With most brides, the prospect of finding or creating the prefect personalized bridesmaid gift can be daunting. All of us cannot be Martha Stewart and create handpicked, gold-trimmed fig leaves with a monogram made out of wet rice noodles. So this is for the future brides that live in the real world and have modest budgets.

First and foremost, you need to determine the interests of your bridesmaids....are they athletic, funny, love shopping or all of the above? Gifts that are personalized with the bridesmaid name or monogram say that you cared enough to take the time to find a gift that was unique and made just for them. Also, a practical gift will be better received than a gift that will never see the light of day after the wedding is over. You may choose a personalized picture frame for that special wedding photo of you and your "maids". Give the music lover a monogrammed wood CD box. The coffee drinker will appreciate a personalized coffee mug. The reader will love the personalized silver-plated apple bookmark.

Most all bridesmaids love monogrammed bags and most especially monogrammed jewelry. Personalized handbags and jewelry make excellent gifts as they can be put to use long after the ceremony had ended. Reluctantly, groomsmen gifts usually fall under the bride's responsibility as well. Monogrammed hip flasks or sterling cuff links are always big hits with the guys. For the avid sportsman, a laser engraved wood bat makes a unique an cherished gift. Practical groomsman gifts include engraved pocket knives, key chains, golf divot tools, beer mugs and money clips.