Give your best girls something they will cherish forever on your special day!

Buying for your girls can be a challenge. Depending on the number of bridesmaids, you can easily have various tastes, styles and preferences to work with.  So, how can you find a gift for all? Read below and find out!

For half of the ladies, I paid for their hair to be done at the salon by a very talented designer. Marlo (of Marlo Does Hair) was able to work within my budget to create hairstyles that fit my bridesmaids individualized hair texture while staying within the concept I had for their hair. If you choose a destination wedding, your stylist will be able to work with other island-specific factors too, such a humidity, heat and ocean breeze.

The other half of the ladies were treated to hotel rooms the night of the wedding. Not only were they able to enjoy the wedding after-party in the downstairs bar together, they were also available the next day for any lingering bridesmaid duties. In my case, they made sure the Sunday family brunch went smoothly and helped me pack for the honeymoon.

(Photo by Stevie B. Photography)

If have your heart set on buying something special for your bridesmaids, here are a few ideas for different styles and personalities:

Bridesmaid #1 – This is a chick who knows how to save a dime. She’s very thrifty and a do-it-yourself-er. It’s as if she walked right out of an Anthropologie ad and found it all at flea markets or made it herself. For this type of bridesmaid, try making your own vanilla extract she can use the next time she wants to bake up a batch of goodies. All you need is vodka and vanilla beans – mix and let them sit in a cool, dry place for three to five days. Print out a cute label and you’re good to go! She will appreciate the thought and effort.

Bridesmaid #2 – Ever in tune with Mother Nature, this gal could go days without a shower and still look flawless. She’s the type that loves to hike a mountain to save an orphanage. A do-gooder and a nature lover, this one could be a toughie to buy for! What to do? Donate to her favorite charity in her name! Find out her passion project and make a donation. The Sandals Foundation is an option if you want a legitimate non-profit doing good in the Caribbean. Check them out at www.sandalsfoundation.org.

Bridesmaid #3 – When you see her, you think of Audrey Hepburn. A true classic beauty with an eye for fashion and a sense of sophisticated elegance, you may think you need to drop a pretty penny to get this gal designer digs. No need! In the age of email sale alerts, you’ll be able to snag something while staying within your budget. Do a web search for “send the trend”, “ideeli” or “shop it to me”** and you’ll find pages of customizable newsletters that will alert you when designer items are on sale.

**Note: Our blog does not endorse any deal sites. These are only suggestions from experience.

Bridesmaid #4 – This bridesmaid is the life of the party. She loves going out, talking to new people and having fun! Her style is eclectic, so figuring out a gift for her can be tricky. She’s a trendsetter and her tastes can change rapidly. How to peg down a gift that she’ll love? Figure out what type of music she’s into! Since she prefers to go out, she’d love to go to a concert with a few close friends. You don’t have to buy her tickets to a big-name artist; you could find a local rock band that she hasn’t discovered yet.

Bridesmaid #5 – Some may consider her a shop-a-holic, but she knows she’s just well prepared. This is truly the girl who has everything. In her apartment, you’ll find every facial cleanser and hair product under the sun. If it’s new – she has it. She has an eye for style and you frequently find yourself saying, “Where did you get that?” Chances are, she would appreciate a great find that she hasn’t seen yet – but your gift may get lost in the shuffle. What to do? Don’t go for what, go for why. Frame a picture of the two of you and write her a letter telling her what she means to you and why you chose her to be a bridesmaid. She’ll cherish the gift and it’s something much more memorable.

No matter what your bridesmaids’ styles, if all else fails, go for jewelry that your bridesmaids can rock on your wedding day. Something simple and classic will fit all types as long as it matches their dresses and the overall look and feel of your wedding.