Bridesmaids' Gifts For The Bride: Thoughtful Ideas And Traditions

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. From planning the hen party to helping with wedding dress shopping and fittings, there's a lot that goes into being a bridesmaid. One of the most common questions bridesmaids have is what gift they should give the bride. While it's not mandatory, it is a nice way to show your appreciation and gratitude for being included in the special day. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

- Personalised items such as monogrammed tote bags, custom embroidered pyjamas, or birthstone jewellery.

- Items that reflect the bride's hobbies or style, showing how well you know them.

- Practical gifts like a tumbler, hand cream, or a favourite snack to keep them fuelled throughout the day.

- Beauty gifts such as a lipstick for touch-ups or a rollerball perfume that can be easily carried in a purse.

- Sentimental gifts like a photo book filled with your favourite memories or a custom illustration of you and the bride.

- Experiences such as online classes for wine tasting or astrology, or a spa day for some relaxation.

Gifts for the bride: Practical presents, like makeup bags, engraved jewellery boxes or matching sets

As a bridesmaid, you can give the bride practical presents that she can use long after the wedding. Here are some ideas for gifts that are both thoughtful and useful:

Makeup Bags

A makeup bag is a great option, especially if it's personalised with the bride's initials. This gift will not only be functional but also a stylish addition to her beauty routine. It's something she can use every day and will remind her of your thoughtful gesture.

Engraved Jewellery Boxes

An engraved jewellery box is another excellent choice for a bridesmaid gift. It offers a special place for the bride to store her precious jewellery items, keeping them organised and safe. The engraving adds a personal touch, making it extra special.

Matching Sets

Matching sets, such as coordinated intimates or toiletry sets, are also a lovely idea for bridesmaid gifts. They offer a sense of unity and can be tailored to the bride's tastes and preferences. For example, a silk pyjama set or a luxury toiletry kit with complementary products can be a perfect way to pamper the bride and provide her with items she can use long after the wedding.

When choosing gifts for the bride, it's important to consider her personality and interests. Practical gifts that are tailored to her tastes will not only be appreciated but also show your thoughtful consideration.

Gifts for the bridesmaids: From the bride, these could include pyjamas, robes or tote bags

When it comes to gifts for the bridesmaids, there are a few options that the bride can choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pyjamas

If you're looking for something comfortable and cosy, pyjamas are a great option. You can opt for a matching set for all your bridesmaids, or choose different styles and colours to suit their individual personalities. Some retailers, such as Birdy Grey, even offer personalisation options, allowing you to add a special touch to each set.

Robes

Robes are another popular choice for bridesmaid gifts. They can be personalised with names or initials, and they come in a variety of colours and fabrics to match your wedding theme. Robes are perfect for getting ready on the morning of the wedding and will make your bridesmaids feel extra luxurious.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are a practical and stylish option for bridesmaid gifts. They can be used to carry essentials on the wedding day and will come in handy long after the celebration is over. You can personalise the bags with monograms or choose fun and colourful designs that reflect your bridesmaids' personalities.

Other Ideas

• Birthstone jewellery: A special piece of jewellery that represents each bridesmaid's birth month is a thoughtful and personalised gift.
• Custom embroidered items: From pyjamas to tote bags, adding a custom embroidery, such as their initials or a fun design, will make your bridesmaids feel extra special.
• Wellness gifts: Help your bridesmaids relax and unwind with wellness gifts like journals, eye masks, or spa gift cards.
• Personal care products: Curate a self-care package with items like lip balm, hand cream, or a luxurious candle.
• Experience gifts: Gift your bridesmaids with a unique experience, such as an online class or a spa day, that they can enjoy before or after the wedding.

Planning the hen party: Themed parties, like a spa day, or a simple get-together

Planning the hen party, or bachelorette party, is one of the key duties of a bridesmaid. It's a chance to celebrate the bride-to-be and create lasting memories with her closest friends. Here are some ideas for themed parties or simple get-togethers:

Themed Parties:

• Spa Day: Book a relaxing spa experience for the bride and her friends. This can include massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. It's a great way to unwind and de-stress before the big day.
• Destination Party: Plan a weekend getaway to a fun destination. It could be a beach, a city, or even a camping trip. Choose a location that suits the bride's interests and creates a memorable experience for everyone.
• Cocktail Making: Organise a cocktail-making class or a mixology workshop. It's an interactive and fun way to learn something new while enjoying delicious drinks.
• Outdoor Adventure: If the bride loves the outdoors, plan an outdoor adventure like hiking, kayaking, or even a scavenger hunt. It's an exciting way to get everyone moving and exploring.

Simple Get-Togethers:

• Brunch or Dinner: Host an intimate brunch or dinner for the bride and her friends. It can be at someone's home or a special restaurant. This option allows for quality conversation and celebration without the fuss of a big party.
• Movie Night: Arrange a movie night with the bride's favourite films, comfy pyjamas, and tasty snacks. It's a low-key way to spend time together and enjoy some cinematic fun.
• Games Night: Organise a games night with board games, card games, or even outdoor games if the weather permits. It's a great way to encourage interaction and friendly competition while creating lasting memories.

Remember, the key is to personalise the hen party to the bride's interests and ensure that everyone involved has a wonderful time celebrating this special occasion.

Bachelorette party: The bridesmaids usually pay for themselves and the bride

The bachelorette party is one of the pre-wedding events on a bridesmaid's list of responsibilities. It is usually held a few months before the wedding and is led by the maid of honour. Bridesmaids are expected to help plan and pay for the bachelorette party, with each bridesmaid typically covering their own expenses while also chipping in to cover the bride's costs.

As a bridesmaid, you may be asked to make reservations, buy decorations, or use your spreadsheet skills to create a detailed itinerary for the group. It's important to set budget expectations early on with the entire wedding party to avoid any financial strain.

If the bride expresses a preference for a low-key bachelorette party, such as a quiet night in or a spa day, it's essential to respect her wishes. However, if she hasn't expressed a preference, feel free to think outside the box and plan a fun weekend that she'll enjoy.

Remember, the most important thing is to be supportive and lift the bride up when she feels overwhelmed. Being a bridesmaid is about being a good friend to the bride and making her feel special.

Wedding day: Help the bride get ready, and be there for moral support

On the wedding day, one of the bridesmaid's most important roles is to help the bride get ready and provide moral support. Here are some detailed tips on how to do this:

Getting Ready

• Arrive early in the morning, especially if you and the bridal party are having hair and makeup done professionally.
• Keep the atmosphere upbeat and positive.
• Ensure the bride eats breakfast and stays hydrated.
• Help the bride get dressed, and assist with any last-minute adjustments to her outfit, shoes, jewellery, or veil.
• Keep an eye on the time to ensure everyone is ready on schedule.
• Offer to help other bridesmaids or the mother of the bride with any tasks, such as steaming dresses or fixing their hair and makeup.
• Take photos and videos of the bride and bridal party getting ready.
• If the bride is nervous, offer reassurance and words of encouragement.

During the Ceremony

• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony if she has one.
• Help the bride with her dress, veil, and train throughout the ceremony and when taking photos.
• Be prepared to offer tissues, blotting papers, or a touch-up lipstick to the bride.
• Offer a smile and words of encouragement to the bride during the ceremony if she looks nervous.
• Be on standby to assist the bride with any last-minute requests.

After the Ceremony

• Check in with the bride to ensure she is eating, drinking enough water, and has everything she needs.
• Assist the bride with any outfit changes or bathroom breaks.
• Continue to offer emotional support and a listening ear to the bride throughout the day and evening.
• Help round up family members for photos if needed.
• Keep the bride's phone or emergency kit with you, and be prepared to assist with any last-minute requests.
• Encourage the bride to take breaks and rest if she looks tired.

Remember, the most important thing is to be flexible, proactive, and supportive throughout the day. By being there for the bride and ensuring her comfort and happiness, you will be an invaluable asset to her on her special day.

Frequently asked questions