| After all the pre-wedding parties and then the wedding | | | | shoes both of which are chosen by the bride. |
| itself, the newlywed couple could consider opening up | | | | That is a lot of gratuitous responsibility, and they |
| a small, intimate, "gift" shop of their own. The bride is | | | | deserve a keepsake, a unique one, for all they do. Just |
| probably given more parties than the groom, but put all | | | | what that should be is another question: one that falls |
| the gifts together and you have quite an accumulation | | | | entirely on the bride. There is no real right or wrong in |
| that often times have duplicates: especially when you | | | | choosing a gift for them, but there are considerations. |
| have parties just for the bride, just for the groom, and | | | | Some brides like to personalize each gift: some prefer |
| those for both. What a bunch of to-do's. | | | | to give similar or the same ones. Again, it is a matter |
| Among all of that giving are the bride's thoughts as to | | | | of choice, but in making that choice it is equally |
| what she is going to give to her bridesmaids and maid | | | | important to know the temperament and sensitivity of |
| of honor. She puts a lot of consideration into these | | | | one's bridesmaids. Some ideas might include: a flowing |
| gifts. In choosing her bridesmaids and maid of honor, | | | | shawl that compliments her dress: that way the bride |
| the bride is bestowing an acknowledgment of stature | | | | can give the same gift; earrings or a necklace in |
| in her bridal party as well as their importance in her life. | | | | stones that match the bridesmaid's eyes; perhaps an |
| Mind you, with the acceptance of this recognition | | | | evening purse: or perhaps if the bride knows each |
| comes responsibilities - social, personal, and financial | | | | ones preference in make-up, a make-up bag with |
| before and during the wedding itself. | | | | different cosmetics. |
| Socially, they are expected to be a kind of | | | | A bride's maid of honor holds an even greater |
| spokesperson and hostess for the bride among the | | | | responsibility in the planning stages as well as during |
| wedding guests - answering questions, assisting in | | | | the wedding itself. If the bride gives her the same gift |
| whatever way necessary to help make the event go | | | | as she does her bridesmaids, then she will usually add |
| smoothly and comfortably for the bride (and groom). It | | | | a little something else, a token of extra "thank yous." It |
| is also possible that they will have shared their ideas | | | | may be an extra piece of jewelry, or maybe a set of |
| with the bride - pre-wedding - as far as decorations | | | | linen monogrammed handkerchiefs used more for |
| and catering are concerned, and will occasionally | | | | show than anything else. |
| advise the bride about whether to keep her maiden | | | | Giving bridesmaids' and maid of honor gifts are really |
| name or choose to use her husband's sir name. (This | | | | personal acts of friendship and appreciation. Adding a |
| is more recent, and is usually done for professional | | | | short individualized note of acknowledgment and |
| purposes.) They are the welcoming committee: and, | | | | affection puts the finishing touches during a private and |
| when the song of choice for the wedding is played, | | | | intimate moment among friends when the bride gives |
| they are the dance partners for the grooms "men." | | | | each person her gift. Friends are chosen and they are |
| Financially they have the expense of a wedding gift as | | | | chosen for a reason; and letting your friends know that |
| well as a bridal shower gift. But, they are also | | | | they are very special to you deepens the bond you |
| financially responsible for buying their dresses and | | | | already share with each other. |