New Traditions for Giving Bridesmaid Gifts

Despite popular misconception, there's no one perfect time to give your girls their bridesmaid gifts. A little gesture of affection is always appreciated, whether bestowed in public or private, at a formal occasion or just a casual get-together. To add some spice to the bridesmaid gift-giving ritual, we suggest re-thinking when and how you give your girls these special tokens. Putting a little thought into the presentation makes even the most basic bridesmaid gifts feel fun and exciting.

Brides typically give their girls bridesmaid gifts right before the ceremony. This tradition is a bummer because it is usually a rushed bestowing of some utilitarian item the girls needed for the wedding anyways, like garters or hair accessories. Instead of going the traditional route, why not give your girls their bridesmaid gifts in a more relaxed setting, and actually put thought into personal presents? Here are some ideas as on how this can be done:

As far as bridesmaid gift giving is concerned, one trend that is really taking off is the bridesmaid proposal. Instead of simply calling your friend and asking them to be in your wedding, make an elaborate request with a card, a poem, and the bridesmaid gift itself. Not only will this inspire your bridesmaid to accept your kind invitation, it will free you up from having to worry about bridesmaid gift buying later when your wedding planning becomes more intense.

Another cool option to catch your girls off guard is to give them their bridesmaid gifts at the bridal shower. Since traditionally all the attention is on the bride at such a shower, this will be a selfless way to honor your maids when they are least expecting it. Also, it is generally the bridesmaids who do the hard work of coordinating the bridal shower, so there's not better time to say thanks to your special ladies.

If you think your girls would prefer something a little wilder in the way of bridesmaid gifts, there's no time like the bachelorette party, baby. Cocktail mixers, festive tank tops and teeny thongs are bridesmaid gifts that all but demand a girls' night out, so start the evening off right! Giving your maids a little something to kick off the traditionally outrageous evening will guarantee a lighthearted atmosphere for the night ahead.

For a destination wedding or weekend wedding where you don't have to rush off right away, consider scheduling a popular morning- after brunch to give your girls their bridesmaid gifts. By now they will be sure you forgot, so surprising them at the last minute will capitalize on their suspense and subsequent delight. Plus, all the wedding festivities will finally be over so it is a perfect time to focus on the friends who helped you make it happen. Hangover cures, pajamas, and eye pillows for the plane all make great post-ceremony bridesmaid gifts.

Last but not least, you could forgo the entire mass ceremony and give your bridesmaid gifts to your girls individually. If you notice one of your maids is feeling low or is really stressed out, don't feel like you have to wait for some big production to be able to cheer her up with a bridesmaid gift picked just for her. Handing out the bridesmaid gifts individually shows you appreciate each of your girl's contribution to the ceremony, and that's a great gift in itself.

Now that you have a few good ideas for when to give your bridesmaid gifts, it's time to start shopping from the presents themselves. Check out www.weddingstand.com for some fabulous gift ideas and other wedding etiquette advice.