How Much To Spend On Bridesmaids Gifts? [Are They Even Necessary?]

Perhaps one of the most exciting things about preparing for your upcoming wedding, is sharing the experience, not only with your partner, but also with your bridesmaids. And they actually play quite a significant role in the planning, preparation and the wedding day itself. So much so that gifting them is considered a nice thing to do. But how much is an appropriate amount to spend on your bridesmaid’s gifts? I did some research, and this is what I found.

So, how much should you spend on bridesmaid’s gifts? There is no price range that one should adhere to for bridesmaid gifts, nor is there any obligation to present your bridal party with a gift altogether. That being said, if you do decide to offer gifts, a rough ball park figure to aim for is between $50-$100 per bridesmaid. Nevertheless, it is generally advised to spend within the means of your budget and what you can realistically afford.

A gift given should be gratefully received, regardless of the cost, and it is likely that your bridesmaid’s will be thrilled to be a part of your wedding day and not expect to be gifted anything in return.

Let us now take a closer look at those other questions you may have regarding gifting your bridesmaids.

So, if there is any uncertainty about how to approach it, be sure to keep reading to get all the information you need!

Are Bridesmaids Gifts Necessary?

Whether or not you perceive gifts for your bridesmaids as necessary will depend on your own opinions, relationship with your bridesmaids, and your budget. Although, if possible gifts are preferable.

Personally, I can’t wait to share my own experience of wedding planning with my nearest and dearest. I am so grateful for the time and energy they have spent discussing and planning for my big day.

Your bridesmaids are highly likely to be close friends or family members, whom you couldn’t imagine your wedding day without. And more often than not, these individuals will have had a lot of involvement in the planning of your big day.

Something I am sure that you will have been entirely grateful for!

From throwing you a hen party to remember, to being there to reassure you on the morning of your wedding, your bridesmaids and bridal party are undoubtedly a major part of the whole wedding experience.

Wanting to thank them is natural, a gift can be the perfect way to do so.

Gratitude does not have to be gifted. Meaningful and heartfelt words of thanks are often all you need, however, you may want to give your bridesmaids a gift as a token of appreciation and to show them what they truly mean to you.

It is highly likely that your bridesmaids will have given their time, energy and most probably spent some of their own money (on perhaps their hair, make-up or potentially their dress) to make your day as special as possible.

A thoughtful gift in recognition of all they have done for you can be a meaningful and special way to thank them, but this gift does not have to blow your budget, especially if you have a larger number of bridesmaids.

Opting for a thoughtful and personal gift that perhaps they can use on the morning of the wedding – a robe or pair of slippers for example – can be a great way of thanking your bridesmaids and making them feel as though they belong.

Or maybe some personalized bridesmaids gift sets (like these found on Amazon, containing small keepsakes would be perfect for you to gift your bridal party during the speeches.

The night before my best friend’s wedding, she gifted each of us a gift bag in which there was a robe for getting ready in, a pair of personalized slippers and a framed photo of us all from the hen do.

There was also a handwritten card that meant the absolute world. I think I would quite like to do something like that for my own bridesmaids when I get married. It truly is the thought that counts, not the price tag.

Do I Have To Get My Bridesmaids A Gift?

Brides are under no obligation to get their bridesmaids gifts of any kind. It is likely that you will have bought their dress or perhaps paid for them to have their hair done. Or maybe you have chosen to do neither of those things.

The way we choose to express our gratitude is often deeply personal. If giving a gift is not how you wish to express your thanks or appreciation for your bridesmaid, then you should feel absolutely no pressure to do so.

In fact, on the occasions I have been a bridesmaid, not once did I expect or even anticipate being gifted anything at all. In fact, I was just delighted to be considered a part of my dear friend’s day.

Instead of giving your bridesmaids a gift, it may be that you choose to treat them to an experience that you can enjoy together prior to or on the morning of the wedding day.

This could be something like going for lunch, a manicure or pedicure, having their hair and or make up done or something similar. Sometimes a shared experience can be appreciated more than a gift.

It truly depends on your preferences, thoughts and ideals as a bride as to whether you get your bridesmaids a gift.

If you have particularly strong preferences about the ‘getting ready’ shots taken on the morning of your wedding day, and want your bridal party to wear matching robes – perhaps gift the robes to your bridesmaids?

For my own wedding, I think I will order some matching robes for us to wear as we get ready and perhaps some earrings for my bridal party too? I haven’t quite made my mind up yet, but I do like the idea of giving them something that perhaps they can use again.

How Many Gifts Do You Give Bridesmaids?

Generally speaking, there is no obligation to give your bridesmaids any gifts at all, but if you are choosing to do so, you can do so with one, or several. It depends on the cost, what it is, and when you are looking to give it.

Whilst you will likely feel incredibly grateful for all the love, care and support they have provided you with in the lead up to your wedding, it is the thought behind the gifts you give rather than the quantity that is truly important.

Your bridesmaids are likely to be your best and closest friends and family members, who let’s face it, are part of your bridal party because they are awesome and also because they want to be there.

A small gift or a token of your appreciation will be the icing on the cake for them, as your wedding will likely be very exciting for them too!

If your budget permits, and you wish to shower your bridesmaids with gifts left, right and centre – then go for it!

If you are needing to hold the purse strings a little tighter (I know I will be budgeting hard for my big day) then I would recommend selecting a thoughtful and meaningful gift that in turn, isn’t going to break the bank.

Thoughtful gifts are often appreciated way more, as the recipient (your wonderful bridesmaids) will know just how much they mean to you.

When Do You Give Your Bridesmaids Gifts?

When to give your bridesmaids, their gift depends solely on the type of gift, and when you, as the bride and groom, want to give it.

If your gift to your bridesmaids is to be worn on the wedding day – perhaps some jewellery or a robe for example – then gifting it the morning of your wedding or even a few days before might be more appropriate.

At some weddings I have been lucky enough to attend, the bridesmaid’s gifts have been given during the speeches, in front of the wedding party. I think this is a lovely way of making a fuss of your bridesmaids and showing your appreciation.

Gifting during the wedding breakfast or speeches is likely to make your bridesmaids feel even more a part of your big day than they already do and can also be an excellent way to publicly thank them for all they have done.

It could be that you want to give your bridesmaids a framed photo of you guys together as a gift – this means gifting way after the big day!

There is no hard and fast rule about when to give your bridesmaids their gift, choose the moment that feels right for you, and take time to share a special moment or two with your chosen bridal party.

The moment is what will be remembered each time the gift is used, worn, looked at or thought about. Moments are what we should treasure.

What Do You Get Bridesmaids As Gifts?  

Selecting gifts for your bridesmaids can be a little overwhelming! A google search can reveal reams of gifts that in your wildest imagination you wouldn’t have conjured up (I once stumbled across matching bridal party thongs… and do I don’t mean the Aussie word for flip flops!).

The best gifts are thoughtful gifts, so when choosing what to get your bridesmaids, consider what you think they would like first before committing to anything.

Whilst researching, I came across a few different options that I think would be absolutely perfect to gift your bridesmaids!

There are a range of options to suit all budgets, but have one thing in common: they can all be gifted and used as part of your big day!

1. Insulated, personalised wine cups like these best sellers on Amazon. These are great for the bridal party who likes to do just that… party! Guaranteed to keep your drink of choice cold whilst you get ready and they look great too!
2. Personalized make up bags with these being my personal favorite from Amazon. What a fabulous keepsake and memento for your wedding! These would also be super useful for when you are getting ready together and for touch ups throughout the day!
3. Gorgeous matching necklaces, that you buy in a set. You could each wear your own as part of your outfit for the wedding day and then it becomes the perfect reminder of the wedding each time it is worn!
4. Matching bridal robes like these from Amazon. Get ready in luxurious comfort and matching style! I love the idea of wearing a tie front robe to get ready in for my own big day – so as not to mess up hair and make up!

Finally

Whatever you choose to gift your bridesmaids on your wedding day, know that it is the thought behind it that will be appreciated most.

The chances are your bridesmaids will feel privileged to be a part of your bridal party. Selecting a meaningful gift can show them just how much you care.

But it does not necessarily need to be expensive. In fact, the best thing you can get that is something that is thoughtful and meaningful.

Sometimes the best gifts cost the least.

So, do your research and find out what means the most to you and your girls!