Your bridesmaids will pay anywhere from a small to exorbitant sum out of pocket to be in your wedding, so when considering how much to spend on a bridesmaids gift, base it on how much you have asked your bridesmaids to spend. Usually $75-$150 is a good range to allocate for the gifts, but it depends on the price and scope of your wedding. You just need to make sure your gift adequately says “Thank you”.
Time Frame
Purchase the bridesmaids gifts no more than a month or two before the wedding. You don’t want to procrastinate on buying such an important item. Also keep your eyes open for great offers from “daily deal” Web sites or plan to go shopping at a time when stores are running deep discounts such as Black Friday. Outlet stores and malls are great places to shop as are stores that are going out of business. If you’re already a bargain hunter these tactics should already come naturally to you and chances are you are already using them for the rest of your wedding. For a truly memorable gift, consider having something made from your bridesmaids by browsing Etsy or a similar page. Since your maid of honor has more responsibilities, it is absolutely fine (if not expected) to get her a nicer gift—and don’t forget your flower girl or any junior bridesmaids.
When to Give
Bridesmaids’ gifts are usually given at the rehearsal dinner, especially if it is an item you want them to wear during the wedding. The gifts can also be distributed at a bridal luncheon or even the bridal shower. If someone other than your maid of honor throws you a bridal shower you should present your hostess (es) with a special thank-you gift.
Not One Size Fits All
You do not have to purchase the same gift for each of your bridesmaids. In fact, selecting a different gift for each lady that fits her in particular shows that you put a lot of time and though into your gifts. If you purchase the same thing for everyone and intend for them to wear it at the wedding, make sure it can be used again outside your wedding. Also ask yourself if this is a gift you would like to receive, which is a great litmus test is making your decision. The want versus need method of thinking can also be useful, especially if you are leaning toward a gift that is adorable and creative rather than useful. For example, if you are giving your bridesmaids necklaces, consider placing the necklaces in jewelry boxes with each of their names engraved on them. Not only is this a lovely and personal gift, it is something useful.
One size does not fit all also applies to the budget for the gifts. You might see the perfect item for someone that was originally $50 but marked down to $25 but you spent $30 on all of the other gifts. This does not matter, especially if you run across the perfect thing for someone and you know they will love it. Just shop from the heart and you should be able to find the perfect gifts for your perfect price.
