Bridesmaid Gifts

[ImInStealthMode]

Last minute panic; is this a thing? Getting married next week;

We've paid for dresses / hair / make-up / transport for my Bridesmaids already, and at no point asked anything more of them than to be there for us on the day (no hen do, no DIY, no help with planning).

Do I also need to get them gits? And the ushers? (likewise they've not been required to do anything planning wise. We bought their suits) If so... what?

I keep thinking I've thought of everything and then something else jumps out at me.

Yes you should,that's the tradition. But it doesn't need to be super expensive. Jewellery is traditional for bridesmaids and if you go on not on the high street there are lot ms of options with quick delivery. You could get them a necklace with an initial or birthstone. Ushers and best man - cuff links, pen knife, bottle opener. Hip flask. Basically anything they could have used on the stag

Yes I've always known this to be done, I'd go for something they can use on the day, but will use again after. Like a necklace, or perfume or nice make up.

it's a thing but, as with any of 'the things' it's completely up to you as it's your wedding. I've bought my bridesmaids little bags from Katie Loxton that can be used either as a clutch bag or a make upbag, which say 'you're wonderful' in small writing but, I've paid only for their dress and they are planning my hen do and will help me decorate the venue etc. I haven't got them hair and make up or bought them shoes etc. just because, I'm not having those things myself and will be wearing some shoes I already own so I'm happy for them to wear their own shoes and we'll do each other's hair etc. You could find a nice little token gift but it doesn't have to be anything expensive, the costs of all the little extras like this can really spiral.

Thanks @littlegingerone; you've reminded me, I actually got them little clutch/make-up bags with their names on when I asked them to be bridesmaids! I'd completely forgotten.

I got mine necklaces from ted baker and my maid of honour a nice bottle of gin. Didn't have ushers and as far as I know DH didn't buy his BM anything. We bought flowers for the mums but that went a bit wrong as DH ordered letterbox flowers in error

I did also pay for hair and make up and dress alterations

A personalised candle www.cantocandle.com/product-category/personalised-candles/

I'm going to be a bridesmaid soon and honestly hope the bride doesn't go to the trouble of a gift, but I understand some would expect one.

@BitsAndBaubles One of my bridesmaids makes candles, I can neither ask her to make them nor present her with one from another brand Lovely idea though.

Oh gosh... I'm in the same position as you OP. I wasn't going to do the traditional gift giving for my bridesmaids.

I have paid for everything for them (dress, shoes etc), I've arranged for their hair, makeup and nails to be done and I've not asked them to do anything other than walk down the aisle and share in the day with me.

Would it matter if I am giving them gifts in the morning (personalised vest/shorts and a robe/slippers all for whilst we get ready. I do have Katie Loxton clutch bags for them, and cute personalised hangers which I'll put their dresses on, which I was going to also give them in the morning, so they can use them for the wedding day itself.

Now I'm wondering if I should get them something for during the wedding breakfast/speeches? I like the idea of a candle.

I just thought the gifts given during speeches were for thanking the best man/bridesmaids for all their help. We haven't asked anyone to 'do' anything, no input, no help at all, just turn up on the day and join in all the fun.

Off to Etsy I go for a candle 😬

@ImInStealthMode how cool enjoy your wedding

You can get some lovely stuff on Etsy. I've got my bridesmaids little bracelets and compact mirrors, which I've put in a gift bag with some little boxes of Lindores chocolates. Cost was less than £15 per bridesmaid. Delivery was quite quick too.
They're probably paying for a hotel room, gift for you etc, so yes you should get them something

Personally I think the wedding industry has gone gift crazy! Go for it if you have the money to spare, but I don't think there's any need to buy them gifts on top of everything else - especially if they haven't actually done anything to help with planning or organised your hen do etc... think about this way, if you had opted to have no bridal party (ie no bridesmaids or ushers), those same friends would still be coming to the wedding, and you wouldn't feel the need to get them a gift on top of providing a wonderful day for them to celebrate with you with food, drinks, etc. And you also presumably wouldn't be paying for their outfits, hair, makeup etc.... So what's the difference?
Rather than panic buy something they may never use, why not save yourself some money and take the time to write each of them a lovely personal card, perhaps telling them why you're so grateful for them being there with you on your day (as it sounds as though that is all you have asked of them). I'd be so touched to receive that as a bridesmaid, and I think it's more meaningful than endless gifts. Just an idea ;)