Bridesmaids Gifts: When To Give And What To Choose

Bridesmaids devote their time, money, and energy to making the wedding day special for the bride, so it is customary for the bride to give them gifts as tokens of appreciation. The timing of these gifts is flexible, but there are several popular options. Some brides choose to give gifts when they first ask their friends to be bridesmaids. Gifts can also be given at the rehearsal dinner, at a bridal luncheon or brunch, or while getting ready on the morning of the wedding.

At the bridal luncheon

While there is no strict rule about when to give gifts to your bridesmaids, traditionally, brides opt to give gifts at the bridal luncheon, which usually takes place the day before the wedding or during the week of the wedding. This small celebration is a great opportunity to thank your bridesmaids for all their efforts in helping you get to your wedding day. It is also a good time to give them something they can wear at the wedding, like a piece of jewellery or a robe.

If you are giving your bridesmaids robes or pyjamas to get ready in before the wedding, it is a good idea to give these to them at the start of the bridal luncheon so that they can wear them throughout the morning. Be sure to let your photographer know so that they can capture the moment of excitement!

If you are not having a bridal luncheon, you can give your bridesmaids their gifts when you get ready together on the morning of your wedding. Block out a moment in your schedule to give out gifts all at once. If you are giving out robes or pyjamas, factor this moment in earlier in your schedule so that your bridesmaids can wear their presents throughout the morning.

You could also give your bridesmaids their gifts at the rehearsal dinner, which is another popular option. This is a good time to give gifts if you want to say a few words of thanks in front of your family and your fiancé's family.

During the rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is the traditional time to give gifts to your bridesmaids and doing so can help you avoid worrying about gifting in the hours leading up to the ceremony. It's also a great time to give gifts if you're giving your bridesmaids something to wear or use on the day of the wedding, such as jewellery or robes.

If you're giving your bridesmaids a gift that they can use on the day of the wedding, it's best to give it to them at the rehearsal dinner. This way, they won't forget it in their hotel room or lose it. If you're giving them something that's not meant to be used on the wedding day, such as a gift card or a picture frame, it's better to hand it out at the rehearsal dinner so they don't need to worry about keeping track of it during the busy wedding day.

Most brides choose to give bridesmaid gifts at the end of the rehearsal dinner, just before guests depart. This prevents your bridesmaids from having to keep up with their gift all night while they're toasting the couple and enjoying the evening.

If you're giving your bridesmaids a gift as a token of appreciation for their time, energy and money, it's a good idea to give it to them at the rehearsal dinner. This way, you can thank them for their support and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

On the morning of the wedding

While there is no strict rule about when to give gifts to your bridesmaids, many brides opt to do so on the morning of the wedding. This can be a great time to give gifts, especially if they are items you would like your bridesmaids to wear or use on your wedding day, such as jewellery, robes, or other getting-ready outfits.

If you plan to give gifts to your bridesmaids on the morning of your wedding, it is important to block out a dedicated moment within your schedule to do so. This will ensure that you have the opportunity to present the gifts without interruption and that your photographer can capture the moment. It is also a good idea to give any gifts that are meant to be worn or used while getting ready earlier in the day so that your bridesmaids can enjoy them throughout the morning.

If you are having a bridal brunch or luncheon, this can be an ideal time to give gifts to your bridesmaids. This is especially true if you have bridesmaids who are arriving late the night before or on the day of the wedding, as it ensures that everyone receives their gift at the same time.

Additionally, if you are giving your bridesmaids gifts that they can wear or use on your wedding day, it is a good idea to give them enough time to incorporate these items into their getting-ready routine. For example, if you are gifting them jewellery to wear during the ceremony, they may need time to put it on and ensure that it goes well with their chosen outfit.

Overall, giving gifts to your bridesmaids on the morning of your wedding can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation for their support and to create memorable moments that you can all cherish for years to come.

At a bridal brunch

A bridal brunch is a great time to give your bridesmaids their gifts. It's the last opportunity to pass out gifts and let your ladies know how much you appreciate them. This timing is especially good if you have a gift you'd like your bridesmaids to wear or use on the day of the wedding, such as jewellery or robes. It's also a good idea if you want to give your bridesmaids their gifts all at once, as it can be tricky to find a time and place to safely hand out and store gifts on the wedding day.

If you're having a bridal brunch, it's best to give out the gifts early on so that your bridesmaids can wear their presents throughout the morning. Be sure to let your photographer know when this is happening so they can capture the moment of excitement! You could also block out a moment within your schedule to give out the gifts all at once.

If you're giving your bridesmaids robes or pyjamas to get ready in, it's a good idea to factor in this moment earlier in your schedule so they can wear their presents throughout the morning. You could even have a slumber party with your bridesmaids the night before the wedding and give them their gifts then.

If you're not having a bridal brunch, you could also give your bridesmaids their gifts when you get ready together on the morning of your wedding, at the rehearsal dinner, or a few days before the ceremony.

As part of a proposal gift

Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment, and giving them a proposal gift is a lovely gesture to get your bridal party excited about the events to come. Here are some ideas for proposal gifts to accompany your "Will you be my bridesmaid?" request:

Thoughtful Gifts

• A self-care package, such as a luxe set of a candle, bar soap, and hand soap.
• A bottle of high-end champagne with a gold gift box for a touch of elegance.
• Scented candles, especially from iconic luxury brands.
• A mini heart-shaped bag made of Italian pebbled leather, which can be monogrammed for an extra special touch.
• A box of gluten-free macarons or artisan gelato.
• A set of wavy-trim notecards, available in eight colour choices and printed on textured paper.
• A "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" retro-style gift box that can be filled with customised goodies like sunglasses, compacts, squad hoodies, or champagne flutes.
• A personalised necklace with an initial and a proposal card.
• A gift box with bath salts, a soy candle, matches, and a gift tag for a handwritten note.
• A personalised makeup bag that doubles as a unique gift box, filled with beauty goodies for wedding day makeup looks.

Practical Gifts

• Travel cosmetic bags or sunglasses for a destination wedding.
• A custom wax seal with their monogram and your favourite coloured wax.
• A plant, such as a jaunty, joyful jade pothos, which comes in a planter with a thoughtful card.
• A set of custom wine glasses and a bottle of bubbly.
• Monogrammed cosmetic cases filled with self-care goodies.
• A piece of sentimental jewellery.
• A travel jewellery box, especially if you're planning a destination wedding.
• A set of bathrobes and pajamas for getting ready on the big day.
• Insulated champagne flutes or customised cold brew glasses.
• A silk sleep mask to ensure your bridal party gets a good night's rest before the wedding.

Fun Gifts

• A set of glittery mimosa cubes to add some sparkle to your bridal party's champagne.
• A fun sticker inspired by the iconic movie "Bridesmaids".
• A coffee mug inspired by the TV show "Friends", with their names and an optional date.
• Birthstone wellness tea set, with loose-leaf tea that steeps and changes to the recipient's birthstone colour.
• Matching loungewear sets, such as hoodies and sweatpants, for the bachelorette party and getting ready on the wedding day.
• A set of trendy hair clips to ensure your bridal party's hair stays crease-free while getting ready.
• A puzzle with a custom picture of you and your friend, with a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" message.
• Assorted cookies in a cute tin.
• A denim bridesmaid jacket with their names printed on the back.
• "Team Bride" socks.

Frequently asked questions