Bicoastal Bride: Maid’s Musings: Perfect Gifts For Your Favorite Girls

Kellie writes her own fashion blog, Playing Dress-Up, and runs Whatshername Vintage, an Etsy shop specializing in all things vintage. Most importantly, Kellie is Bicoastal Bride's maid of honor, and is very excited to be a part of her sister’s wedding planning!

Being a bridesmaid is a tough job. There’s the huge responsibility of planning a top-notch bridal shower and bachelorette party. Being dragged all around town to try on countless (occasionally ugly) dresses isn’t an especially thrilling task for most girls. Helping the bride with billions of little odds and ends falls under a bridesmaid’s job description, as well.

Are there music lists to put together? Is the bride having a meltdown over her dress that she’s now having second thoughts about? And let’s not forget the pressure of putting together a touching toast for the reception, or making that slideshow the bride’s requested. Don’t get me wrong. Being a bridesmaid is great! I’ve got no personal complaints about my maid of honor duties, since I’m happy to be a part of my sister’s special day. But it is a lot of work.

Before your big day, it’s important to thank your hardworking maids properly with a thoughtful gift. An extravagant present isn’t necessary. After all, they haven’t agreed to be in your wedding party just for the free swag! But a token of appreciation is always nice. Jewelry is a popular choice when it comes to maid gifts, so here are some ideas for your consideration.

PERSONALIZED

Personalized jewelry is a big trend for wedding party presents, and for a good reason! Every girl likes to receive something that’s made specifically for her.

Initial and Pearl Necklace – $28
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40418304

Horoscope Necklace – $12
http://www.lulus.com/products/Horoscope+Charm+Necklace/14244.html

TO WEAR IN THE CEREMONY

Many brides like to give coordinating accessories for their maids to wear during the ceremony. If you plan on giving out “wedding-wearable” gifts, keep them simple and classy. Jewels that match the bridesmaids' gowns are an easy choice, and you can never go wrong with pearls.

Colored Stone Stud Earrings – $38
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3026763/0~2376776~2374327~6005464~6005514?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005514&P=1

Ivory Pearl Necklace – $38
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39730288

JUST FOR FUN

If you’re not interested in having matchy-matchy maids during the ceremony, and monogramed necklaces seem a bit drab, there are plenty of cute, non-traditional accessories to consider. A quirky necklace or girly bow-accented earrings will surely make a fun-loving bridesmaid smile. Personally, I’d go for the hummingbird necklace!