What to get bridesmaids as gifts

Whether you are getting married in the UK or US, it is a right of passage to get your bridesmaids a small gift that shows your appreciation of them and their special role in your wedding. Read on for bridesmaid gift ideas to suit all budgets.

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How much should you spend on bridesmaids gifts?

Bridesmaid gifts do not need to be extravagant. While the entire budget and spend per item should be adapted dependent on the number of bridesmaids you have, an estimate should be between £15 – 35 ($20 - $40) for each lady: This will allow you to get something beautiful and lasting without being showy.

In the UK, gifts can be even smaller as the bride often pays for the bridesmaid dresses, and this is viewed as the main gift – especially if the dresses are to your bridesmaids’ liking.

What to get my bridesmaids as gifts

Below are the most popular jewellery, accessory and personalised bridesmaid gift ideas.

Bridesmaid jewellery gift ideas

Delicate earrings to wear on the day – these can be either studs or earrings that drop but should have a little sparkle. Avoid getting earrings that are too cheap as you want to ensure that they will last beyond the day and will not discolour. When picking earrings, try to keep to one style all the girls will love or get pairs that will complement each girl's style.

Bracelets – a fine silver, Initials or glitzy bracelet is a popular choice as it can be worn at any time. If opting for bridesmaid bracelets, it is recommended to go with a named brand or check the quality of the metal used. With bracelets, it is recommended to get the same style for all of the girls or one slightly different for your maid of honour.

Pendant necklaces – in general quality necklaces will be too expensive for a bridesmaid gift, but a slightly cheaper option is to select a pendant necklace, which has each bridemaids name or initial on it.

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Bridesmaid accessory gift ideas

A glitzy clutch - a small clutch or handbag is a useful item that will get re-used all the time for special occassions as a lasting reminder of your friendship

Travel wrap or shawl - a soft cotton or silky wrap will be a useful gift for autumnal or spring weddings. Try to get this in a colour that your bridesmaids adore so it will be worn after your wedding

Ballerina pumps - buying each girl a pair of pretty flats will show that you have thought about their comfort all day and these shoes will be a useful addition to any wardrobe

Dressing gown - if opting for dressng gowns give these the night before and make sure that they are pretty and re-useable. It is wise to stick away from any tacky embellishment

Personalised bridesmaid gift ideas

A framed photo of you both - try to find a picture of a moment that you both treasure together and either get some wording engraved or pick a frame that will suit her style.

Necklace with her initial - necklaces with an initial were popular in the 90s and are a perfect girlfriend gift that your bridesmaids can wear anytime..

Personalised compact mirror - a compact engraved with a personalised message or including your bridesmaids' nicknames will be a useful gift.

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Where to shop for bridesmaids gifts

There are no end of woman’s accessory and gift shops, but if you are undecided what to get it is wise to go to shops with a wide range of items.

For stationary and keepsakes it is worth visiting; Typo, Paperchase or Oliver Bonas

For accessories it is worth visiting; TK Maxx or Debenhams

For jewellery, it is worth visiting; Accessorise or John Lewis

For pamper gifts it is worth visiting; The Body Shop or Lush

Where to get bridesmaids gifts online

Etsy has a lot of unique sellers who specialise in personalised gifts and packaging that will ensure your bridesmaids feel special. If opting for an Etsy product, check the reviews of the seller, postage costs and timescales for delivery before ordering.

Getting personal is a good option for cheaper personalised gifts that come directly from other businesses rather than being made to order. If opting for a product from Getting Personal, do a google search on the item to check independent reviews first.

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When to give your bridesmaids their gifts

To ensure that your bridesmaids get time to appreciate your gift and potentially wear it on the day, it is a nice touch to give gifts in the morning/afternoon as you are getting ready. Aim to provide gifts once you are all dressed and together as this is a sweet moment for your wedding photographer to capture.

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