Bridesmaids' Gifts For The Bride: What's The Tradition?

Being a bridesmaid is an expensive role, with costs including the dress, accessories, hair, makeup, travel, and accommodation. On top of this, it is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift, although this can be a small token of affection. Some bridal parties club together to give a larger gift, while others give individual gifts. Bridesmaids are also expected to give the bride a gift at some pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party.

Should bridesmaids give a wedding gift?

Being a bridesmaid can be an expensive and time-consuming role, and it's natural to wonder where to draw the line when it comes to expenses. One of the most common questions bridesmaids ask is whether they are expected to give a gift to the happy couple.

Tradition and Etiquette

According to wedding tradition and etiquette, bridesmaids are expected to give a gift to the couple. This is in addition to any other expenses incurred, such as the cost of the bridesmaid dress, accessories, hair, and makeup. However, it is not necessary to spend as much as other guests, and a small, thoughtful gift is often sufficient.

Budgeting

Being a bridesmaid can quickly add up, with expenses for the dress, shoes, travel, and attending pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. It is important to budget accordingly and decide how much you can afford to spend on a gift. If you are struggling financially, it is better to be honest with the bride and politely decline the role than to accept and then be unable to afford the associated costs.

Group Gifts

One way to save money is for the bridal party to club together to buy a group gift. This can be a thoughtful way to give the couple a larger, more expensive item without breaking the bank. It is also a good option if you are unable to attend all the pre-wedding events and want to contribute to a joint gift.

Gift Ideas

When it comes to choosing a gift, it is a good idea to browse the wedding registry early to find something within your budget. If you are close to the couple, you may also choose to go "off-registry" and get them something more personal. Small, thoughtful gifts are also appreciated, especially if you are spending a lot of money on other expenses.

Should bridesmaids give a gift at pre-wedding events?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, with expectations to pay for dresses, accessories, hair and makeup, and pre-wedding parties. So, should bridesmaids give a gift at pre-wedding events?

Engagement Party

Although engagement parties are usually hosted by the bride's parents, anyone close to the couple may take the initiative. Guests are not expected to bring gifts, but if you want to, it's okay to keep it small. If you are very close to the couple, it's a good idea to bring a gift. Presents can include chocolates, decorative picture frames, food or beverage club subscriptions, gift cards or certificates, or personalised commemorative items.

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is usually thrown by the maid of honour or the bridesmaids. It is customary for bridesmaids to give a gift at the bridal shower, but this can be a group gift with other bridesmaids. If you are hosting the bridal shower, you are expected to pay for the majority of the costs, but other bridesmaids can chip in. If you are not hosting, you can still give a gift, but this can be smaller, and you can also contribute to additional costs like food or decor.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is another expense for bridesmaids, who usually pay for their share of the trip costs, including travel, accommodation, and meal expenses, as well as party decor and the bride's bill. However, you are not expected to give the bride another gift at the bachelorette party. The act of throwing the party is considered a gift. If you want to give something extra, you can pitch in with the other bridesmaids to buy a keepsake.

Rehearsal Dinner

You don't have to give a gift at the rehearsal dinner. By this point, you will likely have already purchased a wedding gift.

The Wedding

Despite the costs incurred by the bridesmaids, it is customary for them to give a wedding gift to the couple. This can be a group gift purchased with other members of the bridal party.

How much should a bridesmaid spend on a wedding gift?

Being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of expenses, and it's customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift. The amount a bridesmaid should spend on a wedding gift depends on a few factors, such as budget, whether they're bringing a plus-one, and how much they want to spend on gifts for pre-wedding events.

Sources suggest that bridesmaids should spend between $75 to $120 on a wedding gift, but this can vary depending on the individual's budget. It's also common for bridal parties to go in together on a larger gift for the couple or to give individual gifts. If you're bringing a plus-one, you may want to split the cost of the gift with them.

In addition to a wedding gift, bridesmaids are also expected to get the bride a gift for some pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party or bridal shower. For the engagement party, a nice bottle of champagne or a personalized gift is appropriate. For the bridal shower, it's customary to give a gift from the couple's registry, but the amount you spend depends on your role in the event. If you're hosting or contributing financially to the shower, you're not required to spend a lot of money on a shower gift. Instead, you can put that money toward a wedding gift or contribute to a group gift with the other bridesmaids.

Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget and plan your spending accordingly.

Should bridesmaids give a bridal shower gift?

Being a bridesmaid can be a complicated and expensive role, especially when it comes to gifts. There are certain expectations and etiquette to follow when it comes to giving gifts at pre-wedding events, and it can be tricky to navigate.

The short answer

Yes, it is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift. This includes gifts for some pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower. However, this can be a financial burden, especially if you are attending multiple showers, the engagement party, and the bachelorette party.

Budgeting for gifts

The costs of being a bridesmaid can add up quickly, and it is important to budget accordingly. On average, a bridesmaid spends around $700 leading up to the wedding day, and this does not include travel costs or costs associated with hosting a shower or attending the bachelorette party. It is important to be strategic about gift-giving to avoid blowing your budget.

Gift-giving etiquette

According to traditional wedding etiquette, bridesmaids should give a bridal shower gift. The purpose of the bridal shower is for the couple to receive items from their registry, so it is customary for guests to bring a gift. However, if you are hosting or contributing financially to the shower, you are not required to spend a lot of money on an extravagant gift. Instead, you can give a smaller gift or contribute to a group gift with the other bridesmaids.

Gift ideas

There are several ways to save money when it comes to bridal shower gifts:

• Buy a multi-part gift and give one piece at each event.
• Pick a theme and buy several small, inexpensive gifts to give at each event.
• Buy the cheapest items off the registry—the bride will appreciate it no matter the cost.
• Pool money with the other bridesmaids to buy a larger gift.
• Opt for a personalised, thoughtful gift that is not on the registry.

In conclusion, while it is not always easy, it is customary for bridesmaids to give a gift at the bridal shower. By budgeting wisely and choosing thoughtful gifts, you can show your support for the bride without breaking the bank.

Should bridesmaids give gifts at other events?

Being a bridesmaid can be an expensive role, with costs for dresses, accessories, hair and makeup, travel, and accommodation all adding up. So, it's understandable that you might wonder if you need to give gifts at every pre-wedding event, as well as the wedding itself. Here's a breakdown of the gifting etiquette for each event:

The Engagement Party

It is not expected for bridesmaids to bring a gift to the engagement party. However, if you want to give something, a small gift or a token gift is appropriate. This could include chocolates, a decorative picture frame, a gift card, or a personalized commemorative item. If you are very close to the bride, you may want to spend a little more.

The Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is usually hosted by the maid of honor or the bridesmaids. As a bridesmaid, you are expected to give a gift at this event. If you are the host, your gift can be smaller and more symbolic, as hosting the party is already a generous gesture. If you are not hosting, you can chip in with the other bridesmaids to buy a group gift, or buy a smaller individual gift.

The Bachelorette Party

As a bridesmaid, you are usually expected to help pay for the bachelorette party and cover the bride's expenses. This is considered your gift to the bride, so you are not obligated to give another gift on top of this. However, you can surprise the bride with a small gift, like a t-shirt or another bachelorette keepsake, if you want to.

The Rehearsal Dinner

You are not expected to give a gift at the rehearsal dinner. By this point, you will likely have already purchased a wedding gift, so it is not necessary to give another gift.

The Wedding

Despite the other costs incurred as a bridesmaid, it is customary to give a gift to the happy couple at the wedding. You can give an individual gift or join with the other bridesmaids to buy a larger group gift. Focus on choosing something meaningful for the couple, rather than something expensive.

Other Pre-Wedding Events

If there are other pre-wedding events, such as a lingerie shower, it is generally expected that you will bring a gift to each event, especially if you are a bridesmaid. However, if you are travelling for multiple events and your budget is tight, it is acceptable to opt-out of some events. You can also save money by buying a multi-part gift and giving one piece at each event or choosing cheaper items from the wedding registry.

Gift Ideas

When choosing gifts for the bride, you can opt for something sentimental, like a custom hanger for her wedding dress, or a funny gift, like a humorous mug. Other ideas include a bridal gift box, a journal, a personalized makeup bag, or a ring dish. You can also give the bride something to enjoy after the wedding, like a beach towel or a wind chime for her outdoor space.

Remember, the most important thing is to show your support for the bride and the couple. You are not obligated to give a gift at every event, especially if it is a financial strain. Choose gifts that are within your budget and will be meaningful to the recipient.

Frequently asked questions