One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of wedding speech preparation is analyzing the audience. Professional speakers will tell you that they generally spend a good portion of their preparation time trying to understand who will be listening to them speak. The reason they do this is that having information about your audience is a valuable asset when you begin writing your speech. An audience...

Best of Friends Now and Always: Gifts for the Bridesmaids

by Jessica Rosenzweig

(BNN) The tradition of the bridal party began in ancient Rome with a bride selecting close friends and relatives to accompany and protect her on the journey to the marriage ceremony. Times have changed, of course, and while bridesmaids have less of a bodyguard role these days, their participation is no less important.

Bridesmaids offer faithful support and generous advice as wedding plans take shape. As a remembrance of her cherished friendship, the thoughtful bride always presents each bridesmaid with a gift as an expression of esteem, love and gratitude.

Jewelry and accessories will always be a reminder of that special day and treasured for a lifetime. They also complement and enhance the bridesmaid’s dress.

Diamonds, still a girl’s best friend, add dazzle to bridesmaids’ dresses. Diamond Essence, one of the world’s best-known makers of artificial diamonds, has exquisite simulated stones. A stunning 2.0 carat pendant on a 14K gold chain is $69 and 2.0 carat studs set in 14K gold are $45 at www.diamond-essence.com/bridal.

Personalized jewelry is also an enduring gift. Lillian Vernon’s sterling silver bracelet with a heart charm can be engraved with a bridesmaid’s monogram, including engraving for $20 at www.lillianvernon.com. Ross-Simons engraved sterling silver locket on a black silk cord brings a dash of romance to a bridesmaid's neckline. Inserting a picture of the bride and bridesmaid personalizes it even more. Including engraving for $60 at www.ross-simons.com.

Dainty pearl and crystal earrings accent dressy, swept-up hairstyles. $45 at Fortunoff. If the bride registers at a Fortunoff store, she also receives a 10% discount on gifts for her wedding party. www.fortunoff.com.

Bridesmaids will delight in luxurious pashmina shawls sprayed with Swarovski crystal beads in soft lilac, pink, champagne or black. Wear to the wedding and for years to come! $119 www.pashminaboutique.com.

The gift a bride chooses reflects the strong bonds of friendship celebrated on this joyous occasion

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