If you’re trying to keep expenses down while planning your wedding, don’t forget to add in the cost of bridesmaid gifts. You are expected to give a token of your appreciation to each person that stands up in your wedding. Since each member of the bridal party does spend time, effort, and money to appear in your wedding, you want the gift to be something nice. You want to save money, but you don’t want the gifts to look “cheap.” Good news! There are several very nice options to select from that won’t cost you a lot of money.
Compacts
Give beautiful compacts as bridesmaid gifts, and don’t forget to have them engraved. The Engraved Gift Store is currently offering free engraving and free shipping. Order the classic round purse mirror, complete with its own little pouch, and have it engraved with a monogram, nickname, and the date of your wedding. At just $16.99, this gift is as affordable as it is attractive, and your bridesmaids will have the added benefit of being able to check their lipstick easily throughout the big day.
Crystal Photo Paperweight
Crystal photo paperweights make lovely gifts that give your bridesmaids a beautiful way to display a favorite photo as a memento of your wedding. Imported French crystal paperweights are available from Photo Weights at very reasonable prices, (from $4.50 and up) and come complete with kit and instructions for adding photos. Add a velveteen gift bag for under $1.00 per gift.
Jewelry
To help keep bridesmaids uniform, you might want to consider purchasing matching earrings or necklaces for each of them. Gold earrings can often be purchased for under $20.00. Pearls are an elegant choice and are far less expensive than most precious gems. You can find a large selection of pearl studs from various sources for as little as $25.00. A gold necklace with a small pearl pendant is equally as affordable and available. For the best discounts, shop for jewelry in other locations besides jewelry stores. Shop online or visit stores such as Target or Wal-Mart for great deals (you can purchase pretty gift bags or boxes if you’d rather the recipients didn’t know the jewelry came from a discount store).
*Check back tomorrow for Affordable Groomsmen’s Gift Ideas!