But these gifts are a wonderful way to remind your closest girlfriends, sisters, cousins, and future sisters-in-law how appreciative you are of their support throughout your wedding planning.

This traditional token is worth taking some extra time to think about; the perfect gift can be something your bridesmaids will cherish forever. And when you really think about it, most of the sentimental jewelry we receive is from our parents or the men in our lives. What a wonderful tradition to give something memorable to the remarkable women who support us and stand by us. Here are our tips to guide you through this process and find something perfect for the special women in your life:

BEYOND THE WEDDING: If your wedding is an evening or formal event, you probably have a vision of your attendants in identical (or very similar) dresses and accessories. You might wish to complement their outfits with a gift of something sparkly that would perfectly accessorize their outfits. While this is certainly acceptable, just keep in mind who your recipients are and whether this would really be a good gift for them—or if it’s more to suit your needs. If your ladies will appreciate—and wear—the bling after the wedding, then by all means go for it.

OUR PICK: Carolee antique vintage crystal bracelet,$95; carolee.com.

MAKE IT PERSONAL: Charm bracelets are a wonderful traditional gift, and with hundreds of charms available, you can make it very personal. Give your bridesmaids the bracelet and one or two charms; maybe her monogram with your wedding date and another charm with special meaning—a taxicab, a starfish, an umbrella—whatever captures a special memory you have with her. If she’s a newer acquaintance, such as your fiancé’s sister, and you’ve yet to share a lot of special memories, a classic heart or her birthstone is perfect. Then, forward-thinker that you are, add to that charm bracelet when she has a milestone of her own­—her wedding, baby, graduate degree, first house. What a wonderful tradition you’ve created!

Another personal touch is to choose a piece of jewelry that’s available in a variety of stones. Simple faceted drop earrings or gorgeous silver rings can easily be found in a spring bouquet of semi-precious stones.

OUR PICK: A David Yurman Noblesse ring, available in citrine, smoky quartz, blue topaz, champagne citrine, amethyst, or garnet ($425 to $495; davidyurman.com)

CLASSIC, BUT NOT TOO CLASSIC: This is not the time to indulge in the latest trends, so no leather cuffs, rhinestone peace signs, or turquoise lariats. The goal is for your attendants to think of you fondly when you give the gift—but also in 10 or 20 years when they see it in their jewelry box and look back on your beautiful wedding. After all, it was a big day for them, too. Pearls have been the perennial bridesmaids’ gift since the middle of the last century, but a simple strand has actually become a little too classic for many of today’s sophisticated women. If you opt for pearls, do it with a modern twist—a freshwater pearl choker, small pearl chandelier earrings, or a simple pearl and sterling bangle would be both “today” and “forever.”
Other updated classic choices might be an Elsa Peretti heart or Tiffany’s newest collection of key pendants.

OUR PICK: Tiffany key pendants ($200 and up; tiffany.com)

DON’T FORGET THE JUNIORS: Are there some younger attendants in your wedding party? You don’t need to spend a lot on your junior misses, but by all means take this opportunity to make them feel like the princesses that they are. Walking down the aisle is probably the most important day in their life, too. A simple heart strung on a velvet ribbon will make their day.

OUR PICK: Pink heart charm from Links of London ($80; linksoflondon.com)

GIVE IT PERSONALLY: Whatever tempting bauble you do choose, make sure your gifts are beautifully wrapped, using your wedding colors when choosing gift wrap and ribbons for a coordinated touch. It isn’t necessary to present your gift in a tiny jewelry box. In fact, that might even detract from the main event, so skip the pricey mini-box and put your effort into your note. Even if you’re presenting the gifts at the rehearsal dinner, it is still important to take the time to handwrite a personal note to each bridesmaid thanking them for their time and involvement in your engagement. Remember the time these women took—hearing every last detail of your romance, accompanying you to your dress fittings and shoe searches—and acknowledge their support in a beautifully handwritten note.