Your wedding is a personal and meaningful day - why not let your wedding party gifts reflect those sentiments? The gift of jewelry is not only meaningful, it's also a wonderful gift that can express the personality of the receiver. With a little forethought and planning, you can provide your wedding party with gifts they will be eager to show off and treasure for a lifetime.

For your bridesmaid, jewelry can be both personal and unique. Most of all, you want your bridesmaids to love the jewelry you've chosen for them. Sterling silver or pearls are a traditional choice. The pieces will last a lifetime and serve as a reminder of your special day and the closeness you share. Freshwater pearls are an affordable choice and, in addition to white, come in a myriad of colors. Nothing is more timeless than a strand of pearls or simple pearl earrings.

You might also choose a tennis bracelet set with each woman's birthstone or a color that matches the wedding ensemble. Lockets are also a good choice for bridesmaids, and can be worn as part of the ceremony. A bride might put a different picture inside each locket for each of her bridesmaids. Brooches are also making a comeback and are an ideal choice for modern brides seeking a vintage look. Choose colors that match the wedding party's attire.

For a truly unique gift, consider presenting your bridesmaid with a charm bracelet. Today's choices in bracelets range from the time-honored dangling bracelets to Italian charm bracelets to threaded beads and Murano glass. Some charm bracelets can be designed to spell out the owner's name, include charms that symbolize hobbies, and feature colorful semi-precious stones. Each bracelet can be designed to represent the wearer's unique personality. Imagine the delight of your bridesmaids as they open their one-of-a-kind gifts. Charms can be added by each woman to signify other future special occasions in her life.

Charm bracelets are also an inspired gift idea for a mother of the bride, grandmother, or mother-in-law. A daughter might choose a birthstone for her mother's bracelet, or a special charm representing the bond between grandmother and granddaughter. Including her new husband's birthstone in a charm bracelet for a mother-in-law is also a thoughtful gift from the bride.

Groomsmen and fathers of the bride or groom will appreciate stylish cuff links. Men whose professional appearance is important or who like to occasionally dress "to the nines" love a quality set of cuff links. The sky is the limit when imagining which style, color, shape, theme, or material. Basic cufflinks might be composed of gold, silver, or wood, but designers have also created cufflinks with silk, enamel, Murano glass, pearl, diamonds and crystal.

For the groom, a quality watch inscribed with your sentiments on the back is both a loving and practical gift. Each time he glances at his watch, he will be reminded of you. The classic pocket watch is also a great choice. Making a serious comeback, the pocket watch can be engraved with a groom's initials, or inscribed with a note of thanks and the date of the nuptials for the groomsmen.

Once your purchases have been made, wrap the bridesmaid's jewelry in a velvet-lined box and tie with a bow. Choose a natural material, such as a wood inlaid box, in which to present the groomsmen's gifts. Use your imagination in the presentation of your gifts as it should be as colorful and intriguing as the gift itself.