Bridesmaid Gifts: What To Give On The Bridal Shower Day

Bridal showers are a time-honoured tradition where the bride's friends and family shower her with gifts to help her settle into married life. While it's customary to bring a gift for the bride or the couple, it's essential to understand their specific preferences and needs. Here's a guide to selecting the perfect bridal shower gift for the bride from her bridesmaids.

Traditionally, bridal showers were an opportunity for guests to bestow valuable presents like appliances, china settings, and serving pieces upon the soon-to-be-married couple. However, modern couples often forgo these conventions, opting for more contemporary choices. When selecting a gift, it's advisable to refer to the couple's wedding registry, which is usually created before the shower. This registry serves as a comprehensive guide to the couple's desires and requirements.

If the couple hasn't created a registry or their list lacks options within your budget, there are numerous alternative gift ideas to consider. For instance, you could offer a unique gift like a custom street address sign commemorating their new chapter as a married couple, or opt for practical items like cooking appliances and utensils. Sentimental gifts, such as a custom album cover plaque featuring the couple's first dance song, are also sure to be cherished.

For the bride who seems to have everything, experiences can be a wonderful option. Gifts like The Adventure Challenge – Couples and Travel, which offers 50 fun scratch-off adventures, or a subscription to Winc, a monthly wine delivery service, provide opportunities for the couple to create lasting memories.

Additionally, personalised gifts are always a thoughtful choice. From monogrammed ice buckets to custom-made jewellery, these presents add a special touch that showcases your thoughtfulness.

When deciding on a budget for your bridal shower gift, it's essential to allocate your funds wisely. A general rule of thumb is to spend 60% of your budget on the wedding gift, 20% on the bridal shower gift, and the remaining 20% on the engagement gift. However, these proportions can be adjusted to fit your preferences and relationship with the bride.

Gifts for the bride to wear on her wedding day

The bride is usually the centre of attention at a wedding, so it's no surprise that she wants to look and feel her best. Here are some gift ideas for the bride to wear on her special day:

• A custom-made dress or outfit is a thoughtful gift that will ensure the bride feels unique and special. Whether it's a bespoke gown or a tailored suit, having something made just for her will be a memorable part of the wedding experience.
• A silk robe is a luxurious gift that can be used while the bride is getting ready and makes for beautiful photos. It can also be embroidered with her name, the wedding date, or a sweet message.
• Bridal accessories like shoes, jewellery, or a clutch bag can be gifted to complete the bride's outfit. For something blue, consider a pair of satin heels or a sapphire necklace.
• A garter is a traditional gift for the bride, often given by the bridesmaids. It can be personalised with her name, the wedding date, or a special message.
• A silk slip or nightgown is a classic bridal gift that can be worn on the wedding night and honeymoon. It's a romantic and elegant choice that will make the bride feel extra special.
• A personalised jacket or sweater with "Mrs", the wedding date, or the couple's names embroidered on it is a fun gift that the bride can wear after the wedding, too.
• Bridal lingerie is a popular choice for bridal showers, and it can be gifted to the bride to wear on her wedding night and honeymoon.
• A veil is an iconic part of a bridal outfit, and gifting the bride with one can be a thoughtful way to contribute to her look. Whether it's a simple tulle veil or a more elaborate design, it will surely be appreciated.
• Hair accessories like pins, combs, or a floral crown can be gifted to the bride to complete her look. Fresh flowers woven into her hairstyle or a dainty hairpin will make for beautiful photos.
• A watch is a traditional gift from the groom to the bride, symbolising the passage of time and the start of a new chapter together. It can be engraved with a sweet message for an extra special touch.

Gifts for the bridal party to wear while getting ready

There are many options for gifts that the bridal party can wear while getting ready for the wedding. Here are some ideas:

Sleepshirts

Sleepshirts are a great alternative to robes and are available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Your bridal party will love the comfort and ease of these ultra-comfortable sleepshirts. You can even get them personalised with initials or nicknames.

Rompers

Rompers are another option for something unique and come in various colours, including pastel pink, classic black, and elegant teal. They are usually true to size, but it is recommended to size up if you are unsure.

Button-down shirts

For a chic and crisp look, button-down shirts are a great choice. You can choose from various colours and even personalise them with monograms.

Pajama sets

Pajama sets can be comfortable and stylish, and there are many options to choose from. You can go for a classic striped set or something more trendy like tie-dye. For a spring wedding, a floral pattern is a great choice, while a pastel set is perfect for a summer wedding.

Oversized shirts

For a completely carefree and relaxed look, opt for oversized shirts. This style is comfortable and perfect for a summer wedding.

Customisable sets

Customisable sets allow you to choose from various styles, including pants, shorts, short sleeves, and long sleeves. They are perfect for keeping your bridal party comfortable and can be personalised with initials or nicknames.

Long-sleeve sets

For a winter wedding, a long-sleeve set will keep your bridal party warm and comfortable. These sets usually come in cotton and can be personalised.

Gifts for the bride to be used on her honeymoon

Traditionally, a bridal shower is an opportunity for the bride to receive valuable presents like appliances, china settings, and serving pieces from her registry. However, it is also encouraged to give the bride something more personal, such as a customised item or a gift that caters to her self-care.

Honeymoon Gift Ideas for the Bride

• Honeymoon journal: A diary to help the couple plan, enjoy, and document their trip.
• Airline gift card: A versatile gift card that can be used for flights, seat upgrades, or adding a checked bag.
• Monogrammed luggage tags: Stylish and functional tags to complete the bride's suitcase, ensuring her luggage is easily identifiable.
• Personalised passport covers: A cute and safe place to store the bride's passport, especially if she is travelling internationally.
• Spacious carry-on luggage: A sturdy and spacious suitcase with spinner wheels and a TSA-approved lock, like the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus.
• Packing cubes: To make packing easier and more organised, these can be monogrammed with the bride's initials.
• Mini weekender bag: A small, stylish bag that can fit under an airplane seat, with a wide opening and a separate compartment for shoes.
• Travel pillow: A memory foam pillow with an ergonomic design to provide full neck support during long flights.
• Black-out sleep mask: A comfortable and fully adjustable eye mask to ensure the bride can get some rest anytime, anywhere.
• Honeymoon outfits: Cute and cozy "just married" t-shirts or hats for the bride to wear to the airport or during her honeymoon.
• Honeymoon luggage tags: Luggage tags specifically for the honeymoon, often featuring phrases like "Mr and Mrs" or "Honeymoon Vibes".
• Honeymoon beach towels: Personalised towels with the couple's titles and custom text, such as their honeymoon destination or last name.
• Honeymoon scrapbook: A memory book for the bride to store mementos from her honeymoon, such as train tickets, postcards, and photos.
• Honeymoon sandals: Black and white "Just Married" flip-flops for the bride to wear during her honeymoon.
• Honeymoon sunglasses: Stylish sunglasses with phrases like "Bride" or "Mrs" for the bride to wear during her honeymoon.
• Honeymoon canvas tote bag: A personalised canvas tote bag for the bride to use during her honeymoon, often featuring phrases like "Bride" or "Just Married".
• Honeymoon cosmetics bag: A portable cosmetics bag for the bride to carry her makeup and toiletries during her honeymoon.
• Honeymoon lingerie: Sexy and comfortable lingerie for the bride to wear during her honeymoon, such as a silk chemise or a lace babydoll nightie.

Gifts for the couple's home

While the bridal shower is an opportunity to give valuable presents like appliances, china settings, and serving pieces from the couple's wedding registry, it is also nice to give the bride something more personal. Here are some gift ideas for the couple's home:

Custom Wedding Party Illustration

A custom illustration of the whole bridal crew is a thoughtful gift that will evoke happy memories of the wedding day. You can select skin tones, dresses, and hairstyles to resemble each person, and add details like a significant date or a meaningful quote. This gift can be a digital file, a loose print, or a framed piece.

Elegant Coupe Glasses

These distinctive coupe glasses will add a touch of elegance to any toast. This set of four boasts wide 24K gold rims and a crystalline bowl with a graceful waterfall shape. You can choose from timeless clear glass or opt for hand-painted hues like pink, mint, honey, or blue.

Monogrammed Ice Bucket

This vintage-inspired, monogrammed ice bucket is both practical and stylish. Crafted from gold or silver-plated stainless steel and brass, it will keep bubbly refreshingly cool during the wedding celebrations and future dinner parties.

Personalized Afghan Blanket

This beautifully crafted cotton blanket provides physical comfort and adds a touch of personalization to the couple's home. It features an elegant chevron design with delicate fringe and can be embroidered with the couple's new prefixes, names, and wedding date. It's machine washable and makes for a heartfelt and stylish gift.

Couple's Signature Cocktail Class

This unique gift includes a syrup set and a virtual cocktail-making class for the couple to craft four signature cocktails. It's a fun and creative way to help them unwind during the wedding planning process and decide on a signature wedding cocktail!

Bamboo Bath Caddy

For the couple that finds relaxation in a bubble bath, a bamboo bath caddy is a perfect gift. It comes equipped with a designated space for a drink, a stand for a book or tablet, and a slot for a phone. It has built-in drainage holes and slip-resistant extendable arms to fit any tub size.

Gifts for the couple to use together

Traditionally, a bridal shower is an opportunity for the bride to receive valuable presents like appliances, china settings, and serving pieces from the couple's wedding registry. While it is customary for the bridesmaids to give the bride a gift at the bridal shower, it is not mandatory. If you are a bridesmaid, you can also choose to give a group gift with the other bridesmaids. Here are some gift ideas for the couple to use together:

• A fancy glassware set with their initials and last name engraved on the decanter and glasses.
• A personalised shadow box with roses from their wedding, symbolising their union.
• A smart oven that can cook a variety of dishes, from steaks to breakfast.
• A wine and whiskey glass set, personalised with their names.
• A French cookbook, such as one authored by Julia Child, with delicious recipes and instructive illustrations.
• A set of luxurious bed sheets made from premium 1000-thread-count Egyptian cotton.
• A wine opener and aerator set to introduce the couple to the finer points of drinking wine.
• A set of his and hers bathrobes made from fluffy, 100% terry cotton.
• A stoneware wall cross with an infinity cross design, symbolising your belief in the couple's happy future together.
• A knife set, as a dull knife can make dinner preparation a real pain.
• A mini projector device so they can watch movies in their pyjamas.
• A set of matching underwear, for the couple who do everything together!

Frequently asked questions