bridesmaid gifts/etiquette

[saster]

Hi Ladies,

So I have a question about bridesmaids gifts - I''m not very familiar with all of the wedding planning "rules" etc, yet, so thank you in advance for your input!

I am paying for my bridesmaids'' dresses, hair and make up, should I also be getting them a gift as a thank you for their participation in the wedding, or do those things count as their gifts?

We are paying for the dresses etc, because four out of five bridesmaids are traveling quite a distance to the wedding, two from across the country, so I didn''t want to place anymore financial burden on them than necessary. I''m ecstatic that they are all going out of their way to be there for me on the day of, and want to make sure they know how much I appreciate it.

Should I also get them a gift?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That is very generous of you to pay for their dresses! I do think a small gift would be in order. Maybe some pearl studs or something that you''d want them to wear at the wedding?

 

[shertz1981]

Actually, I''m in the same boat. Paid for the BM dresses.

I am going to get them monogrammed LL Bean Boat N Totes in the BM dress color (navy).

I''m also planning to get them flipflops (probably the metallic ones from Old Navy), cute cosmetics bags or compact mirrors (hello, Etsy), and a nice wrap.

 

[purselover]

I would get them something smaller to show your appreciation, perhaps a wristlet or some nicely scented shower gels from Philosophy?

 

[saster]

Thanks for your replies, ladies!

I''m thinking I will get them bracelets or a pendant that they can wear on/after the wedding day, or, maybe manis/pedis at the hotel spa the day before or morning of the wedding.

shertz1981 - I love your idea of cosmetic bags or compact mirrors. That''s a great idea. I am an Etsy addict! And looking for gifts for the girls is giving me a whole new reason to peruse the site LOL

 

[CurlySue]

Wow!! I wish I had been bridesmaids in your weddings, ladies!!

I have been a bridesmaid seven or eight times (I lost count over the years - but all but one were weddings I traveled for), and I NEVER had my dress totally paid for.

On one occasion, the bride picked up a percentage of the dress cost b/c it was a very expensive BM dress, but she also paid for hair and make up. Then after the wedding, she sent each BM a framed photo of the BMs with her; I thought that was a nice gesture but totally unnecessary.

Personally, if I were your bridesmaids, I would not be upset or feel put out if there was no other gift since the dress, makeup and hair are paid for... but I think I my opinion may be in the minority.

I think if you want the girls to wear the same jewelry or same wrap or something - well, then that''s a different story. You could get them that as another gift and leave it at that.

 

[Haven]

I really don''t think you need to buy them any additional gifts, as it sounds like you are being very generous already. I would have loved it if my friends paid for my bridesmaid dresses rather than giving me small token gifts.

 

[nkarma]

Date: 1/19/2010 3:17:56 PM
Author: Haven
I really don''t think you need to buy them any additional gifts, as it sounds like you are being very generous already. I would have loved it if my friends paid for my bridesmaid dresses rather than giving me small token gifts.

I agree. I am more a practical person though.