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Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill
With weddings come gifts. Lots of them. Between the bridal shower, the engagement party, and the wedding itself, gifts are showered almost continuously on the happy couple so they can start their new life together.
Deciding what to give and when, however, can be a bit puzzling. Do you buy a registry gift for the bridal shower, or something more personal just for the bride? And what do you bring to the engagement party?
Don't worry. We've got all the answers, as well as some creative gift ideas you can mull over before you go out gift shopping.
First off, the Bridal Shower is a party thrown just for the bride. Talk to the person organizing the shower (most likely the Maid of Honor), and ask what kind of shower it's going to be. Many bridal showers revolve around a theme, and thus the gifts do as well. For example, if the couple is honeymooning in Aruba, the theme might be travel. You could buy her some new luggage for their trip, some luxurious beach towels, an exquisite beach tote, etc. Let your imagination go wild! You might also find out where they're staying, and purchase a gift certificate for them to have a nice dinner while they're on their trip.
If it is a small, personal shower you could get her something a bit more racy like some sexy lingerie, or even a new cozy bathrobe and slippers to make her feel comfortable.
You can, however, get a bit more creative in your gift and go outside the box. What about giving the bride a day at the spa to relax? With all the running around she's about to start doing, it will be well appreciated! You could also get her a gift certificate to a fine salon to get her hair and makeup done. This could be used for the wedding day itself, or just a treat to pamper herself.
An Engagement Party is thrown for the couple, and it is perfectly acceptable to buy registry gifts for this event. Chances are, however, they've already accumulated plenty of dishes and towels, so why not get creative in your gift giving?
With a bit of research you could find a restaurant that puts together picnic dinners. Buying them a complete picnic with basket, blanket, wine and dessert would make for a very fun day for the couple to spend together.
Or, find out what they like to do together. If the couple enjoys the outdoors, why not buy them a year pass to the local state park? If they enjoy ice-skating, why not purchase a year's pass to the local rink? If rock climbing is their thing, a pass to the local climbing gym would be a great gift.
If you're feeling fun, you should think games. Croquet, volleyball, basketball, or board games are all fun ideas for some creative gifts they certainly won't expect ? and won't get from anyone else.
With a little creativity you can certainly break the mold of dishtowels and bathmats for a shower or engagement gift. Using your imagination and a little ?out of the box' thinking will ensure you get the couple a gift that they will have fun with, and one that will be long remembered.
Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also co-founder of http://www.WellnessArticles.net , a directory of articles covering many areas of wellness. You can reach Pat at pat@SilkBow.com. Pat Brill may be contacted at http://www.silkbow.com or pjbrill@aol.com
Tis the season for bridal showers and weddings, which means it's time to go shopping! If you're not careful, spring and summer gift shopping can break the bank, so it's important to find a bargain store that carries everything that the brides and grooms in your life need. Here are just a few ideas for wedding and shower gifts that can be found at an online bargain store.
Electronics
If a young couple is just embarking on their life together, they're going to need personal and home electronics. For their home entertainment center, consider DVD players, video game consoles, video games, or accessories like speakers or remote controls. For the couple on the go, a car video system makes a great wedding gift, as does an iPod or an MP3 player. And don't forget that every couple needs a pair of cell phones
Travel
Speaking of couples on the go, every couple needs a nice set of luggage for their honeymoon. Consider pooling your money with some of your friends and present them with a beautiful set of luggage that they'll treasure for years to come. Tuck a portable DVD player and a few of their favorite movies into the carry-on, and they'll be delighted. Digital cameras also make great wedding gifts, and ensure that they'll take memorable pictures that they will treasure forever.
Household Goods
Unless both the bride and the groom are coming from established households, the couple is going to need household goods. Ask those in the know what colors the bride and groom have chosen, and indulge them with luxurious bedding or towels. Purchase quality cutlery, high-end cookware, or utilitarian items for the kitchen. You can also create a gift basket for them - perhaps a personalized toolbox containing basic tools, a hamper containing everything they'd need to go on a picnic, or even an assortment of office supplies and computer supplies wrapped up in a personalized basket.
Outdoor Gifts
If the newlyweds live in or are moving to a house with a yard, outdoor gifts are perfectly appropriate as wedding gifts. A wheelbarrow filled with everything they'll need to plant their first garden would be much appreciated, as would outdoor furniture for their patio. Decorative pieces that accent their outdoor decor are also excellent choices for wedding gifts.
Just For Her (or Him)
If you find yourself as the hostess of a bridal shower, consider adopting a "Just for Her" theme. The bride-to-be deserves to be pampered, and you can suggest that guests bring gifts that are primarily for her, but that her fiance will also enjoy, such as fragrances, lingerie, or jewelry. If you're planning a bachelor party, keep in mind that the groom-to-be often gets lost in the fuss and frill of wedding plans. Why not surprise him with stereotypically male gifts, such as tools, auto parts, sporting goods, and the like?
Whichever gift you ultimately choose, keep in mind that you don't have to spend a fortune to buy a memorable wedding gift. Look for an online bargain store that has a wide variety of gift items for every occasion. That way, you're sure to make it through wedding season in style.
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com (NOTE: Content article shown above may be linked and circulated freely on web sites, ezines and other publications as long as ALL article content, links and author information remain UNCHANGED in any way whatsoever.) Chris Robertson may be contacted at http://www.majon.com/directory/
The party is winding down and the guests are chatting amongst themselves as your families begin the enormous task of cleaning the reception hall. It's been the best, but longest, day of your life and you're ready to jet off to your honeymoon in the Bahamas.
However, you know you still have one task left to do before the limo whisks you away into the night with your new husband. You need to thank the people who made this day possible, your bridal party.
They listened to you during your catering meltdown a couple of weeks ago. They went through seemingly thousands of dress fittings as you changed your mind on the color of their gowns. And they threw you the best bachelorette party ever. You really hope the pictures from that night never get out; otherwise some serious blackmail will occur!
Those girls are you best friends and made it that you'll never forget and you want to thank them for their hard work with unique bridal party gifts.
A whole industry has erupted from the increasing popularity of weddings. From wedding planners to flower designers, there are retailers and specialists available to cater to your every wedding need. Unique bridal party gifts are no exception. You can find unique bridal gifts at any number of dress stores, floral shops and craft stores.
However, some of the best and most unique bridal party gifts come from the heart. It might even be a good idea to get different gifts based on the differing personalities of your bridal party. If a couple of your bridesmaids loves pedicures and spa treatments, unique bridal party gifts for them would be a trip to the day spa to treat themselves to facials and other pampering activities.
What about your flower girl? She loves movies so some unique bridal party gifts for her would be tickets to a movie of her choice along with all she can eat popcorn, candy and soda. How about your Mom? Give her a framed photo of you and her at the wedding. She will cherish it for the rest of her life.
Another way to thank your bridal party would be to create something special for each of them. You can look at different websites for unique bridal party gifts like slideshows of candid photos from the wedding and reception. Or you can create a special thank you with a personalized tote bag that reminds them of the day or maybe some rhinestone jewelry in the colors of the wedding.
The options are virtually endless. It's your way of repaying them for all the work they have put in over the past months and to show them how happy you are that each of them is in your life. So do your homework and find unique bridal party gifts that create memories and love that will last forever, just like your new marriage.
Stop by our site and see our selection of unique bridal party gifts like personalized totes and rhinestone jewelry. We're sure to have something to make your special day one to remember!
Faye Kelsy may be contacted at http://www.uniquecollectiblesgifts.com or ucg@articlemarketingsolutions.com