Gift Ideas to Honor the Parents of the Bride and Groom

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Preparing wedding gifts is a traditional way for blissful couples to thank and appreciate people who have done a great job in supporting them and helping during their big day. One of the most special and meaningful gifts they'll be looking for are gifts for their parents. The truth is, their parents contribute both financial and emotional support to the wedded couple, plus the fact that their presence is extremely important during the wedding ceremony itself. Therefore they truly deserve a special gift. As with the blissful couple, they want to give meaningful gifts to show not only their love but also their deep gratitude for everything that their parents have done for them throughout their lives.

One popular option to give are personalized gifts. These are gifts formed from simple items that have been made personalized by means of scripting initials or personal messages. Literally, there are tons of personalized gift ideas to choose from, and whether they are expensive or not, and no matter what the occasion may be, an item that has been made personalized turns an ordinary gift into a very special present. Personalized items provide a special memento of love and history for the family.

Such personalized items you may consider are picture frames, photo albums, jewelry and the like. Engraved frames and photo albums with a heartfelt message and unforgettable photos will likely be treasured for years to come. Jewelry like lockets with engraved wedding dates are great options too. Also, plaque, trophy and other miniature desk accessories are wonderful inspirational mementos to honor the parents' presence and support. Other selection includes jewelry boxes, cufflinks, flask, pocket watches, wine gifts, mugs and crystal glasses and other personalized gift boxes that are truly memorable and unique.

Also, classic gift ideas are perfect and suited for mom's and dad's personality. You may find items made from precious materials that can give an elegant and very classy look. Happy couples may consider to give a memorable and timeless gift of crystal, like a crystal clock perhaps, or vase and other antique items.

These are great gift options to give for mom and dad that they will not only enjoy, but also something that could give them a sense of relaxation and pampering after a series of stressful wedding preparation. Many couples would like to treat their parents to a day in the spa and massage parlor, bed and breakfast weekend getaway or other recreational activities where they could enjoy, have some fun and unwind.

And lastly, happy couples may wish to prepare special presents by creating their handmade wedding gifts for their mom and dad. Creative and imaginative artwork will do, it could be a scrapbook with pictures reminiscing history of the family, or perhaps a multi media presentation with memorable family events compilation. Also, consider buying unique and creative items like personalized cooler chairs or engraved cufflinks for the couple's dads, pink flask and engraved compact mirror for the couple's moms. Other unique gift ideas for parents are found at nearest specialty stores. Always remember, the key to have special and memorable gifts for parents are deep within you, you already know how to make mom and dad happy, all you have to do is to add a little spice for extra accent. After all, the smile of your happy parents are part of making your momentous day a success!

Janet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics including weddings. If you're looking for gifts for parents, visit the website Americanbridal.com and browse their collection. Find unique father of the bride cufflinks to make your dad feel special!

The Bride Did What?! Outrageous Tales of Tulle and Taffeta

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Do you have a bride in your life who has gone a bit nutty? Or perhaps you are waist deep in tulle bags and Jordan almonds and could use a laugh right now? Well then, take a look at these tales of brides going off the deep end.

What is the craziest thing that you have ever seen at a wedding? Now personally, at the weddings which I have attended, the brides have been models of decorum and grace (well, mostly), but there are some pretty outrageous things that can happen at weddings. What makes them particularly funny stories to hear is the juxtaposition of the heavenly vision in the flowing white gown and perfect pearl bridal jewelry pulling some wacky sort of stunt.

For instance, I once knew a young lady who came from the "right sort of family", and was planning a tented wedding on her family's property overlooking a picturesque lake. Well, in the days after the wedding, some stories started to trickle in about this newlywed, and it turns out after knocking back a few brewskis (from a can, no less!) in her custom silk gown, nature called. Rather than venture back to the powder room in the house, this lovely young bride simply headed over to the edge of the woods and hiked up her fabulous gown, and well...you get where this is going. It certainly gave the guests something unique to remember about her wedding!

Sometimes the wacky things that brides do are not impulsive (or gross, for that matter), but rather pre-planned stunts to surprise or amuse their guests. There was the case of a couple who had a lovely outdoor wedding in a bucolic field beside a stream. Everything was as beautiful as could be, from the flowers, to the cake, to the radiant bride in her pretty bridal gown and pearl jewelry. Nothing could detract from the perfection of the scene, except...off to one side there was something covered by a big ugly tarp. The guests could not imagine why such an eyesore had not been removed before the wedding. That is until the end of the reception when the couple pulled off the tarp, and hopped into the river to make their grand exit...in a giant inflatable dragon boat!

Or what about the bride and groom who decided that they wanted to offer their guests some unique entertainment at their reception? It sounds nice, right? Until you hear that the fun activity is going to be rides on old mattresses pulled through the mud on the back of a four-wheeler! Worse yet, the bride hopped right aboard, white dress and all, for a mud-splattered mattress ride. Suffice it to say that not too many people were asking for her advice on planning their weddings.

We all know that there can be tension between a bride and her future mother-in-law. But really, is the wedding the best time for the bride to rub her mother-in-law's face in it? This happened when one outrageous bride decided to have a very unique wedding ensemble created for her special day. The outfit consisted of a long lace coat with a lace dress underneath. Sounds innocent enough, doesn't it? Until you hear that the dress underneath was a micro mini cut on a diagonal and trimmed with fringe. The most important thing to the bride was that when she danced, everyone would be able to catch a good glimpse of her butt cheek! This exercise in questionable taste was all done in the effort to shock and appal her mother-in-law...what do you think the chances are that it worked?

So the next time that your fiance or bride-to-be friend is driving you nuts, just remember these tales of outrageous brides. She may spend hours obsessing over bridal magazines or finding the perfect ecru napkins, but as long as the bride in your life does not end up on this list, you will know that you are doing just fine!

Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Nothing is lovelier for a bride than pearl bridal jewelry.