BRIDESMAIDS GIFTS101 💝
Trying to figure out gifts for your maids can be daunting to say the least. Will they use this again? Is this too cheese? Will they like it? Should it be matching?
There are a lot of elements that come into play 💞
Lucky for me, being a bridal hair and makeup artist, I get a sneak peek into all of the different ideas my clients have had. I’ve also polled a group of additional brides to get their input on what they thought went over well and what they would have done differently.
Read on for all the deats:
Experience Gifts
One of the biggest consensus I received when asking about bridesmaid’s gifts (particularly when I asked what would YOU want to get as a gift) were experiences! (Think spa day, mani-pedi, post wedding facial)
A lot of feedback was based around the idea that we don’t necessarily need more ‘stuff’, that experiences together (or solo relax time) were that much more meaningful and very high on the wish list.
2. Paid-for Wedding Items
Similar to above, the theme of ‘less extra stuff’ came through in the idea of having things you need anyway for the wedding paid for. This could be anything from their dress, shoes, jewelry, their hair and/or makeup, or their manicure and/or pedicure beforehand.
Let’s face it, being a part of a wedding can sometimes come with a bit of a <price tag> and a lot of past brides as well as bridesmaids voiced that having these things as the gifts helps out in a big way.
3. Matchy-Matchy
If you were wondering if gifts that match are out, you’re wrong! A lot of the ladies in the poll referred to matching items and how much they loved the idea. It’s almost like a bonding item, or something that ties you together after such a special celebration. Done tastefully, this is something your bridesmaids can keep forever and continue to be reminded of the time they stood by you at your wedding. One idea I loved were matching jewelry dishes!
4. Jewelry
Who doesn’t love a new piece of jewelry? This plays into the idea above as something your ladies can use during and after the wedding, as well as something that ties you together. One bridesmaid told me ‘I received a bracelet and personalized key ring and I still use them both daily’. How great is that??
5. Skin Care
One bridesmaid shared that her and the bridal party received skin care goody bags! I love this idea (being in the beauty industry and all - lol!). Gifts including things that you actually use up are always a nice idea - this leaves you with that ‘less stuff’ situation, and more of something you will actually use! Plus, your ‘maids skin will love you for it!
6. Getting Ready Outfit
Getting ready outfits are still in! Not only does it make your photos look amazing, it also feels special to have something beautiful or fun to wear together on the morning of the wedding. I’ve seen everything from silk or lace robes, loungewear jumpsuits, and even plaid button ups (hello Canadian weddings!). One wedding I worked at, the bride gave the bridesmaids satin PJ sets and matching white Birkenstock sandals! (LOVE).
Just a note: Personally, I think if you were to have anything printed or embroidered on the getting ready outfits - if you choose their name or initials over ‘bridesmaid’ you will up the chances of those items being worn well into the future! ❤︎
Tips!
Make it personal:
One bride told me that she had the bridesmaid’s birthstone placed into the gifted necklace for her. How special!!
Make it local:
Having goods chosen from local artists or designers adds a lovely touch! What a great way to support a small business from the same community while spoiling your ladies!
I hope this helped in narrowing down options for what to gift your bridesmaids. I’m always here for a chat - feel free to follow along on instagram @colleenconroymakeup or send me an email at info@colleenonroymakeup.com ❤︎
If you are a Bride to Be looking for more tips on how to prepare for your wedding day - feel free to check out The Bridal Beauty Prep Guide. I’ve put together this roadmap to help guide you with everything from creating your pre-wedding beauty routine, to how to set yourself up for the best morning of the wedding - so you can have the most special time with you and your bridesmaids - without worrying about all those little details ✨
