Bridesmaids' Gifts: To Give Or Not To Give?

Being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of expenses and expectations. From dresses and accessories to hair and makeup, the costs can quickly add up. But what about gifts? Are bridesmaids supposed to give a bridal shower gift? The short answer is yes. It is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift, and according to traditional wedding etiquette, they should also give a gift at the bridal shower. However, if the bridesmaid is hosting the bridal shower, she is expected to pay for most or all of the costs, so an extravagant gift is not required. Instead, a smaller gift or a contribution to a group gift is more common. Ultimately, the decision comes down to budget and the relationship with the bride.

Should bridesmaids give a bridal shower gift?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, with expectations to buy a dress, accessories, and cover hair and makeup for the wedding day. On top of this, there is an expectation to give gifts at multiple points in the wedding process, including at the engagement party, bridal shower, and wedding itself.

According to traditional wedding etiquette, bridesmaids should give a gift at the bridal shower. This is because one of the purposes of the event is for the couple to receive items from their registry. However, if a bridesmaid has hosted or contributed financially to the bridal shower, they are not required to spend a lot of money on a gift. Instead, they could put that money towards a wedding gift or contribute to a group gift with the other bridesmaids.

If you are a bridesmaid, it is also customary to give a gift at the wedding. This could be a larger gift if you have not spent much on gifts for pre-wedding events. If you are attending the wedding with a plus-one, it is expected that you will spend more on a gift. If you are very close to the person getting married, you may want to consider spending more.

If you are not attending the bridal shower, you do not need to give a gift, but you may want to send something if you are particularly close to the person getting married. Flowers are a good option in lieu of a traditional gift.

Should bridesmaids give a wedding gift?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, especially when it comes to expenses and expectations. While bridesmaids are already expected to pay for their dress, accessories, hair, and makeup for the wedding, it is also customary for them to give the couple a wedding gift.

Wedding Gift Budgeting

According to wedding etiquette, bridesmaids should give a gift to the couple at the wedding. This can be a large individual gift or a group gift from the entire bridal party. The amount spent on a wedding gift should be between $100 and $120, or more if the bridesmaid is able to spend more or is splitting the cost with a plus-one.

Bridal Shower Gifts

In addition to a wedding gift, bridesmaids are also expected to give a gift to the bride at the bridal shower. The bridal shower gift should be smaller than the wedding gift, typically ranging from $25 to $75. If the bridesmaid is hosting the bridal shower, they are not required to spend a lot of money on an extravagant gift. Instead, they can buy a smaller gift or contribute to a group gift with the other bridesmaids.

Engagement Gifts

Bridesmaids are also expected to bring a gift to the engagement party, which can be a nice bottle of champagne or a personalized gift for the bride, such as a coffee mug or an engagement photo frame.

Bachelorette Party Gifts

The bachelorette party is considered a gift to the bride, as the bridesmaids and other guests typically pay for the bride's expenses. However, if the bridesmaids want to give the bride a physical gift, they can pitch in for a funny t-shirt or another keepsake.

Rehearsal Dinner Gifts

Bridesmaids are not expected to give a gift to the couple at the rehearsal dinner. It is assumed that they will have already purchased a wedding gift by this time.

Overall, while being a bridesmaid comes with certain financial expectations, there is flexibility in the type and amount of gifts given, and it is most important to consider one's budget and relationship with the couple when deciding on gifts for the wedding, bridal shower, and other pre-wedding events.

Should bridesmaids pay for the bride's bachelorette party?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, especially when it comes to expenses and expectations. While bridesmaids are usually expected to cover their dress, undergarments, shoes, accessories, and hair and makeup for the wedding day, there are also other costs to consider, such as the bachelorette party, engagement gifts, wedding gifts, bridal shower contributions, and bridal shower gifts.

It is customary for all guests attending the bachelorette party, including the bridesmaids, to contribute towards covering the bride's expenses. If the bachelorette party is a destination event, each bridesmaid will typically chip in for an evening out, rather than for the entire duration of the bride's stay.

Before finalising any bachelorette party plans, it is recommended that the bridesmaids discuss their budgets with each other to ensure that the chosen destination and activities are affordable for everyone. This is because, in addition to potentially paying for the bride's share of the bachelorette party, bridesmaids may also be expected to contribute to other pre-wedding events and gifts.

Other Pre-Wedding Gifts and Costs

Bridesmaids are also expected to give gifts at some pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party and the bridal shower. For the engagement party, a nice bottle of champagne, a personalised coffee mug, or an engagement photo frame are all suitable gifts. For the bridal shower, gifts typically come from the registry, but if the bridesmaid is very close to the bride, a more personalised gift is also appropriate.

While it is not necessary to bring a gift to the bachelorette party, some bridesmaids may choose to surprise the bride with a small gift, such as a funny T-shirt or other bachelorette keepsake.

When it comes to budgeting for gifts, it is recommended to follow the 20-20-60 rule. This means creating an overall gift budget and allocating 60% for the wedding gift, 20% for the engagement party, and the remaining 20% for the bridal shower. For example, if the overall budget is $200, $120 would be for the wedding gift, $40 for the engagement party, and $40 for the bridal shower. If a bridesmaid is only invited to one pre-wedding event, they can divide the extra 20% between the shower and the wedding.

It is worth noting that the amount spent on gifts ultimately depends on the relationship with the bride and the bridesmaid's budget. Typically, bridal shower gifts range from $25 to $75, while wedding gifts for guests attending solo are between $50 and $150. If attending with a date, the expected amount increases to $75-$200.

Should bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup?

There are differing opinions on whether bridesmaids should pay for their hair and makeup. The general consensus is that if the bride requires the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, the bride should pay for it. However, if it is optional, the bridesmaids can be expected to pay for it themselves.

Some brides choose to subsidise the cost of hair and makeup for their bridesmaids, especially if they are requiring a certain style or look. This can be a great way to ensure the bridesmaids feel comfortable with the cost while still having some control over the aesthetic of the wedding.

Ultimately, the decision on who pays for hair and makeup comes down to the bride's preference and budget. It is important to communicate expectations clearly to the bridesmaids and be mindful of their financial situation.

Now, onto the topic of bridal shower gifts. While there is no definitive answer, it is generally expected that bridesmaids will bring a gift to the bridal shower. This is especially true if the bridesmaid is hosting the bridal shower, in which case she is expected to pay for the majority of the costs. If you are a bridesmaid and are unsure about gift-giving expectations, it is best to communicate openly with the bride and other bridesmaids to clarify what is expected of you.

What expenses should the bride cover for her bridesmaids?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, with many expectations and expenses. So, what expenses should the bride cover for her bridesmaids?

Firstly, it is standard for the bride to cover the cost of bouquets, transportation to and from the wedding venue, and a gift for her bridesmaids. This gift is often something that the bridesmaids can wear on the wedding day, such as matching slippers, robes, or pyjamas. If the bride wants her bridesmaids to wear specific outfits while getting ready on the morning of the wedding, she is also responsible for buying these.

There are also some optional costs that the bride may choose to cover. These include hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bridesmaids' dresses, and a bridesmaids' luncheon (if hosted by the bride). If the bride has the budget and would like the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, she may cover the associated costs as a gift. Similarly, if the bride is happy to cover the cost of the bridesmaids' dresses, this can be a generous way to thank them for their support.

In addition, if the bride is planning a destination wedding or bachelorette party, it is considerate for her to subsidize some of the travel costs for her bridesmaids. This could include covering the cost of the bridesmaids' flights or accommodation for the trip.

Finally, on the wedding day, it is the responsibility of the couple to provide food for the bridal party. This includes meals at the rehearsal dinner and breakfast or snacks while getting ready in the bridal suite.

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