Just two posts left in my Bridesmaid 101 Series that I started...a while ago!
These tips come straight from the trenches of my bridesmaid days! Whether you're an expert or just got asked to be in your first wedding, this series is for you! The truth is that weddings are full of gray areas- what exactly are you responsible for as a bridesmaid? That answer depends on who you ask, and when I was a bridesmaid for the first time, I knew nothing. Learn from my mistakes and you won't have to make your own :)
These tips come straight from the trenches of my bridesmaid days! Whether you're an expert or just got asked to be in your first wedding, this series is for you! The truth is that weddings are full of gray areas- what exactly are you responsible for as a bridesmaid? That answer depends on who you ask, and when I was a bridesmaid for the first time, I knew nothing. Learn from my mistakes and you won't have to make your own :)
Today's topic: gifts! This was actually the post that inspired the whole series, because I realized I've given some pretty unique/fun gifts to my bride friends.
First off, to answer the question (I addressed this in B101: the Bridal Shower as well):
Do I need to get a gift if I'm a bridesmaid? I would say: especially if you are traveling for the bachelorette party/wedding, the bride doesn't really expect a gift from you. And certainly not the pricey kitchen appliances or fancy duvet cover off the registry. My mom always taught me to never show up empty-handed, so I really like getting a little something. Maybe even more than the gift, I love writing a card for the new couple.
Do I need to get a gift if I'm a bridesmaid? I would say: especially if you are traveling for the bachelorette party/wedding, the bride doesn't really expect a gift from you. And certainly not the pricey kitchen appliances or fancy duvet cover off the registry. My mom always taught me to never show up empty-handed, so I really like getting a little something. Maybe even more than the gift, I love writing a card for the new couple.
I may make some bride enemies today- as a general rule, no one should get a gift for the new couple that is not on the registry. However- this would be the exception. If your best friend is getting married, who better to know the one thing she really wants but didn't register for, the perfect accessory for her festivities (or honeymoon!), or the forgotten but essential addition to her new home??
These are all examples of little "extra" gifts I've given that have gone over well (but yes, you can ALWAYS get something off the registry for safety.)
+ Kate Spade "Mrs." earrings | This entire collection just begs to be gifted at a bridal shower (dun it!)
+ Kate Spade "Mrs" necklace | Maybe she doesn't have her ears pierced or she's just more of a necklace gal? Done!
+ Kate Spade "Mrs" keychain | If she hates jewelry, but she's still a Mrs (something for everyone thank you Kate!)
+ Address label stamp | This is pure genius for wedding thank you cards (and sharing their new address!)
+ Thank you cards | Even if they have custom thank you cards for wedding guests, the bride will be writing a LOT of cards (for vendors, etc.) Cards are always a safe bet (Rifle Paper Co. even safer!)
+ Honeymoon travel accessories | You know what is so functional and I totally do not own? A passport case and matching luggage tags! The tiniest detail that I bet your friend forgot.
+ Moscow Mule mugs | The perfect accessory for their new favorite cocktail, monogram, optional.
+ His & Hers coffee mugs | Super cute for the morning of the wedding (and every morning forever after.)
+ His & Hers champagne flutes | So pretty & would be great for the wedding toasts (or wedding night toasts!)
+ Recipe box | Especially perfect if you had people contribute a recipe for a shower! This one is customizable!
+ Cookbook | If there's a better date than cooking alongside a partner...I haven't found it! I love to give the Newlywed Cookbook but any one will do. Bonus- write an inscription and skip the card!
+ Spoon dock | I think any pretty kitchen accessory from Anthropologie would do (they have so many!) A spoon dock in particular is something everyone NEEDS but doesn't always HAVE.
Ok- am I totally off base here? Is it ever acceptable to gift something NOT on the registry? What's the best gift you've ever given as a bridesmaid? Share below!
And stay tuned for the conclusion of Bridesmaid 101: a list of good old "Do's & Don'ts"!
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