Your gal pals have been through it all with you—the heartbreak and the tears, the laughter and the big life moments. And now, they’re standing at the alter with you on your special day. One way to show your appreciation for their support is with bridesmaid gifts.
Bridesmaid gifts can be big or small, but they should always be personal. No, we don’t mean deep and mushy—unless you want to be! But make sure you gift something they would actually like. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, and it doesn’t even have to match your wedding theme. This is about you saying, “Thank you,” for their friendship.
As you choose your bridesmaid gifts, it’s important to remember that the point is not to financially compensate your bridesmaids for being in your wedding. (The same is true for any wedding “thank you” gift!) Instead, it’s a simple way to show your gal pals how much you appreciate them. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
Something They Can Wear
If you’re confident that you know the styles and sizes of your bridesmaids—give away! But do be sure you can customize the gifts enough for each friend. For example, don’t buy the same set of earrings for everyone. Chances are, they won’t all have the same style. Instead, choose the earrings based on whoever will be wearing them.
It’s tempting to buy a bunch of things your bridesmaids can wear during the wedding, and call that a gift. And while that’s not necessarily a bad idea, make sure it’s something they can wear after the wedding, too. This shows that you’re focused on them, and not just the wedding.
Bridesmaid gifts they can wear include:
- Jewelry
- Robe for getting ready
- Nail polish
Bonus Tip: If you choose clothing—like a robe—for a gift, don’t get anything that says “bridesmaid” on it. They won’t be able to wear it anywhere else!
Something For the Wedding
See—we told you it wasn’t necessarily a bad idea! Just one you want to do in moderation. We don’t have to tell you that weddings are expensive. And that’s true for everyone—including your bridesmaids. Most gal pals are happy to pay for their own wedding-related things. But it’s also a nice gesture if part of your bridesmaid gifts cover wedding costs.
You don’t have to pay for everything, of course. But consider contributing a portion of the cost for the bridesmaid dress, or to get their hair done. Of course, if you’re having an inexpensive wedding, hair accessories or shoes also make great bridesmaid gifts!
Bridesmaid gifts for the wedding include:
- Part of the cost for the bridesmaid dress
- Makeup
- Accessories
Something Just For Them
No wedding would be successful without the support and help of friends and family. And let’s face it—they probably wouldn’t be as fun without them, either! You’re likely taking time to relax and recharge during your honeymoon, and your bridesmaids could do the same.
Give them something to use to relax or practice a little TLC. You can go big with spa certificates for a facial or massage. Or even a manicure/pedicure combo at their local salon. Small is okay, too, with loose leaf tea or essential oils to relax at home.
Bridesmaid gifts just for them include:
- Bath bombs
- Spa certificate
- Tea sampler
Something Sentimental
Weddings bring out emotions in everyone. Harness that sentimental feeling in your bridesmaid gifts. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top mushy; it can incorporate an inside joke or even just be something you know only they would really like.
A simple-yet-fun way to do this is with inside jokes. Take a phrase or funny moment you’ve shared, and turn it into something permanent, like a mug or t-shirt. And if your emotions are really running high, consider a custom photo book that will show your friendship over the years.
Bridesmaid gifts that are sentimental include:
- Photo book or album
- Custom mug
- Matching rings
Conclusion
At the end of the day (or wedding!) you know what your BFFs like best. If there isn’t one thing on this list they would all enjoy—mix it up! You don’t have to give all your bridesmaid the same gifts. If you know one friend wouldn’t want jewelry, give her a book instead! The bridesmaid gifts should be unique to each gal; not to the entire group.
