The bridal attendants and the groomsmen are also an essential part of the success of the day. It is them who make certain the bride looks lovely and is ready for the ceremony and the best man often helps to qualm the groom’s nerves.

Many brides and grooms choose special bridal party gifts to reflect their appreciation to the people participating in their wedding ceremony.

There are many bridal party gifts that are both affordable and practical. Although it’s lovely to give a bridesmaid or groomsmen a wedding photo something special just for them should be added as well.

Watches make great bridal party gifts. A watch is appropriate for either a male or a female. The watches can also be engraved with the date of the wedding and the name of the bride and groom as a reminder of the special day. Giving bridal party gifts like this are appreciated because the people receiving them will be able to use them beyond just the day of the wedding.

Key chains are another popular choice in bridal party gifts. Some couples choose to purchase sterling silver key chains that have a locket insert. This way a picture can be included with the key chain. Although placing an image of the bride and groom in the insert might seem appropriate there are other alternatives. The bride might choose to use a special picture of herself and her maid of honor or herself with a bridesmaid. Doing this gives each person who receives one a personalized reminder of their special relationship with the bride or groom.

Another good choice for bridal party gifts is gift certificates. The wedding will be a wonderful day but it also can bring stress. Giving the bridesmaids a day at the spa or the groomsmen a free round of golf is a great way for them to relax.

Jewelry can also make beautiful bridal party gifts. Matching earrings, bracelets or necklaces for the bridesmaids will add a lovely touch to the wedding photos. The groomsmen will appreciate a nice set of cufflinks that they can use for years to come.

When it comes time for choosing bridal party gifts the bride and groom should consider the personalities of their attendants. If the bride or groom would appreciate the gift than there’s a very good chance that the bridesmaids and groomsmen will as well.

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One of my favorite activities is browsing round book shops. Even in Prague and Rome, I wandered in to look at the books, unable to understand a word. I love the atmosphere and the air of scholarship. A lot of book shops have coffee areas now, where you are allowed to look at a book, whilst relaxing in a comfy chair drinking cappuccinos. My nearest book shop has a shiny, black piano on which young music students tinker jazz in the background.

They don’t just sell books these days. Good book shops have become part of the community. They have special evenings with authors giving readings and talks about their latest publication. I have been to a few of these and lined up to have my book signed. Meeting an author is always a thrill and it makes the book almost like a personal gift from the author. There are also reading groups and creative writing circles meeting in book shops.

Young children are not left out, and are invited in for story telling sessions. Book shops are nothing without a good children’s section, and a welcoming attitude younger readers. It goes a long way in encouraging children to read for pleasure.

One of my favorite haunts are dusty, old second hand book shops, particularly if the books are piled up high with no visible sign of organization. Sometimes, you want to chance upon a gem, like hunting in a treasure cave. An old man in a stained cardigan and wire rimmed glasses may amble through from the back room and enthusiastically congratulate you on your find.

Charities often run shops which specialize in book sales and I have found good authors there too. In amongst the pulp, romantic novellas and bodice ripping tomes, I have come across Joseph Conrad, DH Lawrence, and Tom Wolfe. The only thing that puzzles me is how people can throw away a book, to give to book shops in the first place. I have never managed to do it and consequently my bookshelves are overflowing. I seem to have a missing chromosome which allows you to throw books away.

I could really live in an oasis of literature and work my way steadily and alphabetically round the novels, poetry, travel books and art history. Book shops are a haven that the modern world can’t take away. They’re not bad as singles hangouts either. Consider the advantages. If you meet him or her in a certain department, you already know you have something in common. You can strike up a conversation, something like, Oh, I’ve just read that, it’s marvelous, or Tell me, can you recommend this poet? It won’t be long before you’re settling down to coffee and muffins for two. It wouldn’t be a good idea for me to work in book shops, I would be too easily distracted and be reading instead of selling.

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