If you are trying to budget for a wedding, bridesmaid gifts might be an added stress. You might wonder what to get, how much to spend, or if you can skip it. Today we have your complete guide to bridesmaid gifts. We also have some gift ideas that range from a few dollars and up. Let’s get started so you know what to expect.
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Is It Expected to Give Your Bridesmaids a Gift?
Whether your bridesmaids expect a gift depends on your area. Perhaps you have had friends who gave their bridesmaids gifts, so others may expect the same.
However, usually, the bridesmaid gift is that you will pay for the bridesmaid dress that you want them to wear. But giving them a gift is not a requirement, nor should they expect one.
If they know you will have a budget wedding, they should not expect a gift from you. This would simply be an extra expense or extravagance. But ask some other brides in your area if they have done the same.
If you want to give them a gift to show your love and appreciation, go for it! But don’t feel bad if you can’t afford it, especially if you have many bridesmaids.
How Much Do You Spend on a Bridesmaid Gift?
How much you should spend on a bridesmaid gift depends on your budget and how many bridesmaids you have.
If you have four, you can spend a little more on a gift for each of them. However, if you have 6 or more, you might want to find something cheaper or simpler.
Below we’ll spell out some great bridesmaids’ gifts for all budgets. Also, talk with your fiance and whoever is helping pay for your wedding. Ask if these gifts should come out of the wedding budget or your own wallet.
Do You Have to Get All Your Bridesmaids the Same Gift?
No, you don’t have to get all your bridesmaids the same gift. In fact, I recommend getting them different gifts based on their personality, likes, and interests.
For example, one of your bridesmaids may love makeup while another never wears it. Some may like nail polish and others not. Getting them all the same gift is less personal and may go to waste.
You could get one girl a journal because you know she loves journaling. You could get another person a yoga mat because you know she likes yoga. This way you can truly show that you know, love, and care for them.
Will My Bridesmaids Feel Bad If I Don’t Give Them a Gift?
If you give one or two bridesmaids a gift but not the others, they may feel bad. If you want to give gifts, do so for everyone. However, it’s okay if you decide not to do gifts for them.
If they feel bad because they were expecting one, you can kindly explain that you didn’t have the budget but still appreciate their help and friendship. But ultimately you can’t control how others will feel or know their expectations.
Photo by Jennifer Kalenberg on Unsplash
Do Bridesmaids Get the Bride a Gift?
Occasionally, the bridesmaids may pitch in to purchase a wedding gift for the bride or the couple. However, often the gift the bride gets from them is their help.
Additionally, bridesmaids usually plan and pay for the bridal shower or bachelorette party, whether in full or partially. This can be very expensive based on the plans and activities.
Brides should not expect a gift from bridesmaids if they will throw a party. However, if they still want to give a gift they can.
Who Pays for Bridesmaid Gifts?
Typically, the bride pays for the bridesmaid gifts. Whether this comes from the wedding budget or her personal finances depends on the couple or situation.
If you do want to use money from the wedding budget, always consult the groom and anyone else helping to pay for the wedding.
You need to be in 100% agreement on how you spend the money. If your fiance (or worse your in-laws) finds out you spent a lot of money from the wedding budget on a bridesmaid gift, they may get upset. No matter how you pay for it, ensure you discuss it and stay within budget.
Other than discussing your wedding budget, here are a few more things you should do with your fiance before your wedding.
What Are the Best Bridesmaid Gifts That Aren’t Useless?
The best bridesmaid gifts won’t be single-use or wasteful. If you are tired of seeing monogrammed bridesmaid gifts on Etsy and Amazon, like I am, then I have a list for you. These bridesmaid gifts will make it worth your while.
The Dress You Want Them to Wear
The best thing you can gift to your bridesmaid is the dress you want them to wear for your wedding. Bridesmaid dresses are expensive. You shouldn’t expect them to pay for a dress that you are asking them to wear. It is proper etiquette that the bride pays for each bridesmaid’s dress. I had my bridesmaids choose a style they liked in a certain color scheme. I bought them their chosen dress and paid for alterations on one of them. They have since worn those again, making it a nice gift to them.
Personalized Hairbrush
This is such a fun and simple gift. You can buy a brush and customize it yourself. Put their name on it and a simple design if you want.
However, don’t put the word “bridesmaid” or the wedding date on it. It may hurt to say, but most people don’t care as much about the wedding as the bride and groom do. In a few months or a year, the date won’t be meaningful to them.
But giving them something custom to them makes this gift last a lot longer. Then they can look back and remember you and their time as your bridesmaid. They can also simply admire the cute brush every time they use it.
A Journal
A journal is a cute and useful gift if you know your bridesmaid likes journaling. You can customize it with their name, or simply find a cute one they would like.
You can also write a sweet message to them in it expressing your love and gratitude for their friendship. You can also find wellness journals, gratitude journals, or another variety they might like.
Heatless Curls
This would be a super useful and fun gift for your bridesmaid. Whether you hire a professional to do your hair or not, many girls would appreciate a heatless curl kit.
Like the hairbrush, they can think of you each time they use it and remember that they have a friend looking out for their hair health.
Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash
Jewelry to Wear to the Wedding
Normally, jewelry is not the best gift idea. Some people don’t like wearing it or may not like the style, and it can be expensive.
However, if you want your bridesmaids to wear certain jewelry for your wedding this makes an excellent bridesmaid gift. I recommend getting something simple or dainty that they would likely wear again.
Cute Stationery
Stationery is such a fun and thoughtful gift. You can get them not cards, paper, or scrapbooking supplies. And accompany it with a picture of the two of you.
This way they can use it for whatever events they have in their life such as thank you notes, Mother’s Day cards, or love letters to their own special someone.
Or if you move away, the two of you can be pen pals and share handwritten notes with each other.
A Mini Photoshoot of Herself
Wedding planning is stressful and all about the bride. Often, the bridesmaids have pictures together or with the whole party but none of themselves. Giving them their own mini photo session can make her feel like a queen and have some nice photos of herself.
Then you could also make an album with all the photos of your bridesmaids during their photoshoots for your wedding website or a photobook of your best friends. I highly recommend McKenna Murdock Photography for the cutest stylized photos!
Cute Slippers or Pajamas
Some people don’t like wearing pajamas, so if you get them try to get comfy ones that they might actually wear.
But if your bridesmaids are anything like me, a pair of fancy comfy jammies and princess slippers would make a fun gift. Then you could also take cute getting-ready photos.
Just remember not to embroider them with words that would make them not want to use them again. A monogrammed “Bride Tribe” or “Bridesmaid” button-down silk pajama top isn’t everyone’s favorite.
Personalized Compact Mirror
This personalized mirror compact is so pretty and special. You could include a note about the innate beauty that you see in them, each time they open the mirror.
This useful bridesmaid gift is not too expensive and you can put their name on it. They can slip it in their purse and even use it on the day of the wedding.
A Cute Water Bottle for the Wedding Day
A hydrated bridesmaid is a happy bridesmaid. This water bottle gift can help everyone in the bridal party drink more water during events and on the wedding day.
You don’t want anyone passing out at your bridal shower garden party from the heat. This is also one they can reuse in the future.
Ring Dish
This cute ring dish goes with the wedding theme. Having a place to put your rings and other jewelry can keep things safe. You may even want to gift them a small friendship ring to go with it.
Birth Month Necklace
You can find lots of beautiful birth month necklaces. This is a special one that shows that you remember their birthdays. And it’s a piece of jewelry they may like to wear. You can find ones with the birth month stone, flower, or even their zodiac sign.
Photo by Thomas William on Unsplash
Avoid These Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
Everyone is different. Some people may love these gift ideas. But in general, these are a few gifts I would steer clear of when choosing a present for your bridesmaids.
Bridesmaid or Wedding-Specific Items
Avoid giving your girls gifts that have “bridesmaid,” “bride tribe,” “I-do crew,” and the like on them. They won’t wear them or use them again most likely. These are also usually cheap and thoughtless gifts.
To me, it says that I see you only as a bridesmaid and helper and not as a trusted and honored friend. Keychains, tumblers, robes, sashes, sunglasses, and others marketed for weddings and bridal parties are overrated and serve no purpose. You don’t want your money to go to waste.
Trinkets or Decorations that Collect Dust
Similarly, some people don’t like a lot of trinkets and knick-knacks around their house. Giving them gifts that collect dust or waste space won’t make the most meaningful gift.
You might want to avoid things like signs, decorations, or even candles. Some people may love and appreciate these. But others might stick them in a closet to never be used.
Things They Won’t Use
Similarly, you should know if your bridesmaid will use or want the gift you give them. As I said, everyone has different interests.
Some may love spa items like bath bombs and face masks. Others may not use them. Some may love water bottles or a yoga mat. Others may not like yoga or not use water bottles.
If you want to avoid wasting money on a gift, find one for your girl that she’ll actually want to use.
When Should I Give My Bridesmaids Their Gift?
Commonly brides give them their gift when you ask them to be your bridesmaid. However, you can also give it to them at the bachelorette party, on the wedding day, or any other time. Some may also give them a gift after the wedding is over to thank them for all their help. You can choose when and where you want to do it. You can also decide if you want to give them their gift privately or as a group.
However, don’t feel obligated to get them a gift. If they accept to be your bridesmaid, they should do so without strings attached. If they only want to accept the role to get gifts and dresses, they may not be as good of a friend as you thought. If your love language is gift-giving then, by all means, give away!
Do you have any other bridesmaid gift ideas or ones you have received in the past?
Love, Laurel
