How much to spend on BM gifts?

Megnutz33

How much is appropriate to spend on each bridesmaid for a gift? Most of my bridesmaids are traveling from out of town for the shower, dress measurements, bachelorette party, and wedding so I would really like to get them fabulous gifts, but I'm not sure how much to spend on each person. Any thoughts?

bablingbrooke

No hard and fast rule.  Spend what you feel comfortable with.

blackfire5th

Ditto pp, spend what you can afford.  If you have the money, you can also try to cover some of their travel costs.

leah51

Whatever you can I didn't spent a whole lot but personalized each gift the best I can.  picture in a frame..potted plant with favorite memories written on the outside. And then you can still get another gift.  I focused on staying within my price range and knew that they would like whatever I got them

FutureMrsKnapp2010

I was wondering the same thing. Most of my BM are coming from out of town too! And I really want to get them something great,but I am so lost and confused on what to actually get them and how much to spend. I don't really even know how much to budget for?

leah51

I can def agree and shop like it's their birthday or chirstmas..Many times a more personalized gift means more the the typical ones you see all over the magazines.. I did stress over the BM gifts for a while like my sister said to me.  Price out all of the major things first adding in a few extra hundred to an extra thousand for overages and then see what you are able to do.  Just because they are coming from out of town doesnt mean they need a bigger and better gift there are many ways to show your appreciation for being in your wedding.  And down to favors I love things that really can be used again!! Good luck.

ffmaid

Spend based on your budget but in proportion to what you are asking of them. A nice considerate gift that is their style and they will enjoy that cost$10 is nicer then $100 worth of bridesmaids embroidered junk that they have no use for.
The gift however should not be $5 if you are asking for $400 very wang bridesmaids gowns. Think at least 20-50% of what you are asking them to spend on bridesmaid attire.

CTGirl30

1. Consider your budget. Go from there once you have an amount determined per girl that you feel comfortable spending.
2. Shop as if it's her birthday or a holiday - what would she normally like in those instances? Consider her style, taste, preferances - please no kitschy "Bridesmaid!" totebags...when is anyone ever going to use one of those again after your wedding day?

3. Are they flying in to town? If so, consider that she'll have to bring it back home with her by plane so try not to give her anything bulky or cumbersome (bottles of booze or a big potted plant might not be best in that scenario). Gift cards might work especially well in that situation , though (Victoria;s Secret, her fave resteraunt or spa, etc - again, consider her tastes and preferences).

jenn.daniel

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_much-spend-bm-gifts?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:658ef2e8-a420-4d22-8d44-0d2742f8c11aPost:8dc450bf-9701-4569-8cd8-ef7401825229">Re: How much to spend on BM gifts?</a>:
[QUOTE] Are they flying in to town? If so, consider that she'll have to bring it back home with her by plane so try not to give her anything bulky or cumbersome (bottles of booze or a big potted plant might not be best in that scenario).
Posted by CTGirl30[/QUOTE]

I'm thinking about a book based on her own tastes and then something more girlie like a pedicure set.  Costco sells books for less than in a bookstore, and just watch for sales.  It's really not about spending a certain amount.

banana468

It isn't about a certain amount although if you know a BM is going to be spending quite a lot of money to be there for you and has already done fantastic stuff, a $20 book is IMO not sufficient.

So weigh your options and give based on your love and affection.

There isn't set budget for Christmas gifts in my family however I know that I'm not going to spend $20 on DH either. 

Megnutz33

Thanks for all of the suggestions, these are very helpful! I definitely want to get them things they can use again. I love the idea of gift cards, that way they can get exactly what they want. How much have other people spent on their bridesmaids?

lalap69

Be careful with gift cards.  Some start charging fees that come off of them after a certain number of months, and the amount comes out of the GC.  If your BM's are anything like me, they might not realize that until there's nothing left on the card.

GL!

gottahavashorti

I've never heard of gift cards expiring or having charges deducted, unless they're at least 1-2 years old.  It should say on the back when they expire, some say that they expire in 24 months unless not permitted by state law.