Ideas for Bridesmaid Gifts

Ahh, your faithful bridesmaids. They’re with you through the ups, downs and in-betweens. At the end of the phone when you’re dealing with wedding stress, and always on hand to help with planning. From helping you say yes to the dress, to holding your hair back on the hen-do. How could you possibly thank them? We’ve rounded up fun and unique ideas for wedding morning bridesmaid gifts, so you can show your best girls some love whatever your wedding budget.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE BRIDESMAID GIFTS?

There’s a few opportune moments to give your bride squad a little thank you prezzie. Some people like to give their bridesmaid gifts when they pop the question - ‘be my bridesmaid?’ And some choose the hen-do to share their thanks. We think the morning of the wedding is a great time to give out your bridesmaid gifts; while getting ready with a glass of fizz. Our Recommended Suppliers platform has a whole category dedicated to wedding favours and gifts.

WHY GIVE BRIDESMAID GIFTS?

Your bridesmaids want you to have the best hen-do and wedding possible. Often inputting lots of time, effort and money to make these things a reality. Bridesmaid gifts act as a token of your appreciation for their love and support in life, through wedding planning, and into the future. Just make sure to include them in your wedding budget, no matter how small.

FOOD

Food is always a crowd pleaser when it comes to gifts. Take a quick search through Instagram and you’ll find amazing artisan cake companies, out-of-this-world brownie makers and cookie connoisseurs. If your bride squad are childhood friends, put together a pick’n’mix of old school sweets, or favourite treats from your school days.

If there are any treats in particular that are traditional to your culture, giving them as bridesmaid gifts is a lovely way to share your heritage with your besties. For the keen cooks among you, homemade jam or pickled preserves bode well for tastiness and sentimental value too.

DRINK

It’s safe to say that mini bottles of anything will go down a treat. If you’re feeling fancy, you could always gift your bridesmaids a full size bottle of their favourite tipple. Bonus points for accompanying personalised glassware!

For a homemade touch, it’s actually really easy to make your own sloe gin. Perfect for a winter wedding bridesmaid gift! You could even put together mini cocktail making kits with ingredients for your own personal bride squad cocktail.

For any bridesmaids who don’t drink, artisan soft drink brands and non-alcoholic spirit labels are becoming increasingly popular. With a bit of research you’ll easily find a tasty alternative. Otherwise, a mini brew kit, biscuits and mug would be perfect for a tea or coffee lover's wedding morning cuppa.

SENTIMENTAL & DIY

Whatever your budget, there are loads of great DIY and sentimental bridesmaid gifts to give your best girls. From writing them letters, making cards and scrapbooks, to photo albums, personalised gift boxes and bespoke perfume. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have some fun! Order candle moulds online and make one for each of them, or simply have some personalised, like these Earl of East wedding favours. For any plant parents out there, why not propagate your leafy children and give each of your bridesmaids a cutting. Personally, I love receiving plants as gifts. They serve as a lovely reminder of the friend who gave it to you. You could get extra crafty by painting matching plant pots for each, too.

JEWELLERY

Jewellery is undoubtedly a popular bridesmaid gift. It holds sentimental value and is something that your bridesmaids will treasure for years to come. Whether you choose earrings, charm bracelets, necklaces, or a luxury hair accessory, choose something to complement their wedding outfits so you can all match on the day. It’s easy to find beautiful, bespoke and one of a kind pieces on Etsy.

EXPERIENCES

Why not go out and make some more memories with your bride squad? Think of it as a post-wedding hen do. Spa days, beauty treatments, afternoon tea and cocktail evenings are all fun activities to blow off some steam (if budget allows). For a fun day out, look up current gallery exhibitions and theatre shows. Maybe they have always wanted to take a dance class, cooking course or try pottery making. Why not treat them to a master class! Ultimately, if you’re still not sure what to get them, let them choose for themselves with a good old gift card. Selfridges, anyone?

At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts. Whatever you choose for your bridesmaid gifts, your girls will be over the moon to receive them. They’re just happy to be by your side as you get married. If you’re feeling even more generous, check out our post on gift boxes for the whole wedding party. For more bridesmaid inspo, get your pinning fingers ready for our round up of the best navy bridesmaid dresses.