If you’re getting married, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect bridesmaid gifts. After all, your bridesmaids are there for you every step of the way, helping you plan your big day and celebrating with you on the happiest day of your life. But how much should you spend on these gifts? Here’s a closer look at the factors to consider when setting your budget.
Is it customary to give bridesmaids a gift?
Yes, it’s customary to give bridesmaids a gift as a token of your appreciation for their support and friendship. Whether you choose a small, sentimental gift or a more elaborate present, your bridesmaids will appreciate the gesture and treasure the memory for years to come.
For some, instead of buying presents for their bridal parties, some couples opt to pay for their accommodation during the wedding or cover the cost of their dresses and accessories.
Understanding your bridesmaids’ costs
It costs money to be part of a wedding. Overall, the cost of being a bridesmaid can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on various factors. Yeah, that’s a lot.
Depending on the style and designer, bridesmaid dresses can range anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. Accessories like shoes, jewelry, and undergarments can add $50 to $200 or more. If it’s a destination wedding, travel expenses can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Accommodations can add $100 to $500 or more. And don’t forget that professional hair and makeup services can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more.
But wait, there’s more! We still have to take about the bachelorette party and bridal shower. The cost of these events can vary widely depending on the location, activities, and a number of attendees. In general, you can expect to spend several hundred dollars on each event – for example, $200-$500 on the bridal shower and $300-$800 on the bachelorette party.
How much should you spend?
Since they are dishing out some serious cash for your wedding, thoughtful gifts will be greatly appreciated. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount you should spend on bridesmaid gifts will depend on various factors, including your overall wedding budget, the number of bridesmaids, and your relationship with each bridesmaid. That said, some general guidelines can help you determine a reasonable budget.
In general, people spend $75 to $150 per bridesmaid. You want to pick out something truly special and high quality for their gift. Another deciding factor is if your bridesmaids are flying to your destination wedding or if you’re covering the cost of thier hotel or wardrobe.
Something else to consider when setting your bridesmaid gift budget is your number of bridesmaids. If you’re having a small, intimate wedding with just a few bridesmaids, you might be able to splurge a little more on each gift. On the other hand, if you have a larger bridal party, you may need to be more mindful of your budget and find creative ways to stretch your gift dollars.
What are some excellent bridesmaid gift ideas?
When choosing the actual bridesmaid gifts, there are plenty of options to consider. The key is choosing something thoughtful and meaningful and showing your bridesmaids how much you appreciate their support and friendship.
We have a list of great affordable gifts here, but here are some common ideas.
Jewelry: Jewelry is always a popular choice for bridesmaid gifts, as it’s something your friends can wear on your wedding day and beyond. Consider a simple necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings coordinating with their bridesmaid dresses.
Personalized items: Another great option is to choose customized items that show your bridesmaids how much you value their friendship. Monogrammed tote bags, makeup bags, or stemless wine glasses are all fun and practical options.
Experiences: If you’re looking for something more unique, consider gifting your bridesmaids an experience rather than a physical item. This could be anything from a spa day or a weekend getaway to a cooking class or wine tasting.
Beauty items: Beauty items like makeup palettes or skincare sets are a great choice for bridesmaids who love beauty products. Plus, they’ll come in handy on the day of the wedding!
DIY gifts: If you’re on a budget or want to add a personal touch to your bridesmaid gifts, consider making something yourself. DIY options could include anything from homemade candles to hand-painted picture frames.
Of course, the amount you spend on bridesmaid gifts isn’t the only factor to consider. It’s also essential to think about how you’ll present the gifts and what you’ll say to your bridesmaids when you give them out. Consider writing a heartfelt note to each bridesmaid, expressing your gratitude for their support and friendship. You could also specially present the gifts – like arranging them in a decorative basket or wrapping them in pretty paper and ribbon.
When to give your bridesmaids their gifts?
Bridesmaid gifts are typically given at the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or on the day of the wedding. However, there’s no hard and fast rule about when to give them – some brides may choose to give their gifts earlier in the planning process, like when they ask their friends to be bridesmaids.
Ultimately, the timing of bridesmaid gifts is up to the bride and what works best for her and her bridesmaids. Just make sure to give them some time to open their gifts and show their appreciation before the wedding festivities begin.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to show your bridesmaids how much you care and appreciate them. Whether you’re spending a lot or a little on their gifts, what really matters is the sentiment behind the gesture. With a little thought and effort, you can create meaningful, memorable bridesmaid gifts that your friends will cherish for years to come.
