It is customary for brides and grooms to provide their bridesmaids and groomsmen with gifts. Gifts bestowed upon the wedding party are simply to thank your special friends (and sometimes relatives) for participating in your special day. While it is customary, it is not required, though it is usually greatly appreciated. Gifts for your bridesmaids can be as extravagant as you can afford or as simple as you like. There are no concrete rules as to what is appropriate and what is not.

The gifts you give your bridesmaids may depend on your budget, how traditional your wedding is, and on your personality. Whichever route you take, it is a good idea to go with unique gifts. Traditional bridesmaid gifts include jewelry, stationery, and photo albums. Here is a unique spin on these typical gifts, and some other good ideas, to make you stand out as the unique and exciting bride!

Jewelry

Jewelry may be the most traditional bridesmaid gift there is. Many brides give their bridesmaids a pair of earrings or necklace that would complement their bridesmaid dresses for the ceremony. While jewelry is an excellent idea, why not break the mold and give your bridesmaids handmade jewelry that is made by you.

If you have absolutely no idea how to make jewelry, that is fine. Seek out a local jeweler and design the jewelry specifically for your bridesmaids. Whether you actually fashion the jewelry with your own two hands or design it with a jeweler, the sentiment is the same. Your bridesmaids should love it.

Stationery

Many brides opt to give their bridesmaids stationery. While it probably should be the other way around, especially since the bride may need to write thank-you note upon thank-you note after the wedding, stationery is a classic bridesmaid gift. Instead of buying a pre-packaged set of note cards and envelopes, consider making your own for your bridesmaids. Although good quality stationery is an excellent gift, it will mean more to your girls if you give them handmade stationery.

Making your own stationery is not as difficult as you may think. Simply go to your favorite paper retailer and pick out some good quality note cards and separate sheets. A good paper store should have a wide variety of cardstocks, sizes, and paper types available. Buy some stamps while you are there and stamp each note card or sheet to make a set. As you do this, keep in mind the personal tastes of each of your bridesmaids so that you can tailor each set to each girl’s style.

Photo Albums

Bridesmaids often receive beautiful photo albums from the bride. In most cases, these photo albums are empty and must be filled. Though of good quality, they are often from the store, which any bride can obtain. To put a unique spin on the classic photo album, think about simply filling it before you give it to your bridesmaid. You could print out copies of photographs of specials days that the two of you shared (do this for each bridesmaid so that each album is unique) and perhaps with some beautiful paper and a nice pen, place a caption on each page that illustrates the memory.

With a photo album, you could wait until your wedding pictures are printed as well. Order a few extra copies of certain shots to include within your bridesmaids’ photo albums. There is no rule that you must give your bridesmaids their gifts before the wedding.

The Gift You All Can Share

A unique way to thank your bridesmaids, and have fun with them, is to give a gift that you all can share. Sure, your bridesmaids are treating you to the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and many other treats along the way to your big day, but you may want to do the same for them. A very unique gift for your bridesmaids would be to purchase tickets to a concert, event, or show that you would all like to attend. That way, you can all enjoy the show and you can give them a unique gift.

Another unique bridesmaid gift that you all can share is a day at the spa. If you choose to do this, it might be well worth the effort to schedule this event close to the big day. That way, all the girls can get together, have a "girls’ day out" at the spa, primp, relax, and get ready for the biggest day of your life, together. This is a really fun way to spend a day with your closest friends.

Just remember, as long as you put some heart and soul into choosing gifts for your bridesmaids, you really cannot go wrong. If you put that extra thought and effort into it, you are likely to come up with a unique bridesmaid gift even for your most traditional wedding celebration.