bridal party gifts

southernbride00

I know bridal party gifts can be a touchy issue, but I'd really love some feedback.  Our wedding isn't a destination wedding, but pretty much everyone will have to travel (fly or drive 4+ hours) to get there.  So I bought my bridal party's dresses, and my fiance's parents paid for their hotel rooms.  They will not have any other expenses for being in the wedding (they're wearing shoes they already own, whatever jewelry they want, and are free/encouraged to do their own hair and makeup).  So, I was just curious whether their dresses are their gift, or if I should get them something additional. 

southernbelle0915

Knottie34982917 said:

I know bridal party gifts can be a touchy issue, but I'd really love some feedback.  Our wedding isn't a destination wedding, but pretty much everyone will have to travel (fly or drive 4+ hours) to get there.  So I bought my bridal party's dresses, and my fiance's parents paid for their hotel rooms.  They will not have any other expenses for being in the wedding (they're wearing shoes they already own, whatever jewelry they want, and are free/encouraged to do their own hair and makeup).  So, I was just curious whether their dresses are their gift, or if I should get them something additional. 

I probably would. It doesn't have to be something big. Shop like it's their birthday. 

Maggie0829

The dresses are for your wedding, they are not a gift.  A gift is when you get something for someone that is tailored to their likes and hobbies and that they can use whenever they wish.  A dress to wear at your wedding does not fit such a definition.

I would get them something small that is tailored to each person.  It doesn't have to be expensive or big but the gifts should have zero to do with your wedding and everything to do with the individual person.

JaxInBlue

Agree with PPs.  I'd do something small and personal.  It could be a bottle of wine for one, and a pound of coffee for another.  Or it could be book for one who loves to read and maybe some spice blends for the cook. 

If nothing else, I'd make sure each gets a heartfelt note thanking then for being part of the day and a promise to get together for lunch/dinner/movie night soon to spend some time with them personally and away from the wedding hoopla.

southernbride00

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!  I already have some ideas in mind for small and personally-selected gifts that I think each would like.

holyguacamole79

OP, I'm sure you've thought of this, but be mindful of your BMs who are flying to & from your wedding when shopping for gifts.  They will probably not have much room in their luggage for much.  Gift cards are always appreciated. 

[Deleted User]

sarahbear31 said:

OP, I'm sure you've thought of this, but be mindful of your BMs who are flying to & from your wedding when shopping for gifts.  They will probably not have much room in their luggage for much.  Gift cards are always appreciated. 

Or you can give it to them the week before your wedding or have it shipped to them for arrival after they get back from your wedding.  Since it shouldn't have anything to do with your wedding, it doesn't need to be handed over immediately.

southernbride00

Thanks for the tips--I hadn't even thought about flying and luggage.  I was thinking about books, since they all like to read, but maybe I'll do something else for the two who are flying.

[Deleted User]

No, books are totally fine!  You can mail them to their homes and print the amazon page of the book and put it in an envelope for the ones who are flying.  "Thanks for standing by me at my wedding.  I think you might like this book.  It will be waiting for you when you get home.  I didn't want to give you something heavy for your luggage.  I love you and thanks for everything."

grace082915

One of the nicest gifts I've ever gotten was from a girlfriend for my birthday last year.  She wrote out a list of 20 things she really liked about me. Each one was a detailed sentence or two about some part of me that she really admired. Some were funny, some were serious, but they were all really sincere. It was so cool. And she wrote it out beautifully on really neat paper. (she's one of thooose people who does everything creative and wonderful.) I framed it and keep it on my desk at work. 
I'm also paying for my bridesmaids dresses and hair/makeup, but wanted to do something special for them.  So I'm making these for my bridesmaids. I basically have dude handwriting, so I found somebody local to write them out in calligraphy and I'll put them in little frames for each girl.

cambryn

grace082915 said:

One of the nicest gifts I've ever gotten was from a girlfriend for my birthday last year.  She wrote out a list of 20 things she really liked about me. Each one was a detailed sentence or two about some part of me that she really admired. Some were funny, some were serious, but they were all really sincere. It was so cool. And she wrote it out beautifully on really neat paper. (she's one of thooose people who does everything creative and wonderful.) I framed it and keep it on my desk at work. 
I'm also paying for my bridesmaids dresses and hair/makeup, but wanted to do something special for them.  So I'm making these for my bridesmaids. I basically have dude handwriting, so I found somebody local to write them out in calligraphy and I'll put them in little frames for each girl.

That's a lovely gift!