Bets are on that hundreds of brides-to-be will swoon over Keira Knightley’s long, draped, emerald-green dress in Atonement. And then, as they regain consciousness, they’ll think, “Hmm, now wouldn’t that look good on my A team?” (A meaning attendant).

Just as outfits have moved far beyond those meringuelike pastel nasties that gave bridesmaids’ dresses a bad name, gifts for helpers of both genders now have a modern spin. Don’t be stingy; these are for the sibs and mates who have stumped up for showers, stags, and stagettes; getting there (if they’re coming from out of town); and a gift. Now, it’s payback time.

Traditionally, because she’s supposed to do more work, the maid of honour gets more expensive swag. Typically, it’s jewellery, but these days if a woman has her eye on a particular bracelet, she probably buys it for herself (and if she can’t afford it, you probably can’t either). Not all guys wear jewellery, and if they’re in a cuff-link profession they probably have a drawerful already.

The era of the identically dressed chorus line of bridesmaids is long past. Colour alone may be the common denominator, or the cut may be the same but with each dress in a different hue. Individuality is something to keep in mind if you opt for a jewellery gift. You can still wrap up a classic piece like a silver bracelet, but maybe add a charm that reflects each bridesmaid’s passion, whether it’s skiing, reading, or martinis. Another route to follow is the exotic path of the Dorian Rae Collection (410 Howe Street). How about Balinese silver-and-seashell earrings, or Indian silver earrings inset with malachite, amethyst, or moonstone ($95 and up), no two pairs the same?

You could also pick the brains of staff or wander among the showcases at Object Design (4–1551 Johnston Street, Granville Island), home to 115 different designers, 95 percent of them Canadian. One line that isn’t is Noa Jewels from Israel, which incorporates 2,000-year-old Roman glass into its pieces (around $120). Nelson-based Nicole Bigg’s etched sterling-silver earrings are timeless, the kind of look that swings easily from denim to dress-up (around $35). The modern but organic designs of Caetllonn Seadjwyc’s silver pendants can also handle a double shift ($65 and up). Gifts for your A team can add up to a large chunk of change, and you’ll sleep better knowing that yours aren’t destined for permanent exile in a dresser drawer.

Some couples make the most of the healthy Canadian dollar, combining ceremony and honeymoon, and swapping vows in exotic places. (Destination wedding is the official term.) Last April, Kim and Jeremy Beirness flew to Hawaii, where Kim’s sister Nicole took on the role of maid of honour. “I gave her a Coach bag in red, one I thought she’d like,” says Kim, who thinks “You should go for something that’s a bit more personal.” Jeremy gifted his groomsman and his photographer, his brothers, with silver dog tags from Obsessions (various locations) engraved with their initials. The couple also signed up a sister-in-law (who styled the bride’s hair) for a private surfing lesson.

When Lindsey Williamson Christy, a development director at Radical Entertainment, tied the knot with game-designer-colleague Ian Christy last October, she gave her attendant a gift certificate for a full-day spa treatment. “We took the guys [the best man and the host] to a teppanyaki dinner.” A two-time bridesmaid herself, Williamson Christy has scored a framed Chinese character for friendship, and cowgirl-themed bath products and a belt buckle in tune with the mood of a country-and-western wedding held at Stump Lake Ranch in the Nicola Valley. Family members and guests who travel to destination weddings deserve thank-yous too, she feels, suggesting the customizable photo albums you can put together at www.blurb.com/.

Green is predicted to be one of 2008’s leading hues for bridesmaids, and fashion in general. It could also be the theme of attendants’ gifts. A picture frame can be antique rather than new, bangles are plentiful at vintage stores, and spectacular rhinestone pieces from the ’50s belong in every bridesmaid’s jewellery box; all are eco-friendly.

Since today’s couples—and therefore their attendants—are rarely dewy teens or in their early twenties, they may have all the stuff they need. This past Christmas, many Vancouverites chose to give and get charitable donations rather than yet another useless whatsit. Think locally or globally: millions of people out there can use a bit of assistance, from Vancouver’s homeless (consider the Salvation Army or Union Gospel Mission for starters) to those who have lost everything to natural disasters and rely on the Red Cross and other organizations to help them get back on their feet. Check out the dozens of projects you can support at www.changingthepresent.org/. When you’re celebrating the start of a new phase in your life, what better way to mark it than with gifts that give someone else a start?