The Perfect Bridesmaids Gifts: What To Gift Your Bridesmaids and How Much to Spend
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and it’s made even more special by sharing it with the people who mean the most to you. Your bridesmaids are your support system through your engagement and your hype squad (and keep-you-calm-and-make-sure-you-eat crew) on wedding day!
Asking your best friends to stand by your side on your big day is an easy question, but of course you want to make it more fun and memorable than just asking! A thoughtful bridesmaid proposal and a well-chosen gift can make the experience unforgettable, and shows you really care.
Finding the right gift for your bridal party can be a bit tricky — how do you choose something that everyone will like? How much should you spend on bridesmaid gifts? Does the gift have to fit your wedding theme or colors? We’re here to help!
Do you have to give your bridesmaids a gift?
Not necessarily, but it’s fun and thoughtful! Your I Do Crew invests a lot of their time and usually a good amount of money into your wedding activities. Attire, bachelor/bachelorette trips, bridal shower and engagement gifts… things add up quickly. We’re not saying you owe them a gift as payment for joining your wedding party, but it’s become customary to gift your gals a little something for their role in your day. If gifting is not in your budget, a sentimental, handwritten note with a few chocolates is the perfect way to show your appreciation.
What gifts do bridesmaids actually like / want to receive?
When gifting, our best advice is to make sure it’s meaningful. Don’t pick frivolous items from the Target dollar section or gift all the “free hand care items” you’ve collected from Bath & Body Works (though yes, you can throw those things in as a lil’ extra to the main gift). Think about things you would appreciate receiving and would love to use! (We’ve created a quick shopping list of our favorites here!). Luxury skincare products or brand-name makeup products, a nice candle, or a tasty bottle of wine. Jewelry like matching bracelets or necklaces can be a hit or miss depending on where you’re purchasing from; quality matters. Amazon and Etsy have some cute options, but be sure to read reviews. Higher-end jewelry will last longer and look better.
Don’t go over the top on “bride tribe” gear and don’t limit yourself to items only in your wedding colors. When planning your gifts, you really don’t need to make everything so bridesmaid-specific. Certain items that say “bridesmaid” or “team bride” can be cute for your getting ready pictures (like cozy slippers that can be reworn). Other branded items seem unnecessary and likely won’t be anything your gals are excited to use/wear again; sorry to tell you, most of your gals don’t want a robe, hat, or tote bag that says “bridesmaid,” and not everything needs to be in your exact shade of wedding pink.
If physical gifts aren’t your thing, gift experiences or help pay for the cost of being a bridesmaid. You could treat your gals to a pre-wedding spa day or give them a gift certificate to use later. Another great way to show your appreciation is to pay for their bridesmaid dresses or hair and makeup services.
What is an appropriate budget for a bridesmaid gift?
Brides often spend around $50-$150 on each bridesmaid, but there’s no “set” amount. If you have more bridesmaids, that might mean spending a little less per person, whereas with fewer bridesmaids you can splurge on them. Don’t feel pressured to spend outside of your budget — as long as the gift you give is meaningful/you’ve put thought into it, the amount you spent isn’t important.
Practical and Cute Bridesmaid Gift Ideas: Things your gals will appreciate and actually wear or use!
A classic Kate Spade bangle bracelet or dainty pendant necklace. Your accessories will all match on wedding day and your gals can wear them again and again!
A nice bottle of wine with a cheeky label (“pairs well with being a bridesmaid”) is a perfect choice if your wedding is at a winery.
Create a self-care kit with nice face masks and lip treatments and luxurious bubble bath. Just be sure to choose good quality products (ie; not the cheapy drug store brands). Philosophy and Summer Friday are really nice quality at affordable prices. You could also include essential oils.
Cozy matching slippers or athletic slides can be cute for getting ready photos, and are likely to be worn day and again.
For winter weddings, a cute pom pom beanie or knit mittens! Check out Love Your Melon.
Craft Cocktail powder mixes and edible glitter — your gals can use to make an easy & tasty mocktail or cocktail at home!
A yummy scented candle from La Jolie Muse or Voluspa (again, choose a good quality brand, not a dollar-section candle).
If you really want to embrace the ~bridesmaid era~ vibes without being tacky, gift a tasteful Team Bride candle from Homesick or one with a cute phrase like “I can’t say I Do without YOU.”
A colorful ceramic plant pot is also a cute idea! Add in a succulent or flowers that fit your wedding vibe, tuck in a sweet note, and maybe even a gift card to your favorite coffee shop or garden center.
Treat them a little extra with a designer purse or wristlet. This will be a staple in their wardrobe (versus a 1-time wear kind of thing) and they’ll think of you every time they wear it out. Kate Spade is a favorite among bridal parties — and lucky for you, Minnesota has a Kate Spade Outlet!
Another one of our favorite bridesmaid gift ideas, and one that we think is even more meaningful, is framed photos from your wedding day! Once you have your wedding gallery back, print your favorite photo(s) with each bridesmaid and give them a cute framed photo or you could also make each gal a mini album. It’s something they’re sure to love and keep!
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