Tips for Selecting Bridal Party Gifts

Finding that perfect gift for your bridesmaid or ring bearer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’d like to say thank you to your wedding party or celebrate the newlyweds, a little thought and effort go a long way to express just the right feeling of warmth and happiness. Check out these tips and make selecting the right presents a breeze.

Are you planning a tropical wedding? Then consider giving flip flops, beach bag totes and other summer accessories. Will you have a traditional ceremony? Think about choosing classic pearl necklaces, silver pocket watches or leather flasks. Make your gifts appropriate to the tone of your wedding so that the bridal party leaves with tokens that remind them of the big day.

Think about the different personalities that make up your wedding party. For groomsmen who are laid back, glass tankards or silver-plated poker sets make fun gifts. Parents of the bride and groom will cherish fun or classic picture frames with a wedding photo inside. If your flower girl loves glitz and glamour, choose a pendant and earring set that she can enjoy day after day. Remember who you are buying for to make expressing your appreciation that much easier.

For a special touch, provide gifts that are personalized so that your family or friends will think of your big event every time they see them. From monogrammed photo albums for the bride and groom to a t-shirt with the ring bearer’s name on it or engraved money clips for the groomsmen, personalized presents tell the recipient, “we were thinking of you.” You can also turn your present into a memento by adding wording such as “Smith Wedding 2010” or “Just Married—Tina and Rob Smith.”

Make It Memorable

Have a little fun in picking out your gifts and the wedding party is sure to notice. From crayon purses to hot pink and zebra striped bags, these bridal presents showcase a playful and memorable spirit. For more refined options, consider a shadow box frame with a wedding invitation inside, or a pearl-handled cake serving set. Be thoughtful and give them something that they will never forget!

If you are still having a hard time selecting the right gifts, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions. Take a time out, get some breathing room and relax—help is on its way! You have a whole network of people ready to help out and give some input, so don’t hesitate to use it. When all else fails, keep it simple and seek some support from family and friends.

It may sound cliché, but it really is the thought that counts. Your friends and family know how much time and effort you have put into planning this wedding and selecting their gifts, so don’t fret if the perfect present doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would. And by the same token, don t pay too much attention to price tags. Again, your family and friends know how expensive it can be to plan a wedding. No one is expecting lavish or ornate gifts. Keep it simple and thoughtful, and you can t go wrong. Celebrating the union of two people and sharing that sentiment with loved ones is what really counts, right?

Providing tokens of love and gratitude for your wedding party can be a fun and painless process. Memorable, thoughtful gifts that are also practical will show your sincerity and help your loved ones share in this unique experience. Remember to ask for help when you need it, and go bold in your purchasing decisions to give unforgettable presents that will remind everyone of this once in a lifetime event.

Bridal Headpieces for a Summer Wedding
Summer is widely considered to be the most beautiful time to get married. With abundant sunshine, warm nights and gentle breezes, it s no wonder May through August is the most popular time for weddings. Brides have many fantastic options when it comes to summer wedding attire, especially in the headpiece department. Savvy summer brides are opting for light, elegant headpieces to complete their perfect ensemble.

Flower Power

Nothing says summer like flowers. Hair flowers are gaining popularity among chic summer brides. Flowers lend beauty and charm to any look. Trend-setting brides with a flair for the dramatic will love the Pinwheel Feather Flower Clip with Rhinestone Center. This large, feathery accent is perfect for wedding hairstyles requiring a single flower.

For sophisticated updos, the Bridal Set of Four Gardenia Flower Hair Coils is stunning. Small satin gardenias accented with a delicate spray of Swarovski crystal rhinestones lend grace to your wedding hairstyle.

Seeking an exotic summer look? You ll swoon over the Bridal Satin Orchid Flower on Comb with Pearls and Crystals. This sturdy comb features a gorgeous satin orchid accented with feather sprays, delicate freshwater pearls and just the right amount of bling: Swarovski marquise crystals and rhinestones.

Tasteful Tiaras

These posh headpieces scream glamour, luxury and fortune, and are rapidly becoming the headpiece of choice for warm-weather wives-to-be.

Planning to show off a summer tan on your special day? Go for gold. The Brushed Metallic Leaf Tiara will complement your glow with its soft gold color. This gorgeous tiara features a striking leaf motif, and is embellished with rhinestones and freshwater pearls – so perfect for summer!

Another option: the Gold Tiara with Metal Flower Design and Crystals, a tall, soft gold piece accented with crystals and rhinestones.

Princess brides will love the Bridal Open Regal Style Tiara with Crystals. This dazzling tiara oozes opulence with its grand design of Swarovski rhinestone flowers and multi-size Swarovski accent rhinestones.

For tiara lovers desiring a light, summery look, try the Crystal Tiara becomes a Necklace. The name says it all. This delicate crystal tiara is the epitome of elegance. After the ceremony, simply transfer it from your head to your neck for a striking reception look.

Classic Headbands

This headpiece option ranks high among brides planning to walk down the aisle in especially high and/or humid temperatures. Summer brides, always remember that bangs and humidity frequently don t get along well. Unless your bangs are 100% humidity resistant, consider wearing a headband on your special day. Your wedding photos will thank you. Adorned with beads, pearls or crystals, headbands offer fuss-free, sophisticated style to any wedding ensemble.

Girlie girls are all about the Headband with Chunky Crystals and Pearl Clusters. This oh-so-chic headband is perfect for brides who demand high glamour. Great for posh, formal evening weddings and high-class receptions. Sleek, modern and stylish, the Bridal Silver Crystal Geometric Headband features a smooth, silver headband of clear Swarovski crystals set in a geometric pattern; an elegant summer look.

Love deco style? The uniquely fabulous Rhinestone Headband with Side Spray Feather/Flower is festive, fun and lends a chic, vintage look. The side spray feather/flower features a rhinestone sparkle for just the right touch of glitz.

Creative Pins and Combs

These decorative hair accessories are ideal for both traditional and modern hairstyles. Typically adorned with crystals, pearls, rhinestones or flowers, they can be worn in many ways. Pull hair back on one side and secure with a comb for a warm, inviting look. Scatter embellished pins throughout an updo for striking elegance. With pins and combs, it s all about experimenting until you find just the right look. Be sure to experiment far ahead of your special day so you ll have your perfect look ready to go when it s time to hit the aisle.

For timeless elegance, choose the Set of 6 Silver Hairpins Accented with Pearls. Wear these in your updo for a classic accent. They are the perfect accent to any wedding hairstyle, period. Glamour gals will adore the Rhodium Floral Comb. Embellished with pave set rhinestones, this vintage-inspired stunner will unquestionably wow your guests, not to mention him.

Veils!

Last, but certainly not least: the bridal veil. Dignified, graceful and timeless, veils are known as the perfect finishing touch. There are countless veil styles available, but for summer weddings, shorter veils are best. For a chic, sassy look, pair the Bridal Russian Net Facial Blusher Veil with a flower comb underneath.

The Short Pencil Edge Veil Embellished with Pearl Clusters and Rhinestones is dainty and feminine; the perfect lightweight veil for classic summer brides. Tradition meets glamour with the Bridal Short One-Tier Scallop Edge Veil with Crystal Embellishment. Adorned with clear bugle beads and Swarovski crystals, this veil is still surprisingly light and airy enough for warm weather weddings.

With so many bridal headpiece options for summer weddings, you re sure to find the perfect look to create a fabulous finish for your special day. Congratulations to you, the blushing bride, and your dashing groom!