Bridesmaid Gifts-Not Sure How Much Is Enough?

I agree with those above who have said that there isn't some magical price to what you should spend on your bridesmaids. I've been a bridesmaid many times, and have ranged from receiving no gifts, lots of gifts, or gifts that were related to the wedding (earrings to wear during the ceremony). I never came away feeling any different about the wedding, the bride, or my role in the wedding, no matter what gift I received. It's a nice token, but like any gift, it's the thought behind it that matters more than the amount spent. A nice card, thoughtfully written by the bride, would mean more to me than a coach wristlet that the bride only bought because she felt she had to spend X amount of dollars on me.

That being said, I AM buying fun little gifts for my bridesmaids. But mainly because I'm enjoying the process of looking for things I know they would love, and I've always been someone who likes to buy little gifts for my friends. But I'm definitely not spending a certain amount because I feel like I'm supposed to.

I spent about $30 each. I got them a tote bag, a picture frame, some tropical smelling lotion, a sarong (for getting ready, but it can also be used as a scarf in the winter or a swim cover-up), a pearl bracelet, a pad of sticky notes, and a little survival kit with things like bandaids and nail files. I will also write them a nice note. It cost me about $30 per person. For the two weddings I've been in I think the cost has been less than this but it was just perfect. With each gift I personalized them so I think they'll like it! They're pretty simple girls so I know they're not going to expect a designer clutch or anything!

Buy things on sale so you can buy more A monogrammed tote from the knot during a sale will be $8 and you can usually get free shipping plus another 15-20% off. Maybe a nice big 3 wick candle from bath and body works. They are usually $11 and you can use a $10 off a $30 purchase. The Dollar Tree has nice wine glasses for $1!! There are many options. Just shop around and look for sales!

I have to agree with Gamecock on this one. There is nothing wrong with giving wedding jewelry as a gift, especially if it is something you know they will wear again. When I was a BM, I received a nice pair of earrings (not required to wear at the wedding but we all did) and a hair comb for the wedding. I treasure the earrings I got and think fondly of my SIL whenever I wear them.

That being said, I think that if you go this route, its important to know your girls' tastes and styles and pick them out something they WILL wear again. If they wear it just for the wedding, its like gifting them their bouquet in my opinion and not enough.

I am someone that loves to pick out the perfect gift; something that fits the person just right. For bridesmaid gifts it will be no different. I plan to give my bm gifts that are picked out for each of them. It really isn't about how much you spend, but the thought and effort into picking out something that fits them. I think that means no wedding related gifts.

I don't know how much jewelry I have that I bought for a special occasion and never wore again because it isn't everyday jewelry. Buying a necklace for you bm that you want them to wear regardless of if it is them or if they will wear it again, isn't a very thoughtful gift. It isn't that the wedding related gifts are inherently bad, it is just that often times they aren't personal and won't be used again. If your wedding related gift was picked out as something personal to your bridal party with them in mind, that could be a thoughtful gift. I just think it is nicer to pick something out for each girl like you are shopping for just her for her birthday.

When I was in my first wedding, I didn't even realize bridesmaids were supposed to be given gifts. I, personally, do not join any bridal parties for the gifts. And while I understand the sentiment behind it--that you're showing your appreciation for all the work they put in, my POV is that my "appreciation" is seeing my friend get married happily.

So....spend what you can on stuff that you think they would like.

Don't buy them anything for the wedding.

Buy them what you think they would like and what fits in your budget. Dont spend more than you can afford just because that's how much you are "supposed" to spend. I doubt they agreed to be a part of your wedding because they think they are going to get a really expensive gift.

Just got an email this morning from The Knot. Check out the sale and clearance pages. If you find something you like, you can get an additional 15% off $50+ with code WINTER15, or you can get 25% off on orders over $99. Those discounts are taken on top of the sale and clearance prices. Just a heads up They run sales like that all the time.

ETA: Just checked out the sale. There isn't anything good right now. But keep an eye out.

I had 11....and we were on a tight budget because I was paying for the whole thing. I got them silk robes, a wood hanger, and earrings. It was about $60 per girl and they loved everything. They told me thanks a million times and I still get texts that the girls wear their robes (weddingprepgals). I got them plain champagne ones bc alot of them were getting married soon so they have all taken them on their honeymoon. Dont feel obligated to spend a certain amount, but def give them all special gifts esp if alot of them are travleing!

My college roommate crocheted her BMs blankets. She didn't spend a lot but they obv took time. I love mine. Another friend gave us bracelets to wear with our initials to wear for the wedding and then a fresh water pearl necklace. People don't agree to be a BM with the gift in mind. I have a MOH (sister) and a jr BM (FH's daughter) and I'm getting them name necklaces, tote bags, and make up bags. They are the ladies in my life that I would spend the most for, so price is not really an issue. For FH's daughter, we are also buying her dress and then both post-wedding accommodations. I also plan to take them for mani/pedis the day before.

I have 5 BMs and I am planning on getting them silk robes and painted personalized wine glasses. Each wine glass is $28 and the robes are roughly $30 each. So basically spending about $60 each which isn't bad considering they're paying for their dress, alterations, helping out with the bridal shower and planning my bachelorette...I wish i can give them more!!

I understand you. I have 11 bridesmaids, but I am finding small things for them and waiting on sales. The bridal party jewelry sets I bought on sale from charming charlie for Buy one get one free. They actually have that sale now if you're interested. I missed the knot sale so I hope they have that again before my wedding so I can get personalized cosmetic bags and compact mirrors. I'm also going to get them some bath and body works stuff during their next big sale, plus I know someone who works there so I can get a discount and I earn points on my debit card that I can exchange for bath and body works gift cards.

Using sales, etsy, and small shops, I got my girls a wristlet ($6), tote ($5), jewelry not for the wedding ($5-$15, I found amazing deals!!!), all natural soap ($5), a picture of myself and them (in simple frame, $2), and I wrote each of them a letter to thank them and tell them how much they mean to me. So I spent roughly $25 on each girl, completely not wedding related (I am paying for their hair and providing a house to stay in). It can be done!

Oh wow. I went way overboard I guess. Well, at least according to what everyone else has done!

I got cute fossil bags (on sale for $17). I decided that since all the girls will be 'hosting' my shower, I will give those to them with maybe some lotions inside as a thank you.

For the wedding I bought kate spade wristlets (78), freshwater pearl bracelets which came with bonus earrings on sale from $100 something to (21) (I think). I am going to get tumblers for each girl so they can use getting ready. They were all fine with having hair done, but since the girl is coming to us, I think I will just pay for all of their hair and makeup. We are going a mani/pedi the day before but they will cover that. I was thinking I needed to add more, but I guess I don't. Oh I also got them bracelets when I asked them as a thank you for accepting which were around $30

I'm spending a little over $100 per person (6 bms) and a little more for the MOH (I'm also getting her dress for her). I'm also providing them with hair and makeup, although I'm bot requiring anything specific. They'll all be traveling from far and wide for the wedding so although I could spend less, I wanna do more to thank them for coming.

I bought my girls compacts and make-up bags with their names and the date of the wedding (see below). I figured you can never have enough little bags and/or mirrors. Right now it was $22 a girl. I'm also planning on adding some stuff to make it like a pedicure bag (nail polish, filer, the things you put between your toes). And prob a few things of candy (because who doesn't like candy). I was thinking about adding ovie tickets to the Regal (that can be used at any time and don't expire). It'll prob end up being about $50 a girl--I have 4. All of my girls really like going to the movies and doing their nails lol.

It's not super expensive, but I wanted it to be useful, personal and to show how much I appreciate them.

I would go on Etsy.com and search "bridesmaids gifts". Sometimes, there are specials if your buyinig 5+ items.

I seriously get so irritated when this topic comes up and people say you can't get them something that has to do with the wedding or that they'll wear in the wedding, etc. that is just so ridiculous. where did this rule come from???? the whole point that they're even getting a gift is because they are IN A WEDDING. they shouldn't even be expecting anything. i think it's supposed to be an honor to be picked to be in the wedding and if you get a gift on top of it that's great. now i got gifts for my bridesmaids and spent a lot of money on them b/c it was important to me but i don't think it should be mandatory or anything for gods sakes. they're not going to hate you if you don't get them something extravagant and if they do then you need to reconsider your friends/family.

i am in a friends wedding in march and if she didn't get me anything i would not be offended honestly. i'm excited to stand next to her and see her get married. god dang.

I got necklaces that were about $20 from etsy

Vintage hankies that were my grandmother's

Totes from the knot on sale for about $10

I bought their dresses for about $70

I'm also going to throw in some fun bath stuff from lush, probably $15-$20 each

So far I bought my bridesmaids and MOH jewellery for the wedding which I got a really great deal on, I am also getting them wine glasses. I bought them each a scarf -non wedding related. I will also be getting them something else but i'm not sure yet, I plan for it to be something specific to each woman. I got really good prices and so far have spent about $20 on each. My total will probably be around $50 per bridesmaid.