Post # 1
Member
119 posts
Blushing bee
I’m trying to decide whether I want to give my bridesmaids silk robes or claddagh rings. I want to give them something pretty and something they would use again, which I think both gifts are. I like the claddagh rings because of what it represents (love, loyalty, friendship) but I wonder if it is strange as a gift from a bride to bridesmaids, tradition/meaning-wise. Also I would have to ask for everyone’s ring size and I’m pretty sure they’ll guess what I’m giving them since I’m living in Ireland and they were all telling me how they loved my claddagh ring when I was visiting! Also the robes are so purtyyyy 😛
Robes:
Rings:
If it makes any difference, I have 4 bridesmaids.
Post # 3
Member
36 posts
Newbee
@toelopeornottoelope: I looove claddagh rings! And it has a personal significance to you. If you aren’t swamped with the other details, dash off a quick email to your girls and ask them for their ring size. And they all complimented you on your ring, so bam. You know they’ll like it. 🙂
Post # 4
Member
145 posts
Blushing bee
Both are pretty and thoughtful – what are you leaning towards? Don’t let the off chance that they will guess what you may give them dissuade you from choosing the gift you most want to give!
Have fun!
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Post # 5
Member
8696 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I love the robes. For me personally I wouldnt wear a claddagh ring. Also, because I say I like something a friend has doesnt mean I want it. I dont know if that makes sense but I think a robe may be more useful. However, get whichever one you like for them. I dont think I would dislike either. I would just feel forced to wear the ring.
Post # 6
Member
5547 posts
Bee Keeper
It would be weird to me to wear a ring like that from a friend because all the people I know that have them got them in a romantic relationship. Also those robes are amazing.
Post # 7
Member
2553 posts
Sugar bee
I wouldnt wear the ring because the only ring I wear is my engagement ring. Not sure if they are engaged or have promise rings. I would wear the robe for sure!
Post # 8
Member
847 posts
Busy bee
@toelopeornottoelope: Go with the robes because claddagh rings are an Irish thing and sort of a cultural tradition. I’m not saying it would be insensitive but…you might not fully understand the meaning behind them. Like for instance, claddagh rings are supposed to be handed down from mother to daughter over loads of generations, it would be wierd to give your friends something that’s part of a tradition you don’t really seem to understand.
Also, those robes are gorgeous!
Post # 9
Member
485 posts
Helper bee
Claddagh rings should be given by family to child or by boyfriend to a girl. They are not something that friends would exchange, so you are violating the spirit of the ring.
Therefore I would do the robes.
Post # 10
Member
119 posts
Blushing bee
@BridieBea: @3xaCharm: Thanks for the info about the significance of the rings! I did read up on them and while many sources (online, at least) say that it is fine to give to a friend (and the meaning has changed over the years) I definitely see what you’re saying – that’s why I was conflicted in the first place!
Thanks everyone for your input! I think the robes are the better choice 🙂
Post # 11
Member
1164 posts
Bumble bee
@toelopeornottoelope: I like the robes!!! I think the rings would be too hard to deal with–which finger the girls want to wear it on dictates what size they will need, what if yellow gold doesn’t go with the rest of the jewelry, etc. I think that the girls would appreciate the robes, as they can get alot of use out of them: it can be worn on the morning of the wedding while everyone is getting ready, at home, when travelling, etc.
Post # 12
Member
1102 posts
Bumble bee
Robes. I like the idea of the ring (my sister has one) but I wouldn’t wear it.
Post # 13
Member
1992 posts
Buzzing bee
@toelopeornottoelope: hmmm.. i love the idea of the colored robes but I think its really sweet that they all liked your ring and the ring represents friendship & etc.
The thing is, I can appreciate something like a ring on someone else and really like it on them but not want to wear it myself… are you sure they’d want to wear the rings?
I could see myself wearing the robe tho – they are super pretty!
You know your girls best… but for me, I’d like a robe more.
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