Bridesmaid Gifts?

If you are asking if you NEED to buy them gift, the answer is no.  But before you heave a sigh of relief, think about what those 3 or 4 or 5 friends are doing for you.  They are buying a dress, shoes and maybe a headpiece of some sort.  They are giving up a weekend for you.  They are attending one or more showers on your behalf and are no doubt giving you a wedding gift besides.  The gift you choose for bridesmaid is to be accompanied by a huge thank you for being a part of the most important event of your life.  

What to give?  Jewelry, accessories, personal items, monogrammed items, or items in their personal favorite colors are good choices.  These gifts are given either during a bridesmaid's luncheon or given at the rehearsal dinner along with the groom's gifts to his attendants.

More and more brides are electing to host a spa day for all of the attendants.  A day of personal attention and luxury is sometimes marred by the conflict of schedules kept by very busy women but most agree it is worth the rearranging required to make it happen.

If you have attendants coming from out of town it would be a nice gift to contribute to the transportation if you are able and/or provide accommodations for her/their stay.

In addition, we are hearing of more and more brides sending thank you floral arrangements tot he bridesmaid's place of work once she has returned.  We love getting flowers delivered at work, but his of course, depends on where she works and if such a delivery is appropriate.  In that case, send the flowers or plant to her home with a special card attached.  

Whatever you choose to give, remember it's the thought that counts and your bridesmaids will be grateful you thought to give them a gift in the first place!

Rehearsal or not?

Unless you are planning to elope or get married by a judge in his/her chambers, you and your wedding party are going to participate in a wedding rehearsal.  Even if you have been a bridesmaid in six weddings of friends, this is your wedding and you will want a run through.  

What are the things you will want to cover:

• The order of the processional and recessional: who goes with who and who stands where and for how long.
• Where the photographer and videographer will be located as well as any musicians who may be part of the ceremony.
• What music will be played - when and for how long.
• Who will cue the wedding party to enter and exit.
• The officiant's instructions and cues for vows, reading, music, and movement.
• The duties of the flower girl, ring bearer, best man and maid of honor.  

Who will run the rehearsal?

• It's usually handled by the wedding planner you have been working with and/or the wedding coordinator from the church or synagogue where you will be married.
• The officiant will have input and the final word.
• You may want to ask a family member or friend to oversee the rehearsal to make sure all of the questions are covered, but be careful not to choose someone who could be at home on a battlefield.  these are not orders to be given, but friendly and caring requests. 

You are about to star in the brightest "show" you've ever been in.  No show goes to Broadway without weeks of rehearsal.  You are only asking for your bridal party's attention for one hour or so and then they will be fed and thanked at your rehearsal dinner.  Make both parts of the evening festive.

About CrankyBride.com

Cranky Bride is the e-commerce affiliate store for Elegant Occasions Wedding Center located in the Midwest, (www.ElegantOccasions.net)  We have been in business for 11 years and have grown to a 7200 square foot retail bridal store.  In our local area, we have provided formalwear for over 5000 weddings and are happy to now provide that same service for you! 

We are authorized dealers for all of the products shown on our website, as well as 42 additional lines of products ranging from bridal dresses and wedding gowns, to bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses.  We also carry various wedding accessories such as veils, tiaras, headpieces, jewelry, garters, purses, wedding shoes, and more.

At CrankyBride.com, LLC, we strive to provide a fantastic bridal shopping experience for you!  Our goal is to offer you superior customer service combined with the wedding products you need for your wedding day. 

If you haven't already, register with us for your chance at winning up to $100 in CrankyBucks!  We give away at least $100 per day.  Make sure to register for your chance to win.  Click here to register!

We carry all the top bridal brands in the country; including:  Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridals, Casablanca, Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, and more!  Looking for a specific gown?  Just ask!  We would love the opportunity to provide you with a quote.

While you are visiting our site, don't forget to check out our sale section.  The gowns and items shown in this section are our stock products that we are selling at a discounted price.  There are great bargains to be found in the sale section - definitely worth your time to check it out!

Click Here to go to CrankyBride.com and start shopping!