MOH Gift for the Bride

sydneykl726

Hi All, I am the maid of honnor in my best friend's wedding in a couple weeks. I live out of town, but have flown in a few times over the last year for all the typical dress shopping, venue vistis and the sorts. This has also cost me a LOT of money. Between plane tickets, hosting the bachelorette party, the dress, etc, I've spent almost $1,000 being in her wedding. While I love her and would never not want to be a part of her day, I'm only 25 and don't have a ton of money. Is it horribly tacky to not get her a big wedding gift? She's been understanding in terms of budget--not choosing a $300 dress, not demanding we all wear certain shoes and saying thank you everytime I've flown in. But I don't think she realizes exactly how much everything has addded up costing. Just thinking about having to spend another $100 is making me go crazy everytime I look at my bank account. Help!

HandBanana

A gift isn't mandatory for a wedding.  I would say a card would even be more than enough.

She is lucky to a MOH that could spend that much on flights to help plan and is still stressing about giving her a gift.

vsgal

My MOH did not give us a wedding gift.  For me, it was not a big deal.  I was thrilled just to have her stand next to me.  I would not stress about it.  Give her something you can afford, if anything.  There is no rule that you have to give her a gift, and she should not hold it against you for not doing so.

em01092

You have already spent so much and are under no obligation to spend more. Your friend should understand that, if she is a good friend. If you feel so inclined, you can get her something else later on when your finances recover. 

pgcp

I would write her a heart felt letter and if you want, choose a sentimental gift that isn't pricey.

gananoque

Give her something personal and sentimental. Maybe frame a favourite photo of the two of you. Better yet - if you've been friends for a long time, make a copy of an old photo of the two of you together and then get your hands on a wedding photo of the two of you and put them together in a double frame.

Or secretly contact the wedding florist and ask for a few representative flowers from the bride's bouquet, dry them and do something crafty with them (even something as simple as pot pouri).

It's the thought that counts!

bstent

I agree with PPs. While I did give the brides gifts when I was a bridesmaid/MOH in three weddings, I did not have to pay for flights or trips, so I hadn't spent as much (I'd say ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the three weddings) Personally, I would much prefer spending time with my sisters and close friends (my bridesmaids) than have them buy me a gift, and that's basically what you've given her. A heartfelt card or letter, and a sentimental gift if you choose, would be more than enough.

covejack

Oh my gosh no.  I don't think you need to get an extravagant gift for her as well.  You've been a great MOH!  Use one of the gift suggestions pp's have given.  There are some great ideas!

sydneykl726

Thanks all! I feel much better going sans big gift. After the wedding (and once my finances recover!) I think I may give her a framed photo of us from way back in the day and one from the wedding. That is a really great idea!

utegoggles

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_moms-maids_moh-gift-bride?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:357Discussion:1f801515-cded-45aa-8b64-0ba317a8771bPost:63d433ae-dde8-4713-9524-da206b2d49b0">Re: MOH Gift for the Bride</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks all! I feel much better going sans big gift. After the wedding (and once my finances recover!) I think I may give her a framed photo of us from way back in the day and one from the wedding. That is a really great idea!
Posted by sydneykl726[/QUOTE]

<div>This is a cute idea! I agree with PP. You've spent enough when it's all said and done for her day, she won't expect anything from you!</div>