Wedding expert provides tips for the perfect wedding 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? – That’s the easy question.

What do I buy for my bridesmaids? – Now, there’s 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 don’t have to worry about budgets, most women don’t 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 bridesmaid’s dress, which they’ll 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.

About The Author:

Rosa Max is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.wedding-rings-n-bands.com. Find beautiful weddings rings and bands including diamond, titanium, celtic, platinum and special designs.