Tips, Etiquette and Gifts for your Bridal Party

Your wedding day is the one day that is all about you. You’ve prepped for months (sometimes years!) and you are ready to share this day with your significant other and bask in all the glory. But – it’s important to remember the people that have helped you get to that big moment. No doubt you have chosen your closest friends and/or family to stand by your side as your bridesmaids and groomsmen. They have been there for you as your relationship blossomed, and will stand with you while you tie the knot. It’s important, though not mandatory, to show your appreciation with some sort of token gift.

HOW MUCH DO I SPEND?

Usually your bridesmaids and groomsmen have been with you at every event leading up to the wedding including your bachelor(ette) party, shower, dress/suit shopping and have put up quite a bit of money on those events and their wedding wardrobe/hair. Take these investments into consideration when choosing how much you want to spend. If your pals have gone above and beyond for you, you may want to spend a bit more. The general standard is $65 – $150.00 per person. Obviously if you have 12 bridesmaids, this can be lower. You don’t want to go broke!

Discuss your budget with your significant other so you both know how much you are spending on each other’s bridal party. That way there are no surprises. You don’t have to spend the same amount, but something close is typical.

WHAT SHOULD I GIVE?

These folks are your nearest and dearest. They know you and you know them, but sometimes, you may have friends with a wide range of interests and styles that makes it hard to find a uniform gift for all of them. So – consider these options:

1)Something that sparks a shared memory: Did your bridesmaids all go to that one party in university and get a little too “tipsy” on tequila and gummy worms to make the night an unforgettable one? Consider using those elements as your base (mini tequila & candy), as well as something with a bit more value like a fun friendship bracelet and a scented candle to build a lovely gift that will have you sharing a memory and a laugh.

2) Something useful – like a spa gift box, a collection of local teas and jams from Toronto or a bartending set. Get something that will be used beyond the day of the wedding as a treat, to be appreciated on their own time, that is tasteful and made with good quality items. These are especially good options if you have mixed-gender bridal parties.

3) Something related to the wedding: Often brides will choose to include a piece of jewelry that they want their ladies to wear on the day, or socks for the groomsmen. This is a nice token, as it is covering some of the cost of the wedding attire expense, but make sure to inform them in advance so your maid of honour doesn’t splurge on an expensive necklace for the day, when you have already gotten her one to wear.

Above all, remember to include a heartfelt note to each one of your bridal party members. This will become the most treasured part of the gift by far.

TIMING

Plan these gifts at least a month in advance of your wedding. The last thing you want to be doing is wrapping 10 gifts 2 days before the big day (like I did) as you’re being pulled in all directions and doing a sloppy job. Don’t procrastinate on this one!

You can give your gifts in two ways: At the rehearsal dinner, in front of your closest family and friends – or- the day of, while you’re getting ready in a more intimate moment. It’s up to you!

If you are still stumped with unique and memorable gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, visit us at Present Day to create a modern gift box perfectly suited to your taste, style and budget. We build custom wedding boxes and can deliver them to you in a pinch.

Written by By Sophia Pierro of Present Day

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