more interested in the groomsmen than gown shopping? If so, there's no need to overburden yourself finding outstanding bridesmaid gifts. But if they were they there for you through every wedding catalogue, every lingerie dilemma, and every single recounting of the "how we met" story, without as much as an eye roll? For these stellar attendants, only the best bridesmaid gifts will do.

We hope you've enjoyed this bridesmaid gifts' primer. Check out many fabulous bridesmaid gifts and wedding gifts right here at www.weddingstand.com.