Wedding Gifts

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The Bridal Shower - a Tradition of Sharing
Helen Marakis

Marriage is a door, which looks out upon a beautiful view. As
that door is opened and the horizon unfolds before you, know that
nothing is sweeter than the warmth of one hand within another.
- Collin McCarty

As summer approaches, there is a murmur of romance in the warming
breezes. Soon there will be the excitement of arrangements and a
whirlwind of activity as couples plan to celebrate their love in
a union of marriage. Friends and family will gather to witness
the nuptials and celebrate the joyous occasion. But before the
wedding ceremony itself, there are other social occasions, which
will honor the couple. One such occasion is the bridal shower.

The bridal shower is a wonderful and joyous time and usually the
last chance for the bride and her close family and friends to
have a warm, intimate and relaxing time together before her
marriage. Family and friends have an opportunity to honor the
bride's special day with special and memorable gifts. But the
idea to give gifts did not become popular until the late
nineteenth century. At one fashionable bridal shower, small
gifts were placed inside a parasol and friends of the bride
opened it over the bride's head. The presents "showered" down
over her. The idea was such a hit in the fashion world that
others quickly began to do the same. A bridal Wishing Well is
also a popular idea included in many bridal showers. Use a gaily
decorated basket or bucket for the "wishing well" and toss in
your special and precious gifts along with your special wishes
for the bride. While the tradition has long been to have the
maid of honor host the shower, in recent years, the maid or
matron of honor, a close friend, a family member or even a
co-worker can host the shower.

Unique and personalized bridal shower gifts, such as beautifully
and elegantly adorned frames with a favorite photo of the
bridesmaid and bride or with the date of the wedding bring
special meaning to a memento of the occasion. The more
personalized the keepsake, the more memorable it becomes! The
gift of an inspirational Byzantine icon ornament or a unique
frame with an art poem or customized with names, events and even
pictures make wonderful personalized reminders of how much you
care. The lyrical words and artistic poems make you think about
possibilities for having, doing, and being all that you really
wish. Their chosen words beautifully express your innermost
thoughts, while creating an uplifting message that speaks to
the bride's heart.

And what bride wouldn't cherish a photo album from the bridal
shower party, filled with her favorite pictures or meant to
accommodate the photographs of the upcoming wedding? You can
turn the bride's favorite photograph into an elegant and
memorable image personalized on canvas and adorned with the
finest Swarovski AB crystals. What a unique gift to display
in your bridal shower basket!

Or the bridal party might choose to give the bride a pillow or
sachet filled with the scents of calm and serenity - a thoughtful
gift during an exhilarating but stressful time! These special
gifts are stylishly adorned with trims, beads and fine chiffon
ribbons and can be personalized to offer an intimate keepsake
that will be cherished forever. They have a luxurious appearance
and they make sentimental gift ideas that are certain to catch
the eye of the bride-to-be. Their exquisite aromatherapy scents
(smells of heaven!) will be the talk of your party and they're
an absolute must have!

If you will be celebrating the marriage of cherished family or
friends soon, visit http://www.portara.com to find great gift
ideas for the most unique and creative wedding shower! At
http://www.portara.com, you will discover how to present the
bride with a gift that perfectly expresses your thoughts on
this joyous occasion - the sharing of love and promise from
your heart to hers.

"If you invest in beauty,
it will remain with you
all the days of your life"
Frank Lloyd Wright

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Helen Marakis owns The Portara Gallery, which delivers the finest gifts and unique creations for all occasions: http://www.portara.com
Copyright: 2004

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Gifts Directory UK - check it out for some unusual gift ideas.