Choosing Thoughtful Bridesmaid Gifts: A Guide For Brides

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment, and giving them a gift to commemorate the occasion is a thoughtful gesture. From personalised jewellery to fun keepsakes, there are many ways to pop the question to your bridal party.

A popular option is to give a bridesmaid proposal box, filled with treats such as a scented candle, lip balm, hand cream, a badge, chocolate, and a pack of rose petals. You can also include a proposal card with a heartfelt message about how much their presence at your wedding would mean to you.

Other gift ideas include custom wine or champagne bottle labels, silk robes, pyjama sets, tumblers or wine glasses, compact mirrors, candles, and even a personalised puzzle with a photo and message inside.

Some people prefer to give more practical gifts, such as contributing to the cost of the bridesmaid dress or covering hair and makeup, rather than a gift that may be seen as useless or generic.

Whatever you choose, your bridal party is sure to appreciate the gesture and be excited to stand by your side on your big day!

Gifts to eat and drink

Asking your friends to be bridesmaids is a big deal, and you want to make your proposal unique and unforgettable. Here are some ideas for edible treats and drinks to accompany your proposal:

Food

• Custom cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" iced on top.
• A box of their favourite treats, such as beloved beauty brands or go-to rosé.
• A cake with an outline of a photo of you and your friend and the proposal text.
• A dessert from a good bakery.
• A box of Sugarfina 'Be My Bridesmaid' candy.
• A box of assorted cookies.
• Macarons with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written in edible glitter.
• A bouquet of flowers with a handwritten card.
• A box of Nancy Silverton's Favourite Gelato.
• A box of Ladurée macarons.
• A box of chocolates in the form of lipsticks, lips, a jewel, and golden cubes.

Drinks

• A mini bottle of alcohol that has meaning to you and your fiancé.
• A bottle of their favourite wine or alcohol.
• A bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne.
• A bottle of sparkling grape juice with a personalised label.
• A bottle of Exploradora Coffee.
• A bottle of pink bubbly.
• A bottle of sparkling wine with a custom label.
• A bottle of Champagne with a personalised label.
• A bottle of Champagne with glittery mimosa cubes.

Personalised items

Tumblers and Mugs

Custom tumblers and mugs are a great way to ask your bridesmaids and can be used long after the wedding. You can get creative and add their digitally printed caricature or a fun retro-style gift box that comes empty and can be filled with customised goodies.

Compact Mirrors

Compact mirrors are another great personalised gift option. You can add their initials or a fun message to it. It is a gift that is both practical and stylish.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a classic gift option and can be personalised with initials or fun messages. For example, you can gift them a tie bracelet with a personalised tag or a dainty gold and pearl necklace.

Cosmetic Bags

Cosmetic bags are a useful gift that can be personalised with each bridesmaid's name and a heart at the end. You can also fill it with other goodies like brightening eye masks, bath bombs and hand lotion.

Clothing

Custom clothing items like denim jackets, shirts, pyjamas and slippers can be a fun way to pop the question. You can personalise them with their names, wedding titles or fun messages.

Cards

You can also include a personalised card along with your gift. Write a thoughtful message expressing what your bridesmaid means to you and how grateful you are to have them by your side.

Self-care packages

• Scented candles: Opt for a luxury option like the iconic Diptyque Mini Candle Discovery Set, or choose a candle with a fun message like "Bridesmaid Candle".
• Robes: Gift your bridesmaids luxurious robes that they can wear while getting ready for the wedding and relaxing at home afterward. You can even get them embroidered with each bridesmaid's name.
• Spa products: Include items like bath bombs, body oil, hand soap, or a clay mask for an at-home spa experience.
• Wellness journal: Help your bridesmaids prioritize self-care and reflection with a wellness journal, like the one from Papier.
• Skincare: Gift your bridesmaids a set of eye gels or a versatile beauty balm that can be used on the cheeks and lips.
• Relaxing tea: Not only is tea calming, but you can gift your bridesmaids tea that steeps to the color of their birthstone for a personalized touch.
• Cozy accessories: Include cozy accessories like socks, slippers, or a blanket for the ultimate comfort.

You can also add a personal touch to your self-care packages by including items in your wedding colors or having items personalized with your bridesmaids' names or initials. Don't forget to include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and excitement for them to be a part of your special day!

Something to wear

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is an exciting milestone in your relationship and a thoughtful gesture to kick off wedding festivities. While a bridal party asking gift is not required, it is a popular way to show your squad how much you appreciate their support. Here are some ideas for "something to wear" to ask your bridesmaids to be part of your big day:

Robes

Luxe robes for getting ready on the big day (and relaxing at home after) are a gift your bridesmaids will actually want. These satin wraps boast lace trim and are as pretty as they are comfy. You can even get them embroidered with each of your bridesmaids' names and choose from various colours to coordinate with your wedding palette.

Sleep Masks

Perfect for an overnight bachelorette party or a sleepover before the wedding day, these super cute bridesmaid sleep masks can be personalised to include their names or wedding titles.

Hair Ties

A girl can never have too many hair ties! Scrunchies are simple, inexpensive, and something your future bridesmaids will be able to use for a long time. To make the proposal extra special, consider creating a personalised tag that features bridal humour.

T-shirts

Want to ask your girls to be in your bridesmaid party and give them a trendy gift at the same time? Consider these retro bridesmaid t-shirts! Available in lots of colours and designs, your bridal party can wear them to pre-wedding events, including your bachelorette party.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a tried-and-true option for bridesmaid proposal ideas. A dainty gold and pearl necklace is a darling, elegant touch, and it's a beautiful piece that your bridesmaids can wear often after the wedding day. You can also opt for a tie bracelet with an adjustable size or a pearl necklace with an initial charm.

Customised Clothing

If you're willing to splurge a little on your friends, get them their very own customised denim jacket! You can even personalise the jacket with their last name, a timeless phrase like "babe", or a fun nickname. A denim jacket is an on-trend accessory that they will be able to rock at the bridal shower, engagement party, or bachelorette party.

Something to keep

There are many ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, and giving them a small gift is a thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation. Here are some ideas for "something to keep" as a bridesmaid proposal gift:

• Customised items: You can get creative and add a personal touch with customised items such as compact mirrors, tumblers, sunglasses, or even denim jackets with their names or initials.
• Jewellery: A simple and elegant option is to gift your bridesmaids jewellery, such as a dainty gold and pearl necklace, initial necklaces or bracelets. These can be worn on the wedding day and cherished long after.
• Cosmetics and self-care items: Gift boxes with cosmetics or self-care items are always a hit. Include items like hand creams, scented candles, bath bombs, or a silk robe for a relaxing experience.
• Practical gifts: For something more practical, consider a personalised makeup bag, a travel jewellery case, or even a set of soft silk satin hair scrunchies and hair clips. These items will be used long after the wedding.
• Keepsake boxes: Present your proposal gift in a beautiful keepsake box that your bridesmaids can use to store their treasures. You can personalise the box with their name or a heartfelt message.
• Plants: For a unique and memorable gift, consider giving your plant-lover friends a personalised plant pot or a cute succulent. It's a gift that will continue to grow and remind them of your special day.

Frequently asked questions