Hey there, beautiful brides-to-be! Welcome to the Elle Mae Bridal blog. Today, we’re diving deep into one of our favorite wedding topics: bridesmaid gifts. Your bridesmaids are your ride-or-die squad, the ones who’ve been there for you through every wedding planning meltdown, late-night venting session, and champagne-fueled celebration. Now it’s time to show them some love with the perfect thank-you gift!
At Elle Mae Bridal here in Magnolia, TX, we know that every bride (and every budget) is different. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to bridesmaid gifts, ranging from sweet and simple DIY options to boujie splurges. We’ve even thrown in some unconventional ideas for those brides who like to think outside the box!
Before we get into our gift ideas, let’s talk about why bridesmaid gifts are so important. These gifts are more than just a nice gesture – they’re a way to express your gratitude for all the time, effort, and love (and sometimes money) your bridesmaids have invested in your big day. A thoughtful gift can also serve as a lasting memento of your friendship and the special role they played in your wedding.
Now, let’s explore our gift ideas, starting with the most budget-friendly options and working our way up to the more lavish gifts. We’ll cover everything from DIY projects to store-bought presents, and even some totally unexpected ideas that will knock their socks off! Just so you know, we do not make any commission on any of the products listed!
Budget-Friendly DIY Bridesmaid Gift Options
1. Homemade Bath Salts For Your Bridesmaids
Mix Epsom salts with a few drops of essential oils and some dried flowers for a luxurious, spa-like treat. Package them in pretty jars with custom labels for a personal touch.
Recipe: Mix 2 cups of Epsom salts, 1/2 cup of sea salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Add dried flowers like lavender or rose petals for an extra special touch.
2. Customized Tote Bags
Buy plain canvas tote bags and use fabric paint or iron-on transfers to add each bridesmaid’s name or a fun quote. These make great bags for the wedding day essentials!
Fun Quote Ideas:
- “Bride Squad”
- “[Your Name]’s I Do Crew”
3. Friendship Bracelets
Channel your summer camp days and make personalized friendship bracelets. Choose colors that match your wedding palette for a subtle tie-in to your big day.
Tutorial: Check out YouTube for easy friendship bracelet tutorials. The diagonal striped pattern is a classic and not too difficult for beginners.
4. Personalized Wine Labels
Design and print custom labels for wine bottles. You can include a fun photo, a thank you message, or even a timeline of your friendship.
Tip: Use removable labels so your bridesmaids can keep the bottles as keepsakes after enjoying the wine.
Affordable Store-Bought Bridesmaid Gift Options
5. Personalized Makeup Bags
Available in our Elle Mae Bridal boutique, these cute makeup bags can be personalized with each bridesmaid’s name or initials. Perfect for holding wedding day essentials!
Tip: Fill the bags with some budget-friendly beauty essentials like lip gloss, nail polish, or a mini perfume.
Buy these personalized makeup bags here!
6. Personalized Jewelry
Simple, personalized necklaces or bracelets with initials or birthstones are always a hit. Check out our selection at Elle Mae Bridal for some adorable options!
Styling Tip: Choose versatile pieces that can be worn with the bridesmaid dresses and beyond.
Get these personalized necklaces here!
7. Mini Succulents
These low-maintenance plants make adorable gifts. You can find small succulents in cute pots at many garden centers or online.
Care Tip: Include a little card with care instructions to ensure your green gift thrives.
8. Personalized Stationery Set
A set of personalized notecards or a monogrammed notebook is a thoughtful gift for the stationery lovers in your bridal party.
Idea: Include a nice pen to complete the set. Check here for inspiration!
Mid-Range Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
9. Matching Robes or PJs
Get ready in style with matching robes or pajama sets. These make for great getting-ready photos and can be used long after the wedding.
Photo Op: Plan a fun pajama party photoshoot with your bridesmaids the night before the wedding!
Buy these personalized robes here!
P.S. Lauren is local and these ship from Tomball, TX!
10. Personalized Wine Glasses
For the wine lovers, custom etched wine glasses with each bridesmaid’s name make for a fun and practical gift.
Pairing Idea: Include a bottle of wine and some gourmet snacks for a complete gift set.
11. Experience Gifts
Consider gifting experiences like a manicure, a cooking class, or tickets to a local attraction. These create memories that last beyond the wedding day.
Local Ideas: Look for unique experiences in Magnolia or nearby Houston, like a food tour or a pottery class.
Design Tip: Choose towels in your wedding colors and add each bridesmaid’s name or initials.
12. Silk Pillowcases
Luxurious silk pillowcases are great for hair and skin, making them a pampering gift your bridesmaids will love.
Beauty Tip: Pair with a sleep mask for the ultimate beauty sleep set.
Luxe Bridesmaid Gift Options
13. Designer Clutch Bags
A beautiful clutch bag that can be used on the wedding day and beyond is a luxurious and practical gift. We have some gorgeous options at Elle Mae Bridal!
Styling Suggestion: Choose clutches that complement your bridesmaid dresses but can also be used for other occasions.
14. Fine Jewelry
If your budget allows, consider gifting each bridesmaid a piece of fine jewelry. This could be anything from delicate necklaces to elegant earrings.
Tip: Choose classic pieces that will stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come.
15. Luxury Skincare Sets
Treat your bridesmaids to some pampering with high-end skincare or makeup sets. They’ll feel pampered and ready to glow on your big day!
Brands to Consider: Look for sets from brands like Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, or La Mer for a true luxury experience.
Get the Drunk Elephant The Littles Kit here!
16. Weekend Getaway
For the ultimate splurge, consider gifting your bridesmaids a weekend getaway. This could be a spa retreat, a beach trip, or a fun glamping adventure!
Texas Ideas: Outdoorsy is the Hill Country’s newest glamping retreat!
Out-of-the-Box Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
18. Customized Sneakers
For the sporty bridesmaids, consider getting custom sneakers with their names or wedding details. Perfect for dancing the night away!
Idea: Use sites like Nike By You or Vans Customs to create one-of-a-kind kicks.
19. Vintage Books
If your bridesmaids are bookworms, hunt down beautiful vintage editions of their favorite books for a thoughtful and unique gift.
Extra Touch: Include a personalized bookmark with a heartfelt message.
20. Time Capsule Kit
Put together a time capsule kit for each bridesmaid with items that represent your friendship. Include instructions to open it on a special date in the future.
What to Include: Photos, small mementos, a letter from you, and predictions for the future.
Remember, the best bridesmaid gifts come from the heart. Whether you choose something from our Elle Mae Bridal collection, opt for a DIY project, or go for something totally out of the box, your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate the thought and effort you put into thanking them.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts:
1. Consider their individual tastes and interests. While matching gifts can be fun, don’t be afraid to tailor each gift to the recipient.
2. Think about practicality. Gifts that can be used beyond the wedding day are often appreciated.
3. Don’t forget the presentation! Even a simple gift can be elevated with beautiful wrapping or packaging.
4. Timing is everything. Give your gifts at the rehearsal dinner or at a special bridesmaids’ luncheon before the wedding.
5. Include a heartfelt note. Sometimes, your words of appreciation can mean more than any physical gift.
6. Don’t stress too much. Your bridesmaids love you and will appreciate your gesture, regardless of the price tag.
Celebrating Your Bridesmaid’s At Elle Mae Bridal
And hey, while you’re thinking about your bridesmaids, why not bring them along to Elle Mae Bridal for a fun day of dress shopping? We’d love to help you and your squad find the perfect bridesmaid dresses to complement your gorgeous wedding gown. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get a feel for what styles they like, which could help inform your gift choices!
Remember, at Elle Mae Bridal, we’re not just here to help you find your dream dress – we’re here to support you through every step of your wedding journey. From choosing bridesmaid dresses to selecting the perfect accessories (which, by the way, could also make great bridesmaid gifts!), we’ve got you covered.
We hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for thanking your awesome bridesmaids. Whether you go the DIY route, choose something from our boutique, or opt for an out-of-this-world unconventional gift, the most important thing is that it comes from your heart.
Happy gifting, brides! And don’t forget to stop by Elle Mae Bridal in Magnolia, TX for all your wedding fashion needs. We can’t wait to be part of your big day!
* no affiliate links were used in this article