Bridesmaid Gift Giving

Giving a bridesmaid gift acts as a token of appreciation for the helpfulness the bridesmaids have performed before, during, and even after a wedding. Because of today's freer, less-traditional practices regarding wedding etiquette, it really doesn't matter when the bride-to-be presents her bridesmaids with gifts, only that she does.

Anything (Almost) Goes!

Traditionally, the bridesmaid gift is given during pre-wedding luncheons held specifically for the bridesmaids or during the wedding rehearsal dinner. But some brides have been known to show their appreciation by giving bridesmaids gifts after returning from the honeymoon. Today, it's all about whatever the bride and groom decide, not what Mom and Dad or great-aunt Esther did.

Most brides-to-be decide on what to give as a bridesmaid gift according to what their budget dictates. Gifts can range from the truly elaborate and expensive to the it's the thought that counts, thoughtful, yet economical token of gratitude. Scaling the value of the gift to the size and expense of the wedding, however, does play an important part in assuring that people aren't offended or unduly surprised. For instance, a huge, all-out wedding with no holds barred calls for fitting gifts to the bridesmaids.

Cheap trinkets and budget-priced novelties obviously do not work appropriately for large, expensive weddings. Conversely, the frugal bride-to-be should not overspend on gifts she can ill afford; yet the presents must convey a sense of caring and gratitude.

Rich Bride, Poor Bride

Some of the more luxurious items a bride-to-be might present as a bridesmaid gift include items like monogrammed Belgian lace handkerchiefs or gift certificates for spa-given oxygen facials. Even engraved Tiffany bracelets and diamonds are some of the spectacular gifts that have been given to bridesmaids of the wealthy. For the less-than-rich bride, however, the imagination must be utilized in a more frugal way: compact mirrors, gift baskets, or makeup bags are always practical and appreciated gifts.

Another thing to consider when giving a bridesmaids gift is that you don't have to give all the bridesmaids the same gift. Depending on your time and energy level, it's quite flattering to give a uniquely individual gift - something that speaks personally - to each bridesmaid. For instance, if one of your bridesmaids is a horse fancier, you might consider the gift of a charm in the form of a tiny horse, something she would cherish forever.

Bridesmaids - They're Special

Considering the importance of the bridesmaid gift reflects the importance of bridesmaids themselves. After all, the lore surrounding her makes her a pretty important person. In days of old, when superstition governed as truth, the bridesmaid bore a heavy responsibility.

Her job was to confound evil spirits that were sure to be at the wedding just waiting their turn to spoil the future life of the bride. If the bridesmaids successfully tricked them by dressing similarly to the bride, the spirits could not evoke their terrible troubles because they could not tell the bride from her maids.

Today, the bridesmaid gift is given for different reasons. It is given not to thank her for tricking evil spirits, but for the last-minute errands she runs, her helpfulness during pre-wedding parties, and even for the hand she extends for the bride to hold when pre-nuptial jitters occur.

So when the time comes to decide on gifts for this still very important member of your wedding, remember: Whether you are rich or poor, or somewhere in between, your bridesmaids deserve the best that you can give.

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