As a four-time bridesmaid, I've experienced all kinds of bridesmaid gifts from sporty to glam to nothing at all. I understand that as a bride, you don't have time to pick out perfect bridesmaid gifts. But I listened to your wedding woes, simultaneously planned your bachelorette party and bridal shower (I do have a job), dealt with handsy groomsmen, and attended five boring dress fittings ( with no champagne). All I want is a small token of appreciation. Here are six bad ideas for bridesmaid gifts.
Six Bad Ideas for Bridesmaid Gifts
6.Gift Cards. A gift card to a department store says you're too lazy to shop for your bridesmaids. The only acceptable gift card is one to her favorite spa and a little note that says "Let's me and You Hit the Spa". WeddingStand hint: If you're going to give spa gift certificates, pair them with something they'll open and ooh and ahh over. Like slippers or a cute cosmetic bag.
5.Cash. What are you... her uncle? She traveled thousands of miles to stand up with you on the Big Day. She spent hard-earned money on a dress she'll never wear again. Cash seems like an obvious bridesmaid gift. But really, when you give cash it's like a reimbursement. Instead of giving them each a pile of money, pay for their hairdos, dresses, or manicures. Or get creative and take them on an all-expenses-paid night on the town. No wedding talk allowed.
4. A Not-So-Subtle Hint. Brides want their ladies-in-waiting to look their best on the Big Day. But avoid giving gifts in attempt to make her over. Don't give your au natural bridesmaid makeup to glam her up. Don't give your pudgy bridesmaid a gym membership so she'll shed a few pounds. Don't even think about giving your acne-prone sister a facial. If she's sensitive about her looks, weight, or her fungus feet, ignore it. Love your bridesmaids, flaws and all.
3. Nada. No matter how strapped for cash you are, you must give your bridesmaids something. Otherwise, you can expect a major bridesmaid mutiny. Maybe your Maid of Honor will mention your complete lack of etiquette in her toast. "Let's toast the frugal bride and groom who could care less about all the work we put into this wedding." Yikes. If you're really broke, clean their apartments or give them Thank You for Being My Bridesmaid Cards.
2. Something you KNOW she Won't Use. Granted it's challenging to find gifts for seven women with opposite tastes in jewelry and clothes. We hear you! But if one of your bridesmaids has a fatal nut-allergy, don't enroll her in the snack-of-the-month club. Or if one of your girls has sensitive skin, don't give her scented lotion and hope she doesn't break out. Show your bridesmaids how well you know them with personalized bridesmaid gifts: bridesmaid frames or engraved compacts.
1. An Accessory she'll Never Wear Again.Don't bestow bad accessories to your bridesmaids. Ones you know they'll never, ever, under any circumstances wear again. Some examples include: a giant derby hat to go with her Gone With the Wind-eske bridesmaid dress, a tiny bracelet that only fits child-sized wrists, earrings if she doesn't have pierced ears. Most bridesmaids appreciate bridesmaid jewelry if you pick something she'll wear again. You can't go wrong with pearls or a pretty jewelry box.
It's challenging and frustrating to find gifts for every bridesmaid. But if you use the above advice and put some thought into it, your bridesmaid gifts will be a hit. Find gifts for bridesmaids at WeddingStand.com.
