10 Unconventional Gifts Your Bridesmaids are Sure to Love
There’s no question about it: your bridesmaids are the gals that have, and will, stick by your side to the very end. Whether it’s a crew of 15 or a handful of your nearest and dearest, it’s possible that the months and weeks leading up to the big day have included a moment or two of calling in for reinforcements as you get closer to “I do”-and the best of bridesmaids will step in before you even have to call. You’ll feel compelled to show your appreciation, not just for standing by your side at the altar--or having a tissue ready when you need it!--but for all the time they’ve spent being your friend. Gifts for your group are part “thank you for being here today”, part celebration of friendship, and always a fun way to share your favorites. We’ve rounded up the best ways to extend your gratitude as the wedding day draws closer, no matter the size of the bridal party.
Photography by Elizabeth LaDuca | Bridesmaid Dresses by Jenny Yoo | Wedding Dress by Badgley Mischka
1. Get a little something just for her.
Rather than try to find a handful of things that will work for everyone, why not focus on getting one specific gift, tailor-made for each friend? Maybe you’ve got a fashion-savvy maid of honor, and a beauty-obsessed best friend, and a few friends in between. Spend some time thinking about what might be the perfect addition to an arsenal they already possess, or something you’ve heard them mention that would be fun to surprise them with--whether that’s a great accessory, a cookbook, or a gift card for a blowout! The personalized touch will say you were thinking specifically about them, and that’s a gift in itself.
Photography by Rebecca Yale Photography
2. Craft the ultimate gift box.
A collection of all the things one might need on the big day could be just the thing to take the pressure off of a bridesmaid wanting to make sure all the details are covered! Mini bottles of champagne, cute flats to replace their heels on the dance floor, a handful of chocolates or truffles, even tube of lipstick officially declared “the color of the day” combine the practical with a taste of fun, sure to last beyond just the wedding day.
2. Craft the ultimate gift box.
A collection of all the things one might need on the big day could be just the thing to take the pressure off of a bridesmaid wanting to make sure all the details are covered! Mini bottles of champagne, cute flats to replace their heels on the dance floor, a handful of chocolates or truffles, even tube of lipstick officially declared “the color of the day” combine the practical with a taste of fun, sure to last beyond just the wedding day.
Photography by Ruth Eileen Photography
3. Everybody loves a monogram.
We’re here for anything branded, whether it be hangers for their bridesmaid dresses, bouquet ribbons, or something to get ready in the morning of the wedding. A tote or duffle bag might be just the thing she needs to pack up and hit the road when the next girls’ trip calls!
3. Everybody loves a monogram.
We’re here for anything branded, whether it be hangers for their bridesmaid dresses, bouquet ribbons, or something to get ready in the morning of the wedding. A tote or duffle bag might be just the thing she needs to pack up and hit the road when the next girls’ trip calls!
Photography by Greer Gattuso | Bridal Robe by Jonquil | Bridesmaids Robes by Homebodii
4. Go for a day at the spa.
Massages, manicures, blowouts…the gift of pampering will never go out of style, and even if you’re not with them when they go for their hot stone massage, you can rest assured knowing a day at the spa might be exactly what the doctor (and the bride) ordered.
4. Go for a day at the spa.
Massages, manicures, blowouts…the gift of pampering will never go out of style, and even if you’re not with them when they go for their hot stone massage, you can rest assured knowing a day at the spa might be exactly what the doctor (and the bride) ordered.
Photography by Abby Jiu Photography
5. Long live the girls' trip!
No one has ever said no to a weekend away with their best friends. Even if your schedule only allows for a quick 24 hours in a new-to-you city--or a place with BFF history--getting away can provide a much needed respite from the craze of wedding planning, and also give you a chance to bask in some sunshine and fun, should you choose a tropical locale. Do some research on what you want to do and see, and what will give you the most bang for your buck, so you’ll feel more at peace about soaking up every minute away!
5. Long live the girls' trip!
No one has ever said no to a weekend away with their best friends. Even if your schedule only allows for a quick 24 hours in a new-to-you city--or a place with BFF history--getting away can provide a much needed respite from the craze of wedding planning, and also give you a chance to bask in some sunshine and fun, should you choose a tropical locale. Do some research on what you want to do and see, and what will give you the most bang for your buck, so you’ll feel more at peace about soaking up every minute away!
Photography by Emily Wren Photography
6. Gift a framed photo.
Who’s to say the gift-giving has to happen prior to your walk down the aisle? The only thing that lasts beyond the wedding day are the pictures to prove it; have a shot of the two of you from the day as bride & bridesmaid set in a frame she’ll love.
6. Gift a framed photo.
Who’s to say the gift-giving has to happen prior to your walk down the aisle? The only thing that lasts beyond the wedding day are the pictures to prove it; have a shot of the two of you from the day as bride & bridesmaid set in a frame she’ll love.
Photography by Marion Heurteboust | Wedding Dress by Limor Rosen
7. Splurge on professional hair & makeup.
Even if your don’t spend the entire morning getting ready together, consider treating your girls to having their hair and makeup done by a professional, along with you. It might eliminate a bridesmaid’s worry about needing to test out waterproof mascara or long-lasting blush, and will definitely alleviate the pain of having to apply fake eyelashes herself (not for the faint of heart, trust me!). Depending on how many are in the queue, your hairstylist might need to call in reinforcements to get everyone primed and ready and on schedule, so make sure to give your friends the heads’ up to be prompt for their beauty call-times!
7. Splurge on professional hair & makeup.
Even if your don’t spend the entire morning getting ready together, consider treating your girls to having their hair and makeup done by a professional, along with you. It might eliminate a bridesmaid’s worry about needing to test out waterproof mascara or long-lasting blush, and will definitely alleviate the pain of having to apply fake eyelashes herself (not for the faint of heart, trust me!). Depending on how many are in the queue, your hairstylist might need to call in reinforcements to get everyone primed and ready and on schedule, so make sure to give your friends the heads’ up to be prompt for their beauty call-times!
Photography by Oliver Fly | Bridesmaid Dresses by Watters
8. Let them choose their own dress!
If you’ve ever been asked to be a bridesmaid yourself, or even seen one movie about tying the knot, chances are you know the likelihood of actually re-wearing the dress chosen for you as a bridesmaid are sometimes slim to, unfortunately, none. So giving the gift of choice is something we can get behind 100%! Leave it up to your girl gang to decide what fit and style looks best on them; you can even give some stipulations as to color or length so there’s a modicum of coordination, and give your stamp of approval once they’ve made their selection.
8. Let them choose their own dress!
If you’ve ever been asked to be a bridesmaid yourself, or even seen one movie about tying the knot, chances are you know the likelihood of actually re-wearing the dress chosen for you as a bridesmaid are sometimes slim to, unfortunately, none. So giving the gift of choice is something we can get behind 100%! Leave it up to your girl gang to decide what fit and style looks best on them; you can even give some stipulations as to color or length so there’s a modicum of coordination, and give your stamp of approval once they’ve made their selection.
Photography by Anagram Photo | Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuilier
9. Get a little sentimental.
Weddings have a way of bringing the best emotions right to the surface for everyone, so there’s a chance your friends might recall a memory or two they’re fond of as the day draws closer. In looking back with them at all the times you’ve laughed and cried, see if there are pieces of nostalgia that might serve as a pleasant reminder of the past seasons you’ve spent together: perhaps pastries from a favorite bakery you both frequented in college or concert tickets to the band you couldn’t stop listening to as teenagers.
9. Get a little sentimental.
Weddings have a way of bringing the best emotions right to the surface for everyone, so there’s a chance your friends might recall a memory or two they’re fond of as the day draws closer. In looking back with them at all the times you’ve laughed and cried, see if there are pieces of nostalgia that might serve as a pleasant reminder of the past seasons you’ve spent together: perhaps pastries from a favorite bakery you both frequented in college or concert tickets to the band you couldn’t stop listening to as teenagers.
Photography by Thecablookfotolab | Bridesmaids' Dresses by Watters
10. Spend some time together, one-on-one.
While it might seem like one more thing on your ever-growing list of to-dos, spending some quality time with those you’ve asked to stand beside you before the wedding day festivities commence will most definitely do more harm than good. Individually connecting with each of your bridesmaids shows that, while the celebration is important, the people that are celebrating with you matter the most. Emphasize experiences over material things as your way of expressing your gratitude--and catch up with your best girls while you’re at it!
10. Spend some time together, one-on-one.
While it might seem like one more thing on your ever-growing list of to-dos, spending some quality time with those you’ve asked to stand beside you before the wedding day festivities commence will most definitely do more harm than good. Individually connecting with each of your bridesmaids shows that, while the celebration is important, the people that are celebrating with you matter the most. Emphasize experiences over material things as your way of expressing your gratitude--and catch up with your best girls while you’re at it!
Photography by Allen Tsai Photography | Wedding Dress by JLM Couture
Francesca Barger is a wedding enthusiast and the founder and CEO of First Vangarde, the first management group facilitating the representation and management of talent within the bridal industry. Based in the Midwest, she's worked with companies coast to coast, elevating the careers of a robust portfolio of artists through a commitment to the championing and celebration of their creative talent.
Francesca Barger is a wedding enthusiast and the founder and CEO of First Vangarde, the first management group facilitating the representation and management of talent within the bridal industry. Based in the Midwest, she's worked with companies coast to coast, elevating the careers of a robust portfolio of artists through a commitment to the championing and celebration of their creative talent.