Affordable Bridesmaid Gifts They'll Adore

Robes by JustCottons on etsy, photo by Yasmin Dar

Your bridesmaids are your closest friends, developed over a lifetime of gossip, growing pains and growing up.  While the day is about you and your groom, it’s also about the women (and sometimes men) who will stand beside you at the altar and support you throughout your marriage.  They oftentimes deserve as much recognition for who you are today as your partner. 

As wedding expenses mount, you’ll want to find a thoughtful gift for your ladies that won’t force you to forgo the photo booth/groom's cake/perfect heels in order to afford.  When deciding how much to spend, first note what your budget allows and next consider what you’ve asked them to spend for the big day.  While there is no hard-and-fast rule, practical and personal gifts like the ones below are always appreciated.

Pearl Earrings: Classic and affordable, pearl earrings are the perfect present for ladies.  The delicate, understated jewelry can be worn on a daily basis or paired with a LBD for special occasions.  For the Southern woman who already have white pearls consider a set of chocolate, silver or pink pearls. 

Matching Robes: Your ladies will love something they can use in the future to unwind.  Silk robes   It’s the gift that benefits you too, since they’ll look great in the 'getting ready' shots the morning-of.  Given out at the rehearsal dinner, this gift is good timing.  
or comfortable cotton wrap dresses are the perfect way to say ‘thanks’ and answer the question, “What should we wear for hair and makeup?”

Rain Boots: While a rainy wedding day is bittersweet, rain boots are a great spring gift.  They’re practical, adorable and unusual enough that most girls are in need.  In bright, trendy patterns and bold colors, a charming set of boots also offers a funky photo op on the wedding day, modeled with formal dresses.  These days rain boots come in a range of prices and are sold everywhere from Target to Burberry.  My favorite: Hunter boots.  Though pricier they come with a lifetime guarantee and can be turned into snow boots for the winter (+ they’re gorgeous in gloss!)

Jewelry Travel Bag: It’s likely that at least one of your bridesmaids traveled for the wedding, and 100% certain they all will travel sometime in the future.  The rolls, wraps, cases and boxes designed to keep necklaces untangled and earrings secure will be well loved by your fashionable and worldly pals.  (You might even want to register for this one.)

A few other modern takes on traditional gifts: I love Dogeared necklaces, promising three wishes for the recipient, as well as their line especially for bridesmaids.  A beautiful scarf is a great gift for winter weddings; I especially adore these custom etsy designs here and here as well as the versatile options here in rich colors (or a little less rich here).  A frame suited to their taste is always in style; Hobby Lobby has a great selection that goes on sale (50% off) practically every other week.  Make sure to get an individual photo with each bridesmaid and send a fitted print after the big day. 

Buy their Shoes, Mani/Pedi, Hair & Makeup: It’s like Christmas – the best gift is always money.  Young bridesmaids certainly feel the same way.  Being in a wedding is an expensive endeavor; offering to cover some of the cost of the items your pals have to purchase to stand up with you is a much appreciated gesture.  While your ladies would go to the ends of the Earth for you, it’s nice to be able to afford rent when you return home for an exciting albeit exhausting weekend of celebrating someone else’s big day.

Remember: the last six weeks of wedding planning fly by; consider picking out and ordering your wedding party gifts well in advance (at the 6 month mark is ideal) to avoid a last-minute scramble – or worse, settling for an impersonal token of thanks not nearly suited to your best friends’ awesomeness.  The gifts above won’t spoil, so knock off one more task while you still have the time and sanity to shop with thought.