Wedding expert provides tips for the perfect Bridesmaid gift, on any budget

Wedding expert Kristine Bates provides tips for buying bridesmaid's gifts, as well as real-life examples from a number of retailers.

Will you marry me?" -- Thats the easy question.

What do I buy for my bridesmaids?" -- Now, theres a hard one.

Planning the perfect wedding is the dream of every bride. From getting the right flowers to booking the quaint little church in the country, every decision plays a part in the magic of that special day. However, no wedding would be complete without a bride being joined and supported by her dearest friends -- the bridesmaids.

For many brides, finding a way to show gratitude to their bridesmaids is one of the hardest decisions in the whole wedding planning process," says Kristine Bates, owner of La Fete, a wedding and event planning firm. While some lucky brides dont have to worry about budgets, most women dont have a lot to spend on this important aspect of their big day."

Bates offers the following suggestions for brides on a budget:

Low end:
- Monogrammed totes from Land's End: $27.00 -- A great bag to help them carry all their gear for the day of the wedding.
- Costume jewelry for them to wear the day of the wedding. Various stores, $25.00-$40.00 -- Unlike the bridesmaids dress, which theyll likely never wear again, a nice piece of costume jewelry can be worn with fond memories for years to come.
- Personalized silver plated compact & atomizer: Things Remembered, $35.00

Mid-Range:
- Leather photo album, various stores: $75.00-$125.00
- Carved rose & pearl necklace from Red Envelope: $125
- Ming dynasty robe from Red Envelope: $135

High end:
- Pearl and diamond bracelet, various stores: $225-$300
- Kate Spade leather agenda at Neiman Marcus: $225
- Their plane ticket to the wedding: $250+

Overall, Bates stresses the fact that a personal, well thought-out gift is more important than an expensive one. She encourages brides to give something that makes an emotional connection and expresses her personality...and that will seem like a million bucks.

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