Maid Of Honor: Gifts For Bridesmaids?

The maid of honor, or the bride's best friend, is expected to give gifts to the bride at the engagement party, bridal shower, and wedding. These gifts are usually personal and sentimental, such as a scrapbook, custom jewelry, or a framed photo. The maid of honor may also give practical gifts, like self-care products or items for the honeymoon. While it is customary for the maid of honor to give gifts to the bride, it is not mandatory, and the couple may express that they do not want presents from their wedding party.

Should the maid of honor buy the bride a gift?

The role of the maid of honor is an important one, and it's no easy feat to earn the title of MOH. It's customary for the maid of honor to give the bride a gift, although this isn't mandatory. The amount spent on a gift is flexible and can depend on the maid of honor's budget, the couple's preferences, and the nature of the gift. Here are some scenarios and suggestions to consider:

Engagement Gifts:

As the bride's best friend or sister, the maid of honor may want to celebrate the engagement with a thoughtful gift. Something like a personalized mug with a fun message or a bottle of champagne can be a great way to mark the occasion.

Bridal Shower Gifts:

The maid of honor is often expected to give a gift at the bridal shower. This gift can be more intimate and personal, focusing solely on the bride. Sentimental gifts, such as customized jewelry or a scrapbook, can be a touching way to celebrate the bride-to-be. If the maid of honor is hosting the bridal shower, her efforts in planning and funding the event may be considered her gift.

Wedding Gifts:

It is customary for the maid of honor to give a wedding gift to the couple as a gesture of support and celebration. The gift can be something from the wedding registry or a more personal item that holds special meaning for the bride. It is not uncommon for the maid of honor to team up with the bridal party to purchase a group gift.

Pre-Wedding Events:

The maid of honor is also expected to contribute gifts at pre-wedding events like the engagement party and bachelorette party. A nice bottle of champagne or a personalized gift related to the event can be a thoughtful way to mark these occasions.

Sentimental Gifts:

Sentimental gifts are often the most meaningful, capturing the unique relationship between the maid of honor and the bride. Customized items, such as jewelry with the bride's new initials or a framed copy of the maid of honor's speech, can be cherished for a lifetime.

Practical Gifts:

While sentimental gifts are popular, practical gifts can also be meaningful. Self-care and wellness items can help ease the stress of wedding planning, and items like a wedding emergency kit or a honeymoon-ready travel case can be both useful and thoughtful.

The role of the maid of honor is to ensure the bride feels supported and celebrated. A gift is just one way to show love and appreciation, and it's the thought behind the gift that truly counts. Whether it's a small token of appreciation or a grand gesture, the bride is sure to cherish the thoughtfulness of her maid of honor.

What are some sentimental gift ideas?

While it is customary for the maid of honor to give a gift to the bride, it is also nice to get something for the bridesmaids to thank them for their time and support. Here are some thoughtful and sentimental gift ideas for the bridesmaids:

• Personalized Keepsake Box: A lovely earthenware clay box with a custom message and graphic is a perfect way to store trinkets and mementos from the wedding.
• Sisters by Marriage, Friends by Choice Bracelet: Made from high-quality copper, this hypoallergenic bracelet is a thoughtful gift with a meaningful message for your bridesmaids.
• Maid of Honor Mug: A ceramic mug with a fun design and message is a great way to remind your bridesmaids of the special day and their role in it.
• Gold Hydrangea Earrings: These vintage-style earrings come in a beautiful box and will add a touch of elegance to any outfit, making them a perfect gift for your bridesmaids.
• Dream Chasers Gift Set: Surprise your bridesmaids with a box of goodies, including a bridal robe and other treats, to thank them for their support.
• Rare Like a Pearl Bracelet: Charm your bridesmaids with this stylish glass pearl bracelet, which can be engraved with their initials or a special message.
• Maid of Honor Gift Set: This set includes a compact mirror, a knot bracelet, and a gift box, offering a mix of style and sentiment for your bridesmaids.
• Maid of Honor Heart Locket Necklace: A dainty antique floral locket with a custom message will be a cherished keepsake for your bridesmaids long after the wedding.
• Hand-painted Keepsake Box: A hand-painted box will help your bridesmaids keep their jewellery organised and is a beautiful reminder of the special bond you share.
• Cooler Sleeve Set: This gift will keep your bridesmaids' drinks cool and is a fun way to show your appreciation, with "Maid of Honor" emblazoned on the sleeve.
• Maid of Honor Beach Hat: For a beach wedding, this adjustable and embroidered hat will let everyone know who your right-hand woman is while keeping the sun off her face.
• Round About Gorgeous Towel: A personalised microfiber towel will not only be useful for your bridesmaids during the wedding but will also remind them of the fun they had every time they use it.
• Shine the Light Candle: A handcrafted candle with a heartfelt message will remind your bridesmaids of the sweet memories you created together each time they light it.
• Initial Canvas Tote: This sturdy and stylish canvas tote bag, personalised with your bridesmaid's initial, is perfect for everyday use and will remind them of your special bond.
• Sentiments Treasure Box: This gift box includes a journal, a memento box, and a candle holder, providing a thoughtful way for your bridesmaids to store their memories and mementos.
• Bracelet Gift for Maid of Honor: Made from high-quality copper, this modern twist on a classic bracelet style is a special way to thank your bridesmaids for their support.
• Plant One On Her Gift Box: This unique gift box includes a succulent, a soy candle, and a personalised note, offering a natural and heartfelt way to propose to your bridesmaids.
• The Sugar Gift Box: Treat your bridesmaids to a floral robe, a glossy tumbler, and other sweet treats to show your appreciation and make them feel like royalty.
• Black Tie Clutch: A stylish and functional clutch will be your bridesmaids' go-to accessory for formal events, always reminding them of your special day.
• Gems and Jewel Trinket Dish: This personalised trinket dish will keep your bridesmaids' jewellery organised and is a beautiful addition to their nightstand or vanity.

What are some non-sentimental gift ideas?

While gifts from the maid of honor to the bridesmaids are not customary, it is a thoughtful gesture that can strengthen your bond. Here are some non-sentimental gift ideas:

Practical Gifts

Practical gifts are always useful, especially if they are tailored to the interests and hobbies of the bridesmaids. Here are some ideas:

• A stylish and functional tote bag, like the Everly Grayce Tote Bag, is perfect for everyday use and can be personalized with the bridesmaid's name or initials.
• A travel-friendly leather case with a photo slot can help them keep their belongings organized during their travels.
• A well-designed and personalized wallet can be a safe and functional gift, like the Wrapped in Love Wallet.
• A set of hand-blown martini glasses can be a unique and elegant addition to their barware collection.
• For coffee enthusiasts, a personalized mug with their name or a meaningful message can be a daily reminder of your friendship.

Relaxing Gifts

Self-care and wellness gifts are always appreciated, especially if they help ease wedding planning stress or provide a relaxing experience. Here are some options:

• A luxurious silk robe, like the Lunya Washable Silk Long Robe, is a comfortable and elegant choice.
• A spa gift box, curated with items like bath products, hand and nail care sets, or a sleep diffuser, can offer a relaxing experience.
• Scented candles or incense with calming fragrances can create a soothing atmosphere and aid in relaxation.
• A silk eye mask can be a luxurious accessory to enhance their sleep quality and ensure a restful night's sleep.
• Cozy slippers, such as the Fireside By Dearfoams Shelly Beach genuine shearling scuffs, can provide comfort and warmth after a long day.

Entertaining Gifts

Gifts that focus on entertainment can be a fun way to show your appreciation. Here are some suggestions:

• A set of gather hand-blown martini glasses can be a beautiful and unique addition to their barware collection.
• A funny coffee mug with a witty message or a personalized design related to the wedding can bring a smile to their face during coffee breaks.
• A subscription to a streaming service, such as a yoga or meditation app, can offer them a way to unwind and practice self-care.
• Games or puzzles, like the Stronger Together Puzzle, can provide entertainment and be a fun group activity during downtime.
• A set of fancy cocktail glasses, like the Juvale Rose Gold Stemless Champagne Glasses, can elevate their at-home cocktail experience.

How much should the maid of honor spend on gifts?

While there is no definitive answer to how much the maid of honor should spend on gifts for the bridesmaids, there are some guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that the bridal party incurs significant expenses for their participation in the wedding. These costs can include attire, accessories, hair, makeup, travel, and accommodations. Therefore, it is customary for the maid of honor to give gifts to the bridesmaids as a token of appreciation for their time, effort, and financial contribution.

When determining how much to spend on gifts, the maid of honor should consider the overall budget and the costs incurred by the bridesmaids. It is recommended to allocate around 10% of the estimated bridesmaid expenses as a budget for gifts. For the maid of honor gift, a higher budget of 15-20% is suggested, as they often have additional responsibilities and planning duties.

The average cost for a bridesmaid to participate in a wedding is between $1200 and $1500, but this can vary depending on factors such as the location of the wedding and the bride's preferences. Some outliers may spend as little as $100 or as much as $3000. When calculating the budget for gifts, consider expenses such as the dress, shoes, jewelry, hair, makeup, manicures, bachelorette party, and travel.

It is also worth noting that gifts are not the only way to express gratitude to the bridal party. Handwritten thank-you cards, paying for certain expenses, or providing getting-ready outfits can also be thoughtful ways to show appreciation. Ultimately, open and honest communication about financial expectations and responsibilities is crucial to ensuring a joyful and stress-free experience for everyone involved.

What are some gift ideas for the bridal shower?

The maid of honor is expected to give gifts to the bride at the engagement, bridal shower, and wedding. These gifts are usually personal and intimate, but they can also be practical and useful. Here are some gift ideas for the bridal shower:

• A custom-made bridal robe with her name or initials on it.
• A "bride" tote bag, which can be used to carry her essentials during wedding-related errands.
• A ring dish personalised with the couple's initials and wedding or engagement date.
• A set of floral coupe glasses for celebratory drinks, perfect for her dream bar cart.
• A wedding dress hanger with the bride's name or initials, adding a charming touch to day-of photos.
• A wellness journal to help her navigate decision fatigue and keep track of her self-care routines during wedding planning.
• A personalised speech and photo frame that commemorates your maid of honor speech and displays a cherished photo of you both.
• A "something blue" gift, such as a handkerchief with a sweet message or a light blue emerald-cut gem pin for her bouquet.
• A pampering spa gift box with bath essentials, hand and nail care sets, and a cosy robe.
• A "just married" denim jacket for a cool and stylish look as she leaves the ceremony or reception.

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