Make no mistake: bridesmaids are a very important part of most weddings, helping with everything from helping the bride select her dress to planning to hosting pre-wedding festivities, and even making sure the wedding day runs smoothly.
So it would be a huge mistake to make them feel unwanted, or worse, outright insult them.
That’s exactly the sort of situation that made headlines last June, when a bride made increasing demands of her bridesmaids, from giving an opinion on almost everything to making excel sheets for planning purposes. It all culminated in the bride finding her dream gown–and demanding her bridesmaids pay for it.
Obviously, most brides know these things are stepping over a line. But when it comes to appreciating bridesmaids for their help, it can be difficult to know what kind of gift is appropriate.
Too lavish, and not only will you put a big dent in your budget, but you might hurt other feelings if you can’t give everyone the same gifts, or neglect other important people, like future in-laws. Too cheap or not thoughtful, and your bridesmaids may feel resentful or under-appreciated.
Luckily, there are many creative gifts you can give your bridesmaids, no matter your budget, that will make them know you are truly thankful not only for their help, but also their friendship. Here are some of our picks for the best bridesmaid gifts:
Personalized Jewelry
You don’t need to find designer necklaces or bracelets to make it special. Jewelry is a great idea for two reasons: it’s something, should they choose, that bridesmaids can wear in the wedding, but can also wear for their own purposes later. But instead of getting generic jewelry that simply “looks nice”, opt for something that lets them know you thought about them personally. Charm bracelets that reflect each woman’s personal interests, or pendants with symbolic meaning are great ideas.
An Experience
After all the hard work that goes into wedding planning, bridesmaids deserve a chance to relax. Tickets or gift cards for something they can do for themselves are always welcome. Think about what each bridesmaid would like most and select from certificates for the movie theater, spas, restaurants, or even to a favorite concert or event. (Just make sure you’re mindful of their schedule!)
For the Home
Some of the best bridesmaid gifts are the most practical. Think about a wedding registry: while there are always a few splurge or fun items, the majority of things are meant to be used on a regular basis. Chances are bridesmaids will appreciate something like that too: think plates, dishes, mugs, even a candle set. Instead of just going generic, though, make it personal: these little dishes have each woman’s name and role in the wedding.
Artsy Totes
Oversized bags are great for vacations, even if not all your bridesmaids are really into purses. They can also be a lot of fun: play with custom patterns and designs, stenciled letters, and more. You can buy a plain canvas bag and design it yourself if you’re so inclined. Fill the bags up with little extra surprises for a final touch.
Kits and More
Want to give your bridesmaids a chance to relax but want something more creative and flexible than the gift certificate route? Make your own kits for them to enjoy, whenever and wherever they would like! Make it a relaxing day with face masks, lotion, fuzzy socks, and a music download. Or have fun with a movie-in pack: DVD + popcorn all the women’s favorite candies and drinks.
After selecting the best bridesmaid gifts for your party, leave the rest to Guestboard! You’ve got enough on your plate. Keep guests informed and bring them closer together with an easy-to-use, customizable wedding communication platform. You’ll save both you and your guests time and a lot of headaches.