Crafting Customized Bags For Your Bridesmaids

Making a bag for a bridesmaid is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their support and involvement in your wedding. You can make the bag itself part of the gift, or you can focus on filling a ready-made bag with treats and essentials.

If you want to make the bag, you will need fabric, ribbon, scissors, a pencil, and pins. Cut four pieces of fabric, two for the lining and two for the outside of the bag. Stitch around each piece, leaving gaps for the drawstring channel and to turn the bag right side out. Push the lining into the main bag and iron it. Create the drawstring channel by marking with pins and stitching all the way around. Thread two lengths of thin ribbon through the channels and secure with knots.

If you want to fill a ready-made bag, you could include a silk robe, a pearl bracelet, a compact mirror, a makeup bag, a candle, a small bottle of clear nail polish, or a pair of folding ballet slippers. You could also add some food and drink items, such as chocolate, a mini bottle of alcohol, or a warm brownie.

Choosing the fabric and design

When choosing the fabric and design for your bridesmaid bags, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the purpose of the bag. Is it mainly for decorative purposes, or do you want it to be practical and hold essential items for your bridesmaids? This will help determine the size and style of the bag.

For the fabric, light to medium-weight fabrics are best. Polyester matte satin is a good option, as it is affordable and looks elegant. You could also choose a more luxurious fabric such as silk or lace, but this may not be necessary, especially if the bag is just for decorative purposes. If you want to add a special touch, consider using fabric with a sentimental value, such as fabric passed down from a family member.

As for the design, you can keep it simple with a basic drawstring bag or add some extra details such as a lace trim or motifs. If you want the bags to be personalised, you can add the bridesmaids' names or initials, either by sewing them on or using rhinestones. You could also include a special message or the date of the wedding.

When it comes to colour, you can match the bags to your wedding colour scheme or choose a neutral colour such as ivory or white. If you want something more bold, you can opt for a colourful print or pattern. Finally, don't forget to consider the cost. If you're making multiple bags, the fabric and any additional details can quickly add up, so it's important to set a budget and choose materials that fit within it.

Sewing the bag

To sew a bag for bridesmaids, you will need:

• Fabric (about 1/4 metre or a fat quarter will be fine)
• Ribbon (you'll need a metre)
• Scissors
• A pencil
• Pins

The fabric you choose is up to you, but it should be light to medium weight. Cut four pieces of fabric from your chosen material. You can use any colour, but ivory is a popular choice for weddings.

Now, cut a piece of scrap paper to 9” x 7” (23cm x 18cm), then fold it in half lengthways and round the bottom corner. Open it out and you'll have your pattern piece.

Lay two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin them, marking a gap at the bottom. These will form the lining. Lay the other two pieces, right sides together, and mark the drawstring channel. Place a pin 2” from the top edge and 1/2” below on both sides. This will be the outside of the bag.

Stitch around each piece, leaving the gaps as shown. Clip the seams on the curves.

Turn the bag lining right side out and then slip it into the outside bag, so the right sides are together. Line up the seams, pin, and then stitch all the way around the top edge.

Turn the whole bag right side out through the gap in the bottom of the lining, then sew the gap in the lining up. Push the lining into the main bag and press with an iron.

Now, create the drawstring channel. On the side seams, locate the gaps you left earlier and mark them with pins on both sides. Pin across in two straight lines on both sides of the bag.

Stitch all the way around both of these lines. You will need to remove the 'table' part of your sewing machine to get to the free arm to do this.

Take two 20” (50cm) lengths of thin ribbon and, using a safety pin, thread them through the channels. Do one in one direction and the other in the opposite direction. Secure with knots, one on each side of the bag.

And there you have it—a simple, pretty, and practical bag for bridesmaids!

Adding a personal touch

Monogramming or Embroidery

Add a personal touch to the bag itself by monogramming or embroidering your bridesmaids' initials, names, or even their wedding role ("bridesmaid", "maid of honor", etc.). This can be a cute keepsake for them to remember your special day and is a great way to make sure everyone's bag is unique and easily identifiable. You could also include a meaningful message or quote that resonates with your friendship.

Custom Art or Caricature

Commission a custom illustration or caricature of each of your bridesmaids, or a group picture of all of them, to be printed or painted onto the bags. This is a fun and unexpected way to personalize the gift and will surely be a conversation starter. You could even include a copy of the illustration inside the bag as an extra keepsake.

Favorite Colors or Themes

Choose a bag in your bridesmaid's favorite color, or a color that complements your wedding theme or their dress. This adds a subtle personal touch and ensures the bag is something they will want to use again. You could also include small gifts inside the bag that match the color scheme, such as a compact mirror, lipstick, or other small accessories.

Sentimental Gifts

Fill the bag with gifts that hold special meaning for you and your bridesmaid. This could include a framed photo of the two of you, a copy of your favorite book, or a sentimental piece of jewelry. You could also include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and sharing a favorite memory. These types of gifts are sure to make your bridesmaids feel loved and appreciated.

Practical Gifts with a Twist

Consider practical gifts that your bridesmaids can use on the day of the wedding and beyond, but add a personal twist to make them unique. For example, you could gift them a personalized jewelry case, a makeup bag with their initials, or a tumbler in their favorite color. These gifts will not only be functional but will also serve as a lasting reminder of your special day.

Remember, the key to adding a personal touch is to think about what makes each of your bridesmaids unique and what will make them feel special. By incorporating these ideas, you can create bags that are both thoughtful and functional, ensuring your bridal party feels appreciated and celebrated.

Filling the bag with gifts

Wedding Day Essentials

Practical items that your bridesmaids will appreciate include tissues, snacks, mints, and a small bottle of water. Include a list of contact information for vendors and wedding party members, as well as a wedding day itinerary. These items will ensure everyone is on the same page and prepared for any hiccups.

Matching Accessories

Consider including matching robes, button-down shirts, or umbrellas, especially if you want your bridesmaids to wear them while getting ready or for cute photo opportunities. These items can be comfortable and useful, and they will add a cohesive look to your bridal party.

Personal Care Items

• Lip balm
• Hand lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip gloss
• Body spray
• Compact mirrors
• Makeup brushes
• Hair ties or scrunchies
• Hair accessories like bobby pins or clips
• Makeup, such as mascara or lipstick
• Manicure and pedicure sets
• Soap or bath bombs
• Scented candles
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Face wipes or makeup remover

Personalized Gifts

• Tumblers or water bottles with their initials or in your wedding colors
• Jewelry, such as initial necklaces or bracelets
• Monogrammed baseball caps or clutches with their names
• Custom caricature mugs or artwork featuring your bridesmaids
• Personalized compact mirrors
• Engraved champagne flutes or wine glasses
• Gift cards to their favorite stores or beauty retailers

Remember to include a handwritten thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their presence and support on your special day.

Presenting the bag to the bridesmaids

Choose a meaningful time and place

Select a moment when your bridesmaids will be relaxed and able to appreciate the gift. This could be during a quiet moment at the bridal shower, at the rehearsal dinner, or even the morning of the wedding while everyone is getting ready. Choose a location that is comfortable and allows for some privacy, as you want the focus to be on your bridesmaids and the gifts you have thoughtfully put together for them.

Add a personal touch

Consider including a handwritten note in the bag, expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their support and presence on your special day. You could also opt for personalisation by having their names or initials embossed or embroidered on the bag, or even include a small memento that holds a special memory for the both of you. This adds a unique and sentimental value to the gift.

Present it beautifully

Take the time to arrange the items in the bag neatly, perhaps wrapping some items individually to create a sense of surprise and delight as they uncover each item. You could also add some decorative touches, such as tissue paper, ribbons, or even fresh flowers, to enhance the visual appeal of the gift.

Make it an event

Instead of simply handing over the bags, consider creating a mini-event around the presentation. This could be as simple as gathering everyone together, offering a toast to your bridesmaids, and then distributing the gifts. Alternatively, you could organise a special brunch or tea where the focus is on honouring your bridesmaids and celebrating your friendship.

Offer a preview

Before presenting the bags, you might want to give your bridesmaids a sneak peek of what's inside, building excitement and curiosity. This could be done by sending them a photo of the filled bag, or even a teaser image of one or two items, along with a note expressing your excitement for the upcoming celebration.

Remember, the presentation of the bag is an opportunity to show your bridesmaids how much you value their presence in your life and on your wedding day. Enjoy this moment and savour the joy that comes from giving thoughtfully curated gifts to the special people in your life!

Frequently asked questions