Asking bridal party with gifts

At first I wanted to do gifts to ask them, but I got too impatient and put together a little slideshow with pics of me and then, and asking them at the end. they all loved it and it was 0 cost!!

I sent scratchoff cards from a shop at Etsy. They were personalized and my girls seemed to like it.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/398686267/bridesmaid-proposal-card-funny-scratch?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1

I had everyone in my party send me their favorite recipes and I made them all cookbooks combining everyone's recipes then threw a dinner party with food from the cookbooks. It turned out great. Just an idea. I dont think gifts are required and there are alternatives if you still want to do something nice without spending a lot of money on gifts.

I didn’t ask my maid or matron of honor with a gift. I didn’t want them to feel pressured to say yes, and would rather get them a nicer gift during the wedding instead of dropping unnecessary $$ to ask them beforehand.

Totally hear you on this! I think it really depends on you and you’re friends/family group and your relationship with them. I am not an “extra” person, so I plan on just using a cute card to ask. They’ll get bridesmaids gifts later. Good luck and congrats!

I say only if you want to. I did not. I made personalized text with their names and a picture that made me think of them and our relationship asking them to be bridesmaid's etc.

I didn't use gifts. All of my bridesmaids and my SO's people were honored to be a part of the party. I am planning on making gift boxes (~10-15 per person) for the wedding day, but only putting in things I know they would actually use (ie. specialty loose leaf teas and honey).

I didnt do gifts

No. You should read the book, “A Practical Wedding.” There are all kinds of traditions in the media that will make you feel like you have to spend money to be adequate, but they’re not actually traditional. I would say that you should do what you want to do. I didn’t even ask my sisters - I just told them, because they’re my sisters! Don’t buy too much into the whole “offending people” thing. Your guests are the people who you love that love you, so anyone who would be lightly offended shouldn’t be on your guest list. Stated another way - screw up your invites, serve pie instead of cake, or have a bouncy house - your family and friends will love you any way.

I bought cute little cards from Amazon that they scratched off to read Will you be my bridesmaid? /flower girl and gave everyone a luggage tag (which I got on clearance) since the wedding is destination in Flirida. Altogether, it cost me less than $50 and I only had to buy 4 total.
However, I don't think any of them would have been offended if I had just asked. Do what feels right for you.

I asked each of mine individually without gifts. I was at breakfast with one, getting drinks with another, and sent the third one a card that said "I found my lobster, but I can't get married without my girls by my side. Will you be my bridesmaid?" She lives out of state and we both love the TV show Friends.

They were all super excited and didn't care that I didn't do gifts like many people do now.

I will certainly be getting them all gifts for wedding day as a thank you, though!

I gave small gifts and a card when I asked all my bridesmaids, but I do not think it is necessary at all! This is your wedding, you can ask with gifts or not ask with gifts!

My friends were actually surprised that I gave them a small gift (candle, bath bomb and coffee to brew from a local coffee shop). But they appreciated it. Either way I don’t think they will care

View Quoted Comment Yes, Alexis, Yes! Such a great mentality to have. Do what’s important to you and your fiancé - not what other people “expect” of you.

Not necessary, and if I were in wedding party, I would be afraid that the bride is going be high maintenance, want multiple showers, out of town bachelorette, etc.

It's really up to you! I only gave my BMs and MOH gifts closer to the wedding

I didn't do this at first until I saw a wine glass that summed up exactly what I did. I was texting my bridesmaid about my planning etc and I blurted out well you know you're going to be in it right. So when I saw the glass that said B****, please you're obviously going to be my bridesmaid I had to get it for her. She loved it and so I decided for the only other one to get her a little something to. I didn't spend much but it was cute thoughtful and personal. I did send a scratch off card to my ring bearer too. He's 5 so I'm sure he had fun with it. I think in the end it depends on you and the friends you're asking as to how and when you ask. Personal is always better and their your friends you know them the best.

However I'm now wondering how much to spend on the gifts you would normally give as thank you/mementos for them? I don't want to sound cheap or like I'm coping out but I spent $20-30 already so would it be too little for a $10-20 gift again?

I was way too excited to look for gift ideas. I couldn't wait to ask my best friends to be a part of our day. I am also limited by time, so I wanted to make sure they could start planning (two live in another state). I will spoil my girls with a few gifts in the days leading up to the wedding and the day of.

I did gifts not because I was worried about offending them but because I wanted to make them realize they are just as important to me as the wedding! I got face masks, hand lotion, and sticky notes from amazon for all less than $10 each. I don't think any of them would be offended if they are truly your friends!

I didn't do gifts, and I was never in a wedding party where I was given a gift.