Best of Friends Now and Always: Gifts for the Bridesmaids

(BNN) The tradition of the bridal party began in ancient Rome with a bride selecting close friends and relatives to accompany and protect her on the journey to the marriage ceremony.  Times have changed, of course, and while bridesmaids have less of a bodyguard role these days, their participation is no less important.

Bridesmaids offer faithful support and generous advice as wedding plans take shape.  As a remembrance of her cherished friendship, the thoughtful bride always presents each bridesmaid with a gift as an expression of esteem, love and gratitude. 

Jewelry and accessories will always be a reminder of that special day and treasured for a lifetime. They also complement and enhance the bridesmaid’s dress.           

Diamonds, still a girl’s best friend, add dazzle to bridesmaids’ dresses.  DiamondSafe.com, one of the world’s best-known online retailers, has an exquisite selection of diamond jewelry including the ultra-cool ‘Hot Diamonds’ collection from London.  Popular with the savvy and the stylish, sterling silver heart stud earrings with diamond accents are $59 and a sterling silver and diamond heart pendant with shimmering chain is $99 at www.DiamondSafe.com.

Personalized jewelry is also an enduring gift.   Ross-Simons elegant necklace with twirling strands of sterling silver, each with its own textural identity, brings a dash of romance to a bridesmaid’s neckline. Sure to be valued and worn many times, this stunning piece dangles a circular charm engraved with three initials. $135 at www.ross-simons.com.  A square-shaped silver monogrammed compact mirror embellished with Austrian crystals is the ideal accessory to bring to the wedding celebration.  Open it up and it’s a true-sized mirror on one side and a magnified mirror on the other. $25 at  www.exclusivelyweddings.com.  Gleaming sterling silver bracelets can be dressed up or dressed down and worn long after the wedding.  An oval bangle with smooth, round disc  engraved with three initials is $25 and a shiny beaded bracelet with monogrammed dainty round charm is $30 at www.lillianvernon.com

Pretty little jewels always make a big hit. A selection of dainty pearl, pearl and diamond and swirled gold and pearl earrings accent dressy, swept-up wedding-day hairstyles. $30 to $90 at www.target.com.

Bridesmaids will delight in luxurious pashmina shawls available in 128 colors as well as custom shades.  Personalize bridal party wraps with a design, initials or names and appreciative attendants will not only wear to the wedding but for years to come! $60 at www.rockymountainemporium.com

The gift a bride chooses reflects the strong bonds of friendship celebrated on this joyous occasion.

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