Deborah Chan
There are a number of different times you can present your bridesmaids with gifts. For proposal presents, the earlier in the wedding planning process, the better. For official bridesmaids gifts, there are several options: at the rehearsal dinner, while getting ready for the wedding, during the wedding speeches, or just before the evening reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to give gifts | During the rehearsal dinner, while getting ready for the wedding, during the wedding speeches, just before the evening reception, at the bridal luncheon, at the bachelorette party, on the morning of the wedding, a few days before the wedding |
What You'll Learn
At the rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal dinner is a popular time to give bridesmaids their gifts. This is a good option if you have a gift you'd like your bridesmaids to wear or use on the wedding day, such as jewellery or robes. It's also a good option logistically, as all of your bridesmaids will be in attendance, and you won't have to worry about gifting in the hours leading up to the ceremony.
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 hold of their gifts throughout the evening. It's also a nice opportunity to honour your bridesmaids in front of your family and friends. You can share fun stories about your friendships and express your gratitude for their support.
If you're giving your bridesmaids jewellery or other accessories to wear on the wedding day, it's a good idea to include something else in the gift as well. This is because the jewellery is more for your benefit than theirs (unless it's tailored to each individual's taste). You could give them a bottle of wine, chocolates, a candle, or a personalised item such as a tumbler or makeup bag.
If you're having a bridal brunch or luncheon, this could also be a good time to give out gifts, especially if some of your bridesmaids are arriving on the day of the wedding. However, it's best to give all the gifts at once if possible, so that none of your bridesmaids feel left out.
Finally, if you're giving your bridesmaids a gift that you'd like them to use or wear on the wedding day, make sure you give it to them with enough time to spare. You don't want to be handing out gifts just a few hours before the ceremony!
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While getting ready for the wedding
Giving your bridesmaids their gifts while getting ready for the wedding is a popular choice. This is a good time to give gifts if you want to have a quiet moment with each bridesmaid and make your thank-you a little more heartfelt. If you are giving them something they can wear on the day, like a personalised necklace or bracelet, they can put it on straight away.
However, if you are giving them something they can't wear, like an engraved jewellery box, it's worth thinking about where they can leave the gift, when they can pick it up, and whether now is the best time to give it to them. If you are giving them something large, like a cushion or a silver-plated rose, you will need to consider where they can put it during the wedding.
If you are giving your bridesmaids robes or pyjamas to get ready in, you will need to factor this into your schedule earlier in the day so they can wear them throughout the morning. Make sure you let your photographer know when you are giving out gifts so they can capture the moment.
If you are having a bridal brunch or luncheon, this is also a good time to give out gifts. You will have a bit more time, and it will be a more relaxed event.
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During the wedding speeches
Giving out bridesmaid gifts during the wedding speeches is a great option for brides who love tradition or are uncomfortable with emotional moments. This is probably the most traditional time to give gifts, as the groom thanks the wedding attendants during his speech, and then the gifts are presented.
The bride can choose to walk around and hand out the gifts herself, or they can be wrapped and waiting at the tables for the bridesmaids to open when asked. This way, the bridesmaids don't have to worry about carrying the gifts around all day and can simply take them up to their rooms, especially if they are staying at the venue.
If the gifts are something the bridesmaids can wear during the wedding, like jewellery, it's a good idea to present them at the rehearsal dinner or on the morning of the wedding. This way, they can wear the gifts throughout the day and you can ensure they are visible in photos.
However, if the gifts are larger or more cumbersome, it's best to give them at the rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon, so the bridesmaids can take them home and keep them safe. It's also a nice opportunity for the bride to thank her bridesmaids in front of close family and friends.
Ultimately, the timing of the bridesmaid gifts is flexible and can be tailored to the bride's preferences and the nature of the gifts.
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At a bridal luncheon
A bridal luncheon is a great opportunity to give your bridesmaids their gifts. This is usually held the day before the wedding or during the week of the wedding. It is a casual event for the bride to relax and spend time with her bridesmaids, mother, and mother-in-law. It is also a good time for the bride to thank her bridesmaids for all their efforts in helping with the wedding preparations.
If you are giving your bridesmaids robes or pyjamas to wear while getting ready for the wedding, a bridal luncheon is an ideal time to give these gifts. This way, they can wear them throughout the morning of the wedding. It is also a good idea to let your photographer know about this moment so they can capture the excitement and joy of your bridesmaids receiving their gifts.
If you are giving your bridesmaids gifts that they can wear on the wedding day, such as jewellery, it is a good idea to present these gifts at the bridal luncheon. This way, they will have them ready for the big day and won't need to worry about finding a space for them during the wedding reception.
Giving gifts at the bridal luncheon also allows you to have a quiet moment with your bridesmaids, where you can express your gratitude and appreciation for their support and friendship. It is a more intimate setting than the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, and it gives you a chance to focus solely on your bridesmaids without the distractions of the wedding day itself.
The bridal luncheon is also a practical choice for gift-giving as it ensures that all your bridesmaids receive their gifts at the same time. This avoids the situation where some bridesmaids receive their gifts earlier or later than others, which can take away from the sentiment of the gift exchange.
Overall, a bridal luncheon is an excellent opportunity to show your bridesmaids how much you appreciate them and to create lasting memories with your closest friends before the big day.
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At the bachelorette party
There are several different traditions and approaches to giving bridesmaids their gifts, and no definitive 'right' way to do it. Here are some ideas for giving gifts at the bachelorette party:
The bachelorette party is the ultimate time for the bride and her bridesmaids to let loose and have some fun. It's a chance for the bride to take a break from wedding planning and celebrate with her bridal party. Giving out gifts at the bachelorette party is a great way to get everyone in high spirits and is in keeping with the celebratory nature of the event. This is especially true if the bachelorette party is the night before the wedding, as is often the case, as it will be one less thing to worry about on the day of the wedding.
If you are giving your bridesmaids gifts that they can wear on the day of the wedding, such as jewellery, robes or pyjamas, giving them out at the bachelorette party means they can wear them the next day while they are getting ready. This also gives the photographer the opportunity to capture the moment of excitement when the gifts are opened.
If you want to give your bridesmaids their gifts at the bachelorette party but don't want to do it during the height of the festivities, you could give them their gifts at the beginning or end of the night, or even the morning after, depending on your schedule and what works best for you and your bridesmaids.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for when to give bridesmaids their gifts. One option is to give them their gifts a few days before the wedding, especially if it's something you'd like them to wear or use on the day. Another option is to give them their gifts at the rehearsal dinner, which is traditional and gives the bride a chance to thank her bridesmaids in front of close family and friends. A third option is to give them their gifts while getting ready on the morning of the wedding, which can make the thank you more heartfelt.
Bridesmaids gifts can be something special for them to wear while getting ready or during the wedding, like jewellery, robes or pyjamas, or another type of gift like a gift card, self-care items, a picture frame, or wine.
No, it's not necessary to give your bridesmaids gifts, but it is highly recommended. It's a way to show your appreciation for their time, energy and money, and it can also serve as a memento of the occasion.
