Bridesmaids Gifts: When To Give And What To Choose

There are several different approaches to choosing when to give out bridesmaids gifts. Some people choose to give out gifts at the rehearsal dinner, while others give them out on the morning of the wedding. Some people even opt to give out gifts a few days before the wedding, especially if the bridesmaids are travelling from out of town. It's also possible to give out gifts at a bridal brunch or luncheon, or while getting ready together on the morning of the wedding.

At the rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a popular time to give bridesmaids their gifts. This is usually the night before the wedding, after the ceremony rehearsal run-through, and it's a great opportunity to kick off the wedding celebrations. It's also a chance for the bride and groom to thank their wedding party and other important loved ones.

If you're giving your bridesmaids gifts at the rehearsal dinner, it's best to do it at the end of the evening, just before guests depart. This means your bridesmaids won't have to worry about keeping track of their gifts throughout the night. It's also a good idea because it prevents you from having to worry about gifting in the hours leading up to the ceremony.

If you're giving your bridesmaids gifts that you'd like them to wear or use on the day of the wedding, such as jewellery or bridal robes, the rehearsal dinner is a perfect time to hand them out. This way, your bridesmaids will have the items with them when they need to use or wear them.

The rehearsal dinner is also a great opportunity to give gifts to other members of the wedding party, such as the maid or man of honour, best man or woman, groomsmen or groomswomen, flower girl, and ring bearer. It's also a chance to give gifts to your parents, although some couples may prefer to do this in a more private setting.

Overall, the rehearsal dinner is a perfect time to honour and thank your bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party for their time, energy, and commitment to making your wedding day special.

On the morning of the wedding

On the morning of your wedding, you'll likely be busy with hair and makeup, so it's a good idea to block out a moment to give out gifts all at once. If you're giving robes or pyjamas to get ready in, factor this in earlier in the schedule so 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.

If you're giving your bridesmaids jewellery to wear during the wedding, it's a good idea to give their gifts on the morning of the wedding so there's no risk of anyone losing it or forgetting it in their hotel room. If you're giving gifts that aren't meant to be worn during the wedding, such as gift cards, self-care products, picture frames or wine, it's better to hand them out at the rehearsal dinner so your bridesmaids don't need to worry about keeping track of them on the big day.

If you're giving your bridesmaids proposal gifts when you ask them to be part of your wedding, it's a lovely gesture to get them excited about the events to come. You can either give them a gift in person or mail it to them as a surprise.

The bridal luncheon or rehearsal dinner are also good opportunities to give out gifts.

During the bridal luncheon

A bridal luncheon is a great opportunity for the bride to express her gratitude and thank her bridesmaids and close female family members for their support throughout the wedding planning process. It is usually held within the week of the wedding, often on the day before the wedding or the morning of the wedding. The bridal luncheon can be a simple gathering at home, a meal at a restaurant, or a lavish event. It is a more intimate event compared to other pre-wedding celebrations, providing an opportunity for quality time and true connection before the main wedding festivities begin.

The bridal luncheon is centred around celebrating the women in the bride's life who have supported her through the years and the wedding planning process. It is a time to relax, enjoy delicious food, and savour the company of those closest to the bride. The bride may choose to make a short toast, although it is not necessary. The focus is on creating a memorable experience and expressing heartfelt gratitude.

The bridal luncheon is typically hosted by the bride, but it can also be offered as a celebration by the parents of the bride or groom, or even a close friend. It is an optional event, and the bride should not feel pressured to host one if time or budget constraints are a concern. However, if the bride chooses to host a bridal luncheon, it becomes a cherished part of the wedding festivities, adding intimacy and sentiment to the overall celebration.

In summary, the bridal luncheon is an ideal occasion for the bride to present gifts to her bridesmaids and express her heartfelt appreciation. It is a more relaxed and intimate gathering compared to other pre-wedding events, allowing the bride and her beloved attendees to savour quality time together before the main wedding celebrations commence.

A few days before the wedding

Traditionally, bridesmaids' gifts are given at a bridal luncheon or a special brunch with your bridal party, usually held the day before the wedding or during the week of the wedding. This is a great opportunity to thank your bridesmaids and celebrate with them before the big day. It's also a good time to give out gifts if you're offering robes or pyjamas for your bridesmaids to wear while getting ready on the wedding day.

If you're not having a separate meal with your bridal party, you can still give out gifts a few days before the wedding. You could do this when you're all together, getting ready for a bachelorette party or another pre-wedding event. This way, you can thank your bridesmaids in a more intimate setting and ensure they have their gifts before the wedding day.

If your bridesmaids' gifts are something they can wear or use on the wedding day, such as jewellery or getting-ready robes, it's a good idea to give them out a few days before. This will ensure your bridesmaids have their gifts with them and can use them as intended. It also prevents you from having to worry about gifting on the actual wedding day.

However, if the gifts are unrelated to the wedding, such as a gift card or self-care products, you might want to wait until the rehearsal dinner to hand them out. This way, your bridesmaids won't have to worry about keeping track of the gifts during the busy wedding day. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide based on the nature of the gifts and what works best for your bridal party.

On the day of the wedding

During the Bridal Luncheon

If you are having a bridal luncheon or brunch, this can be a good time to give out gifts. This is especially ideal if your gift is something you want your bridesmaids to wear or use on the wedding day, such as a piece of jewellery or a getting-ready robe. It is also a great opportunity to have a separate celebration with your bridal party and thank them for their efforts in helping you prepare for your big day.

While Getting Ready Together

If you are all getting ready together on the morning of the wedding, you can also choose to give out gifts then. Be sure to block out a moment within your schedule to hand out the gifts all at once. If you are giving out robes or pyjamas to get ready in, factor this moment earlier in your schedule so that your bridesmaids can wear their presents throughout the morning. Let your photographer know when this is happening so they can capture the moment!

At the Wedding Venue

If you are running short on time, you can also give out gifts when you arrive at the wedding venue. This can be a more convenient option if your bridesmaids are arriving separately or at different times. However, keep in mind that you may already have a lot to manage on the wedding day, and finding a time and place to safely hand out and store the gifts might be tricky.

During the Wedding Reception

In the UK, it is customary to give out bridesmaid gifts during the speeches at the wedding reception. This can be a fun way to honour your bridesmaids in front of all your guests and share stories about your friendships. However, if your gift is something for the bridesmaids to wear or use on the wedding day, it may be more practical to give it to them earlier in the day.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to gifting your bridesmaids. Choose the option that works best for your timeline and gift choices. The most important thing is to express your gratitude and let your bridesmaids know how much you appreciate their support and presence on your special day.

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