Bridemaid gifts - what to give

"What do I buy my bridemaids?", this is a question we hear often usually a week or two before the big day when money is scarce and the budget practically non existent. Shopping for the bridesmaid gifts seems to happen when wedding bills are due and budgets have been stretched to the max.  Pearl jewelry is the classic bridesmaid gift.  Understated and elegant.  With the vast choice of freshwater pearls available in today's market you can buy a really lovely bracelet, earrings or pendant for the bridesmaids at a fraction of the cost of Japanese pearls and they virtually look the same.  Depending on the budget you can get pearls in all price ranges.  Pearls are a jewel box basic and go with everything.