Being a bridesmaid is a beautiful and special role, one that requires trust, loyalty and an ability to keep a secret. But being a bridesmaid also comes with some responsibilities and obligations. This includes helping your best friend plan her wedding, which can be challenging — especially if you and the bride don’t share the same taste in style. This can leave you feeling unsure of what sort of gifts to give the bride on her wedding day.
Do you opt for something personal, like jewelry or an item directly linked to her new husband-to-be? Or do you gift her something that reflects your friendship rather than your style? How should you balance giving something useful without coming across as unhelpful or unimportant? Read on for our insider advice…
Know the Rules before You Begin Shopping
Before you start shopping for the perfect gift for your bestie, it’s important to understand what gifts bridesmaids are allowed to receive, and what gifts they are not allowed to receive. Some of these rules will vary from country to country and state to state, but in general, the following rules apply:
– Bridesmaids should never expect to receive anything more than a token of appreciation for their efforts during the planning process — i.e. anything more than a simple gift and maybe a meal out.
– Bridesmaids are not “owed” anything since they’re receiving a token of appreciation in return for their hard work and effort.
– Bridesmaid gifts should be of a modest or modestly priced nature.
Help Your Friend Choose Something She Loves
Whether you’re already in the middle of bridesmaid planning or have been asked to join a group of bridesmaids who are already deep in the process, now is the time to have those “what do you do when you have no idea what to buy someone?” moments.
– Instead of simply choosing the first item that catches your eye, use this opportunity to get to know your bestie even better.
– Sit down with her to discuss what type of jewelry she likes, where she’d like to honeymoon, or something related to clothing like velvet shawls or if she has any hobbies or interests you can relate to.
– You can also ask the bride directly what she would like for her bridesmaids to receive.
– If she’s still unsure, consider going with a gift card so she can chose something that reflects her style and personality.
Jewelry Is Always a Safe Bet
Jewelry has been the go-to gift for bridesmaids for decades, and for good reason: it’s timeless (meaning it doesn’t come and go in terms of style), and it’s usually very affordable, even if you go for a higher-end piece.
– Whether you go with gold or silver, a necklace or bracelet, or a pair of earrings, you can’t go wrong with jewelry.
– You can also opt for a charm bracelet, which can be personalized to include special charms or symbols pertaining to your friendship.
– Be sure to choose something that suits the bridesmaid’s style, and always be mindful of your budget.
Help Her Build a Wedding Library
If your friend is anything like us, she’s probably already making a bridesmaids gift list for her future wedding. If so, you can help her build her library with a gift that lasts.
– Find a journal or notebook that she can use to add to her “library” over the years.
– Whether it’s a travel journal, a gratitude journal, or a wedding planning journal, it’s something she can go back to time and again.
– You can also give her a selection of pens to use during wedding planning as well as a notebook to write down all her ideas.
– Or if you can’t find anything that suits you, consider gifting her an Amazon gift card so she can buy the items she needs for her wedding.
Help Her Celebrate With Food
If your friend is a foodie at heart, or particularly loves a certain dish, consider gifting her a meal in her honor.
– You can either gift her something luxurious like a trip to a fancy French restaurant, or you can opt for something more affordable like a home delivery service.
– If you’re feeling cheeky, you can always gift her a meal she might not otherwise try, like a roasted pig’s head or lamb testicles.
– You can also help her celebrate with food items like a selection of delicious chocolates or wine-related goodies like wine glasses or a bottle opener.
Help Her Celebrate With Travel and Experiences
Travel is one of the most beautiful ways to bond as a group of friends, which makes it one of the best gifts you can give your bestie on her wedding day.
– If you’re short on time or money, consider gifting her an experience rather than a destination.
– You can gift her with a spa day, a fancy cocktail making experience, a wine-tasting tour, or a cooking class.
– You can also help her celebrate by gifting her with a travel-related item.
– This can include a luggage set for her next big adventure, a map for her to plan her route, or a journal to record all of her memories.
Bottom line
Congratulations on making it to the end. Planning a wedding can often be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember to set time aside for fun and relaxation, too. The day should be as special for you as it is for your partner so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to prepare, while also making time to celebrate your relationship and your relationship with your partner’s friends and family.
Now that you have read this article, you have a better idea of what gifts bridesmaids are allowed to receive and what gifts they are not allowed to receive. You also have a better idea of how to help your friend choose something she loves, and how to help celebrate with food, travel, and experiences. All that’s left to do now is pick out the perfect gift for your best friend, and you’re set!
