Choosing Thoughtful Bridesmaids Gifts: A Guide

Choosing bridesmaids' gifts can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can become a breeze. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect presents for your bridal party:

- Consider their individual tastes and preferences: Opt for gifts that align with the unique personalities, hobbies, and styles of each of your bridesmaids. This could be anything from a monogrammed tote bag to a custom piece of artwork.

- Personalize the gifts: Adding a personal touch, such as engraving their names or initials, will make the gifts feel extra special. You can personalize items like jewelry, cosmetic bags, or totes.

- Choose practical gifts: Select items that are not only meaningful but also practical and can be used long after the wedding. Some ideas include stylish jewelry, personalized tote bags, or customized cosmetic bags.

- Think about the wedding theme and color scheme: Gifts that complement the wedding's aesthetic, such as monogrammed robes or customized wine glasses in the wedding colors, will add to the overall ambiance of your special day.

- Budget accordingly: Keep your budget in mind and allocate your spending based on the number of bridesmaids you have. It's not just the cost of the gifts themselves but also any customization or personalization you may want to add.

Practical gifts

Tumblers and flasks

Hydration is key if your crew is planning to drink from dawn until dusk to celebrate your union. Tumblers and flasks are a fun and practical gift, and you can make them extra special by having them laser-engraved with your bridesmaids' names, monograms, or a graphic.

Tote bags

A tote is a practical gift that can also be used to package up other small gifts or treats. You can choose from a range of materials, including burlap, canvas, and leather, and add a personalised touch with monograms or initials.

Jewelry

A piece of jewelry is a timeless and meaningful gift. You can opt for something that matches your wedding colors or theme, or go for personalized items like monogrammed necklaces or bracelets with your bridesmaids' initials.

Robes and pajamas

Robes make for an extra-special touch when you're all getting ready together before the ceremony, and they also make for a great photo opportunity. You can also gift your bridesmaids pajamas, which combine comfort and style, and can be embroidered with their initials for a personalised touch.

Beauty and self-care products

Your bridesmaids will appreciate some pampering with a beauty or self-care gift set. Look for luxurious skincare products, bath and body products, or makeup that your friends can use to relax and unwind after the wedding festivities.

Custom touches

Adding custom touches to your bridesmaid gifts is a great way to make your bridal party feel special and show your gratitude. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Monogramming and Personalization

Monogramming or personalizing your bridesmaid gifts is a classic way to add a custom touch. Consider monogrammed tote bags, cosmetic bags, or clutches that your bridesmaids can use long after the wedding. You can also personalize items such as jewelry, robes, or drinkware with their names, initials, or a fun quote.

Custom Artwork

Custom artwork, such as caricatures or custom illustrations, can be a unique and memorable gift for your bridesmaids. You can include their names, your wedding date, or a special message to make it even more special.

Birthdate-Themed Gifts

Gifts themed around your bridesmaids' birthdates, such as birthdate candles or birthstone jewelry, add a personal and thoughtful touch. These gifts are unique to each individual and often include zodiac details and personalized scents or designs.

DIY Gifts

If you're crafty, consider making gifts for your bridesmaids yourself. You can make bracelets, prepare jars of homemade jam, or even design and print custom t-shirts for your bridal party. DIY gifts show your bridesmaids that you put time and effort into creating something special for them.

Gift Boxes or Bags

Creating custom gift boxes or bags for your bridesmaids allows you to include a variety of personalized items. You can fill them with items such as monogrammed accessories, custom artwork, birthdate-themed gifts, or other small gifts that match their interests.

Gift bags

When considering gifts for your bridesmaids, one idea is to put together thoughtful gift bags, offering a selection of treats and tokens of appreciation. This option is perfect if you want to give a variety of smaller gifts or if you are looking to customize the presents to each bridesmaid's interests and personality. Here are some tips and ideas to create meaningful and memorable gift bags for your bridesmaids:

Firstly, think about a theme or color scheme that ties the bags together. This could be as simple as using your wedding colors or a theme that reflects the interests of your bridesmaids. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you could use a beach or ocean theme with seashell-themed items or a relaxing spa theme with lotions and candles. This will help create a cohesive look for the gift bags while also making them feel personalized.

Next, consider a mix of items that are both useful and indulgent. For useful items, think about including things like compact mirrors, small jewelry pieces like earrings or a delicate necklace, or even a personalized water bottle or coffee mug. These are items your bridesmaids can use on the wedding day and beyond, serving as a lasting reminder of your special day. Indulgent treats could include luxury chocolates, scented candles, bath bombs, or a mini bottle of their favorite alcohol. These treats offer a moment of pampering and relaxation, which is always appreciated.

If you want to add a personal touch, consider including a handwritten note or a small, personalized item. This could be an engraved item with their initials, a custom illustration, or a photo of you and the bridesmaid in a pretty frame. Adding these personalized elements will make each bridesmaid feel truly special and valued.

Finally, don't forget the presentation! Put thought into the gift bag itself, perhaps opting for a reusable tote or a pretty box that can be used again. You can also add decorative touches like ribbons, tissue paper, or even a small bouquet of flowers to make the gift bags look extra special and beautiful.

Cost

The cost of bridesmaid gifts can vary depending on your budget and the number of bridesmaids you have. It is generally recommended to spend around $75 to $100 per person, but you can certainly spend more or less depending on your financial situation. If you have a larger bridal party, you may need to adjust your budget accordingly. The most important thing is to choose gifts that show your appreciation and that your bridesmaids will enjoy and find useful.

When deciding on a budget for bridesmaid gifts, consider the cost of customization or personalization, as these can add to the overall expense. You may also want to factor in the cost of any shipping or delivery fees if you are ordering gifts online. Additionally, don't forget to include the cost of any gift wrapping or packaging that you may want to include.

If you are on a tight budget, there are still many thoughtful and meaningful gift options available. You can opt for smaller, less expensive items or choose to give a single gift to each bridesmaid rather than multiple gifts. Personalized items, such as monogrammed totes or customized jewelry, can be a great way to show your appreciation without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, if you have a larger budget or want to splurge on your bridesmaids, there are also many luxurious gift options to choose from. You can consider items such as nameplate necklaces, designer handbags, or high-end electronics. Ultimately, the cost of bridesmaid gifts is flexible and should be based on your own financial situation and the preferences of your bridal party.

When to give gifts

There are a few different times when you can give your bridesmaids their gifts, and it often depends on the type of gift you're giving.

If you're giving your bridesmaids something to wear or use on the wedding day, it's best to present these gifts at the rehearsal dinner. This could include jewellery, robes, or customised sneakers. This way, your bridesmaids won't risk losing or forgetting their gifts at their hotel.

If the gifts aren't meant to be worn or used at the wedding, such as vouchers, gift cards, or self-care goodies, you can hand them out a few days after the wedding. You could also give these gifts shortly before or after the wedding, such as at the rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch.

If you're giving your bridesmaids proposal gifts, it's best to do so earlier in the wedding planning process. This gives your bridesmaids plenty of time to budget and plan for the wedding.

Frequently asked questions