Guest Post by Naomi Shaw
Gift Ideas for the Bridesmaids from the Bride
Asking someone to be your bridesmaid is generally considered a huge honor. It’s also a big commitment for them. From paying for their dresses and shoes to getting their hair, nails, and makeup done, to throwing you a bridal shower and taking you out on the town for a bachelorette party, bridesmaids can spend a serious chunk of change being a part of your big day. Not to mention, they also will be spending a lot of time, effort, and energy making plans, participating in said plans, and keeping you calm through it all. Be sure to thank them with a special gift showing your genuine appreciation for being part of your big day.
Personalized Items
Monograms have made a huge comeback in the last couple of years. Take this idea and run with it. Start the whole wedding process off with a creative gift that invites her to be your bridesmaid. Consider making personalized wine bottle labels with each girl’s name and a “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” logo on it. Pair it with a monogrammed wine glass, and she’ll have no choice but to say yes!
If your girls aren’t wine drinkers, go a different route. For example, every girl needs stationery or note cards at some point in her life, whether to write a thank you note or a personal letter. Surprise your bridesmaids with some beautifully crafte monogrammed paper or notecards. She will think of you every time she uses them, and she’ll make a nice impression on the recipient of her letters, as well.
Another option is a unique picture frame with her monogram on it. Include a special picture of the two of you together from your childhood or college years together, and she’ll treasure it for years to come!
Some Sparkle
Women love bling. Surprise your bridesmaids with some they can use to sparkle on your wedding day and for many other occasions afterwards. Jewelry is always a good option for this. While traditional pearl earrings are always appropriate, consider something a little more updated like a custom necklace or unique bangle bracelet. Another fun, feminine idea is a crystal headband to highlight their updos or flowing locks on the big day.
If you feel the matching jewelry thing is too overdone, go for engraved lipstick cases with each girl’s favorite shade of lipstick inside. They’ll pucker up with pride every time they re-apply!
Time with You
Perhaps the most meaningful gift you can give is time with you. Often when people get married, they become so involved in their new life that they forget to make time for friends. These are your girls. Show them how much they mean to you by committing to stay in touch. Craft handmade gift certificates for an outing for just for the two of you to spend some quality time together. Think of each bridesmaid and what you have always enjoyed doing together, and custom make each one. Maybe one is for coffee at your favorite spot, another is to get your nails done together, and one is for margaritas at your favorite hole-in-the-wall cantina. Put some thought into each one, and your bridesmaids are guaranteed to mark it on their calendars and look forward to it.
Your bridesmaids are your closest friends. They are your support team and your rally crew to help you get through all the chaos of planning a wedding and actually making it down the aisle. Be sure to take care them and let them know they are loved and appreciated, not just on your wedding day, but every day.
