Your bridesmaids, maid/matron of honor, and man of honor/bridesmen are some of the most important people in your life. Asking them to play a part in your wedding is super exciting! Bridal party responsibilities include anything that ensures your wedding day runs smoothly, and we think it makes sense to thank them for it!
Bridesmaid gifts can include jewelry, personalized gifts (like monogrammed items or clothing), experiences, and keepsakes. Your bridal party deserves gifts that make them feel special, and contrary to what you may have heard, everybody does not have to get the same gift. What you choose will be determined by your budget, style, and personality!
In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about bridesmaids gifts, from how much to spend to when to give them. We’ve even included a list of possible gifts for everyone in your bridal party to get your inspo list started!
History of Bridesmaids Gifts
Giving bridesmaids gifts hasn’t always been customary. The bride used to be expected to pay for all wedding party expenses, and gifts were not the norm. It was a sign of wealth and status. The larger the wedding party, the more well-to-do the bride was (aka: she spent more). (Source) So, if you’re already paying for all your wedding party’s expenses, don’t feel obligated to also give gifts (though something sweet and sentimental would always be appreciated!)
Today, most bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and other wedding expenses including: travel, bachelorette party, hair, makeup, shoes, hotel rooms, etc. Gifts have become customary because of the time and financial commitment they have given leading up to your wedding day.
Gifts are a great way to show gratitude, and it shows that the bride really does appreciate and care for the bridal party. The people you choose for your bridal party are normally some of your closest friends and relatives, so it should be easy to want to thank them for all they’re doing for you!
How Much Should You Spend on Gifts?
Your relationship with your bridesmaids, how much work they’ve put into your wedding, and the amount of expenses they have incurred as part of your bridal party are all things to consider when planning for gifts. If your wedding plans have required your party to spend a lot on attire, travel, etc. a more luxurious gift may be appropriate.
Be sure to include wedding party gifts in your overall wedding planning budget. If you want to splurge on lavish gifts for your party, be sure to plan ahead to make sure your budget stays on track!
Lastly, just remember that it’s more about the thoughtfulness of the gift than the price. Bridal party gifts are all about thanking your bridal party for the commitment they’re giving to you leading up to your big day. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen aren’t in your wedding party for the gifts, they are there because they love you and want to support you. A thoughtful gift will help show them how much you appreciate that support and that you are grateful they are sharing this experience with you.
When Should You Give the Gifts?
Giving out your gifts to your bridal party is usually done during a special event close to the wedding. When we asked our Memories Brides, 70% of brides gave their party their gifts during their wedding weekend (this is a great way to catch their reactions on camera with your photographer)! The Knot suggests giving gifts at the bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner if the gifts will be something they will use on the day of the wedding. There is no wrong time to give out your gifts to your bridal party, so choose a time and event that makes the most sense for you and the type of gift that you are giving.
What to Get for Bridal Party Gifts
This list is not comprehensive, but it’s a great start in creating your own list of gift ideas! Think about the kinds of things your party appreciates and values. Gifts that help reduce their out of pocket expenses for your wedding are also always a great option (i.e. spa services, wedding day jewelry, special wedding attire, etc.). And remember to think local - many of the gift ideas below feature unique items from local small businesses.
For your bridesmaids...
Personalized Bridesmaids Robes
These are a great item that can be used on the day of your wedding to get those pre-glam photos, and it’s also a keepsake that your maids can use long after the wedding!
Bride Robe - Bridesmaid Robes - Bridal Robe - Silk Satin & Lace Robe, Etsy.com
Spa Experience
Your bridesmaids deserve to be pampered! Consider getting them a facial or a massage from a local spa for pre-wedding pampering, or one near them for after wedding relaxation. They will thank you for helping them get picture perfect!
Find a nearby spa on Google.com
Shawl
Winter and fall weddings in colder climates (hello Michigan!) do not favor women in dresses. Help your bridesmaids brave the cold with a shawl that they can use for future weddings as well!
Pashmina Shawl - Scarf - Wedding gift - Bridesmaid Gift - Shawl - Scarf - wedding favor - keep warm guest - winter wedding - getting cold, Etsy.com
Beauty Set
If you’re a fan of zero waste products, try to get your bridesmaids gifts that save the earth. This zero to go beauty set from Bee Joyful in Kalamazoo is a great mini beauty set that will help your ladies feel pampered before your big day.
Zero To Go Beauty Set, Beejoyfulshop.com
Custom Straw Tumbler
Who doesn’t love a custom tumbler? Get your bridesmaids a cute cup with their name on it that they’ll use countless times after your wedding. Plus, it helps them not get confused on whose is whose, and the straw will keep their lipstick looking perfect for photos!
Personalized Tumbler with Straw, Etsy.com
Bath Bombs/Facemasks/Spa Kits
Think at home luxury and pampering! Many businesses feature pre-made spa kits or consider building your own and picking unique items for each of your attendants to make it extra special and personalized.
Blooming Beautiful Gift Set, Lush.com
Made to Mask Kit, Sephora.com
Wedding Day Jewelry
Whether you want your girls to all wear matching jewelry or you want to pick something a little unique for each person, a lovely pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace would make a great gift and help your wedding party look picture perfect on your big day. Schedule an accessories appointment at Memories today!
Accessories, Dresslikeyou.com
Wine Cork Holder
For a wine lover in your wedding party, a wine cork holder is a great way to keep corks from special events and help remind them of good memories they’ve shared with friends. Consider gifting the corks from the champagne or wine bottles you’ve shared during your wedding to help kickstart their collection.
Wine Cork States, Uncommongoods.com
Custom Candle
You can’t go wrong with candles as gifts. For a more personalized gift, consider a candle with your own custom label from The Kalamazoo Candle. She’ll think of you every time she burns it!
Custom Candle Labels, Kalamazoocandle.com
Handwritten Bracelet
For a gift that is truly personalized, consider a handwritten bracelet. You send in a paper with your bridesmaids/maid of honor’s name on it, written by you, and the bracelet is made to match it. It’s a sentimental gift that she will never forget!
Personalized Gift - Actual Handwriting Bracelet - Personalized Signature Bracelet - Unique Gift - Christmas Gift - Grandma Gift, Etsy.com
Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases have been a hot item lately, and they’re perfect for helping your ladies feel pampered and look their very best! This pillowcase will ensure she’ll be well rested for your big day.
Pillowcase - White - Standard, Blissy.com
Big Night In Kit
For your girls that love cozying up at home, this big night in pack is a practical but fun gift that they can break out the night before your wedding. With a mindfulness puzzle, some cozy socks, a cute mug, and more, what’s not to love?
Calm Club Big Night In Kit, Anthropologie.com
For your brides(men)...
Tie Clip
A tie clip is a small but meaningful gift you can get your bridesman. With tons of styles and color options to choose from, you can get one that truly fits your guy’s personality (or check out this personalized man of honor clip!)
Personalized Man of Honor Gift Man Of Honor Tie Clip Wedding Tie Bar Man Of Honor Gift Groomsman Tie Clip Personalized Gift For Man Of Honor, Etsy.com
Cologne Gift Set
Cologne is a common gift, but getting a gift set like this one gives him the opportunity to test out a range of new scents. Let him know which one your favorite is so he can be sure to wear it on your big day!
Versace Men's Sampler Coffret Gift Set, Sephora.com
At Home Wine Tasting Kit
Your bridesman will love this at home wine tasting kit from Tempo Vino Market in Kalamazoo. It comes with 4 wine samples and 4 truffles to pair, and it can be shipped directly to his doorstep!
Port Tasting Kit: 4 Wines & Chocolate Pairing, Tempovinomarket.com
Passport Holder
A passport holder is a great gift that he can use it if you’re doing a destination wedding, but it’s also great for guys who love to travel. You can get them personalized as well!
Personalized Leather Passport Cover Holder by Left Coast Original, Etsy.com
Custom Watch Box
A custom watch box is a great way to say thank you to your bridesman. It’s a beautiful gift that can be displayed in his home, and he’ll always think of you when he sees it. Plus, it’s a great way to keep his watches in great shape!
Grant Leather Watch Box, Potterybarn.com
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