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The original purpose of bridesmaid dresses was to protect the bride from evil spirits. In medieval times people believed that dressing maidens of a similar age in similar dresses would confuse and distract any evil spirit that wanted to kidnap the bride. In those times they would all have worn garlands in their hair. Today the tradition still persists and although they are not dressed the same they do have a decorative purpose, and a practical one. They flank the bride and often all wear one color so that the colors do not clash, the bride has to be the star of the show.

Gifts are given to the bridesmaid not so much to say thank you for the services that day, but they are given to commemorate the day. They are a thank you gift for the years of friendship and individual support. The bridesmaids are normally taken from the ranks of the bride's closest and oldest friends. In many cases the bride will have known them all her life and they have been friends through thick and thin since primary school. Sometimes they are even relatives of the bride as she will often select her sisters or a cousin. Their job on the day is to make sure that the bride's day is remembered for the rest of her life, and for all the right reasons. They are there to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

Most of the work is not done on the day, but they have a special role in the weeks and months before the wedding. They help to plan the service, and the arrangements for the honeymoon, they often help the bride select her special dress, and they calm any last minute nerves and generally remain a calm and dignified presence. They help with the reception and line up a possible list of caterers', they often arrange the entertainment at the reception and it is their job to ensure that the reception goes smoothly. Often it is the bridesmaids that help the bride get changes into her going away outfit if she is going on her honeymoon immediately. Before the wedding they also have sole responsibility for the planning of the bridal shower and any hen night or bachelorette party. They often help the bride pack for her honeymoon and in some cases they have made the travel plans for the honeymoon, or at the very least how the newly married couple will leave the reception.

What Kind of Gift is appropriate?

As the bridesmaids are very close to the bride it goes without saying that the bridesmaid gifts have to be personal. They should also be memorable and remind them of their invaluable contribution to your special day. Bridesmaid's gifts do not have to be expensive, if your wedding has been arranged with a strict budget a monogrammed lounging suit, or a monogrammed bathrobe would be entirely appropriate. Something that they are likely to use every day, like a compact mirror with their name on.

Historically the gift has been jewelry, something that the bridesmaid can wear on the wedding day. Engraved items are also very popular, and a picture frame with the date of your wedding and a photograph of the two of you together at the wedding would also be a perfect gift, but if you buy a small piece of jewelry a monogrammed box would complement the gift.

Don't neglect the personal touch.

The perfect gift for your bridesmaid will be dictated by both your tastes, however they can be given before the day. Traditionally they were given out at the reception, but twenty first century weddings have departed a little from tradition. Today brides often arrange a weekend away before the wedding often to a spa or a health club so that you both look perfect for the wedding day. Often this is accompanied by a small gift on the day such as a monogrammed pen, or a silver hair ornament. Another great idea is monogrammed luggage.

Whatever gifts you choose they should in some way reflect the fun and laughter that you had planning a perfect day. By giving them a gift they can use everyday you are adding the personal touch a monogrammed photo may not be the main present but it is a lovely idea on top of a piece of jewelry or a monogrammed pen, something that is used often. The gift is meant to symbolize a lifetime of friendship and it should conjure up happy memories.

You can find a large selection of personalized bathrobes, bathrobes and spa wraps by visiting Me, Myself & I Gifts. All embroidering is included in our prices so please visit us when you're looking for great personalized gifts.