Your Big Day is approaching rapidly – and while you’ve already decided on the venue, picked your menu and set your eyes on that dreamy gown, your To-Do List is nowhere near done. From curating the perfect playlist to deciding on the centerpieces, the next few months are certainly looking packed. Next, we’re helping you tackle the challenge of shopping for bridesmaid gifts – and we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful & sweet little presents that will go straight to your besties’ hearts.
Do you feel that every responsibility has fallen on your shoulders as the wedding day approaches? On the one hand, you have an opportunity to arrange a wedding from your dreams, all according to your preferences and desires.
On the other hand, every last detail counts – especially when it comes to a group of friends that have accepted a bridesmaid’s responsibility. Each of them deserves a token of gratitude, but your head is buzzing from all the wedding information you need to keep on your mind twenty-four-seven before you dash for that altar.
Have no fear! Here are some neat gift ideas for your bridesmaids to get your imagination going!
Your bridesmaids are the MVPs of your wedding day, the ones who keep you calm before your aisle debut, make sure your dress is perfectly positioned at the altar, and help you with bathroom trips during the reception. To ensure that they know exactly how much they’re appreciated, you’re going to want to pick out some sweet and thoughtful presents that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. The key is to pick items they’ll actually use and that will trigger memories from your wedding for years to come.
● Matching Robes or Tees for Getting Ready —Nothing makes a cuter photo and one you’ll cherish for a lifetime, than you and your girls getting ready on the day of the wedding. Matching satin robes or custom-printed tees will make it extra-special. Tie it all together with a pair of monogrammed slippers for some extra coziness. ● A Candle That Honors Your Friendship —Whether it’s a supremely sweet fragrant love candle or a road trip candle that reminds you of that crazy cross-country trip you took together in college, you can’t go wrong when with the gift of hand-poured aromas. Light the candle throughout all the wedding festivities, such as at the shower and bachelorette party, and then give it as a gift to keep the memory alive when it’s all over. ● Personalized, Matching Makeup Bags —Since you usually give your bridesmaids their gifts on the night of the rehearsal dinner or morning of the wedding, it makes sense to make it something beauty-related. Grab some embroidered makeup bags and stuff them with a few special surprises for a smile-inducing gift. ● A Bottle of Champagne —Obviously you’re going to want to pop a bottle (or four) as you’re getting your hair and makeup done on the big day, but why not use the bubbly as a gift so your girls can enjoy it the next time they’re celebrating something big? You might even consider finishing the bottles with custom labels for the occasion! ● Matching Friendship Necklaces —Remember when you were in third grade and you and your best friend were bonded for life over your half-heart necklaces? This is that all over again but with all your besties, not just one. Get the simple, dainty necklaces with their initials for a personalized but matching option. ● Personalized Note Cards —Everybody wants the opportunity to send a sweet note on their own personal letterhead, and why not? Your bridal party will love opening up a set of custom note cards and envelopes designed in fonts and patterns to match their individual personalities. ● Monogrammed Flats for Post-Photo Dancing —Show what a cool and laid-back bride you are by giving all your girls some comfy, monogrammed ballet flats they can slip into after dinner. Because let’s face it, it’s way better than dancing barefoot (and risking your feet getting crushed) or losing your shoes in the process. You can also surprise them with some flip-flops to ease the pain of wearing heels all day. ● A Box of Custom Chocolates —They say chocolate says, “I love you,” and we think that goes for platonic love, too. There are so many creative chocolatiers out there who make one-of-a-kind candy creations that take gift-giving up a few notches. To get some ideas on chocolate artists who can make you a box like no other, look to Instagram. ● A Self-Care Kit for the Morning After —Acknowledge that being in someone’s wedding can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. After a full weekend of wedding activities, encourage your girls to rest and recoup with a well-stocked self-care basket complete with bath bombs, aromatic oils to diffuse and face masks.
● A Framed Photo of the Whole Crew —During the bridal shower, bachelorette party or dress shopping outing, make sure to have someone take your photo as a group so you can have it printed and framed as a special gift for the whole crew. You might even consider having it printed on wood, glass or fabric for a special twist. ● A Book About Friendship —We don’t want to be too cheesy, but remember that this is the time in your life that you get to be super sentimental with your besties, so take advantage of it. A card and a book about friendship will really get the emotions flowing, no matter if it’s a book of poems or a literary masterpiece focused on friends. ● A Passport Cover —If it’s a destination wedding or if the vast majority of your crew has traveled to be with you on your big day, it makes sense to make your bridesmaids’ gifts travel-inspired. Monogrammed passport covers or luggage tags are always popular among jet-setting crews. ● A Pair of Personalized Sunglasses —Anything you can give your girls that also doubles as a fun photo prop is a win-win for wedding day fun. Give your girls some bold, personalized sunglasses, preferably in a rainbow of hues, and make sure the photographer snaps some pics of everyone sporting them together. ● A Comfy, Monogrammed Blanket —Everyone appreciates the sentiment of a cozy, restful night in, which is why personalized blankets always make popular presents. This is an awesome option for fall and winter weddings, especially, but works year-round, too.
Pair it With a Handwritten Note We know that your to-do list is longer than it has ever been, and spare time is in short supply, but make sure to write each and every one of your bridesmaids a handwritten note to accompany your gift.
It doesn’t have to be long, emotional or perfectly written, but it should come from the heart and let your best friends know how much you appreciate them. With this formula, you can be sure every member of Team Bride will be grinning from ear-to-ear right next to you on your special day.
Your wedding is a milestone event. So, it is only natural that the guests who attend it will want to gift you something valuable and useful on this occasion. A wedding registry is a convenient deal for both the couple and their guests. When you set up a wedding registry, it is easy for your guests to find something that you will appreciate and use in the new chapter of your life. So, if you thought you do not need a wedding registry, you ought to rethink this decision.
Today we look at the do’s and don’ts when setting up a wedding registry as well as some important information you should know about it.
When should you start your wedding registry
While some of your guests will wait till the last minute to get you your gift, others will prefer to complete the task ahead of time. It is best to get your registry ready before you have any wedding-related celebration, like an engagement party. In any case, your registry should be ready seven to nine months before the wedding. Now, if you prefer to wait and do things at leisure, this Brides article suggests that your registry should still be ready in time for your bridal shower. This will ensure your guests have enough time to check it out and find a suitable gift.
Top places to register for wedding gifts
There are several places where you can register for wedding gifts. So, don’t be hasty or limit your choices without first exploring your options. Create a curated list of items that will help you as a couple, and find places where these are available. Once you know what you want, we suggest that you restrict your registry to a few online and in-store locations where the items are available. Many of the suggested retailers offer extra discounts, perks and free gifts for registering with them. So, add it to your watch list.
Wedding registry Etiquette—Do’s and Don’ts couples should know
Do choose from low, medium and high-end stores
Many couples often wonder how many gifts they should register for their wedding. We think it is better to register for more gifts than just what you need. A good rule of thumb is to register for more gifts than you have guests. Your guests will then find it easy to locate an item you prefer. While providing a wide range of items, you should also pick items of varied pricing. Include low, medium and high-end stores to keep your list diverse. This will allow your guests to find a gift that fits their budget without much difficulty. Your guests will also appreciate the fact that you do not expect them to shell out a fortune to get you an expensive gift, if you only register with a high-end store.
Don’t forget to include high-ticket items as well
While it is sensible to add gifts of all price ranges into your list, this doesn’t mean you should exclude expensive gifts entirely. It is likely that there may be at least a few friends, family members or work associates who would prefer to gift you a generous gift. Give them the opportunity to find something that fits their idea by providing at least a few high-end items in your list. As long as your list also has moderately priced items, the rest of your guests can overlook these options and go with one that is within their budget.
Do keep the wedding registry information out of the invitation
It may seem easy to simply put your wedding registry information in the wedding invitation. However, we do not recommend this as it isn’t considered good wedding etiquette. Some experts suggest it is alright to add your wedding registry details to an invitation insert, but never directly on the invitation. Include the name under which the registry is listed, so it is easy for your guests to find the right one.The ideal place to provide your wedding registry details is on your wedding website. You can also share this information with your family and bridal party. They can then pass it on to anyone who asks for it. Although most guests won’t ask you for this detail directly, there is no harm in telling them if a guest chooses to ask you directly.
Don’t ask for money in your registry
Whether you already have all that you need in your home or would prefer cash over gifts, we do not recommending asking for cash in your registry. The traditional expectation from guests is to give a gift in kind, and this is what most prefer. However, if you think its better to receive money, consider registering with a financial registry. This greatly reduces the awkwardness of the situation. These non-traditional registries will allow you to pool your gift money together and buy something bigger. Honeyfund allows couples to register for honeymoon extras through guest gift giving.
Your wedding registry needn’t just have items that are useful for you right now. So don’t limit your options. Think long-term and create a wedding registry ideas list first. Consider what you may need in the years to come. Remember to include special occasions, items you will need for entertaining or even for when your family grows. Set up your registry accordingly, so your guests can get you gifts that may be useful later, if not immediately.
Don’t forget to update your registry on a regular basis
Just so you don’t end up with duplicates of the same item, it is important to review your registry regularly. As you do, remove items that have already been bought and include new items if any. It is a good idea to set up your registry so that you receive updates when an item is purchased. With this option, you will know when to update your registry without personally checking it every time. As the wedding approaches you will have to review your registry more frequently, and keep updating it every time a gift is bought by your guests.
Do keep track of who sent which gift
It is common courtesy and essential wedding etiquette to send thank you notes for all the gifts you received. For this, you should maintain a list to record who sent you what, just as you receive each gift. Either create a list on your mobile device or computer for the purpose. Or write down the names and the name of the gift as and when you receive each of them. At your bridal shower, don’t forget to have one of your bridesmaids note down who got you what if you open the gifts at the venue.
Don’t delay writing your thank you notes
Since thank you notes are time-consuming, it is a good idea to start writing them before the wedding. Common courtesy is to send the thank you notes out soon after you return from your honeymoon. Start with your thank you notes just as your gifts begin arriving. By completing a certain number every week, it will be easier for you to finish them. You can then put them in envelopes and get them ready in time for the wedding. All you have to do afterwards is to post the notes once you are back from your honeymoon.
DO focus on gifts that are useful to you as a couple
The idea of a wedding gift is to give the couples something that will help them grow as a family. Guests also usually prefer to gift items that do not have an expiry date attached to it. So, it isn’t really appropriate to ask for gifts that suit just one of you. Instead focus on items that are useful for entertaining, for your new home or that contribute to a family experience like a trip. Don’t add personal items like shoes, shades, handbags or makeup to your registry.
Don’t hesitate to edit your registry if you have second-thoughts about certain items on it
One good way to avoid regret is to take some time when creating your wedding registry. You may feel that you have a complete registry. However, let it sit for a day or two and then get back to it. This will give you time to recollect if you have missed out anything. Sometimes, it may also be better to edit out certain items from the list, when you go over the list again.
Do take inventory of what you own before setting up your registry
It isn’t always easy to decide what should and what doesn’t have to go on a registry. After looking at what you need in your new life as a couple, also take inventory of the things you already own. As you go through it, you will most likely notice that some of the stuff you already use needs replacing. You may also be adjusting with what you have in certain cases. Use your wedding registry to upgrade these things to serve you better when you are a couple.
Do mix the types of gifts you have on your registry
Everyone has a certain idea of what is an ideal gift. Hence, your guests may prefer certain types of gifts to give you for your wedding. To satisfy this need, keep the items in your registry mixed and there will be a choice that suits everyone. From essentials for a home like towels and linens, add items for entertaining and partying as well as household tools, dishes and equipment that will be useful in your new life together. Heavy-duty kitchenware, basic set of china and good quality bed sheets are definitely useful for all newly weds. So, definitely add these to your list.
Don’t forget to read up on the store’s policies before registering there
If a store stocks most of the things you need, also find out about their shipping, exchange and return policy before registering there. Your guests will prefer to shop at a place where their gifts will be shipped directly to your address. Take a close look at the exchange policies. In case you end up with duplicates of a gift, the exchange or return policy is important to help you switch it out for something else. It will not be easy to exchange your gifts if they allow limited time for it. So, check this out as well. Some stores also offer incentives and discount programs that will give you better benefits when you register with them. Do your research and you can make the most of the available options.
We understand how busy and taxing it is to be a bride, and in most cases the registry isn’t always on the top of your priorities. However, it is folly to let this opportunity slide. Follow this rule list and you shouldn’t have any trouble with setting up and making the most of your wedding registry.
For more updates, advice and help on everything wedding-related, keep visiting us here on the Best for Bride blog. The Best for Bride website is your one-stop wedding destination, featuring most modern wedding dresses, bridal party attires, bridal accessories and everything the modern bride needs for her special day. From designer labels to in-house custom creations, we strive to help you realize the perfect wedding day with our extensive range of wedding services. Visit our website today, to find out how we can help you.
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