Gift Ideas for Bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, and the Parents of the Bride & Groom

It's considered proper etiquette for the bride to present gifts to the bridal party.

There was a time when the bridal party included bride-knights, friends of the groom who were responsible for making sure the bride got to the wedding (i.e., capturing the bride). Today, it's the bridesmaids' job to look after the bride in the days before the wedding (no kidnapping involved). Times may have changed, but your bridal party can still be indispensable in helping you pull off the wedding of your dreams. Show them your appreciation in return, with gifts from the heart.

Bridesmaids

For gifts that are practical as well as meaningful, choose items your bridesmaids can make use of during the ceremony or reception. Present them with crystal barrettes or pearl earrings that will complement their wedding attire. Monogram gifts such as tote bags, compacts and stationery for a more personalized touch. Enjoy a relaxing and bonding experience with your bridesmaids before the wedding by treating them to a day at the spa or salon.

Maid of Honor

Your maid of honor is often your right-hand woman in planning your wedding, so show her some special treatment with a gift just for her. Pamper her with a spa gift certificate or a gift basket, so that she can have her own spa experience anytime she'd like. Give her a gift that will keep giving all year, like a magazine subscription or a flower-of-the-month club membership. Spoil her with a sentimental token, such as an engraved pendant or charm bracelet.

Parents of the Bride and Groom

Weddings are a special time not only for a bride and groom, but for their parents as well. Commemorate the day by giving them one of your wedding photos inside an engraved frame, photo vase or a shadow box. Both sets of parents might also enjoy some relaxation after the wedding festivities have concluded. Treat each couple to something you know they'd enjoy, like a spa day or a golf outing.

Gifts for Everyone

Giving homemade gifts such as candles, soaps, knitting and preserves is a thoughtful gesture that won't go unappreciated by anyone in your bridal party. For something more traditional, gift certificates are appropriate as well. Whether they're certificates for a favorite store, personal trainer or an introductory cooking class, they should be things the recipient will put to good use. Along those lines, you could also choose tickets to the theater or a sporting event for their favorite team.

References

• The Knot; Bridesmaid Gifts: 50 Inspiring Ideas; Amy Elliot
• "Encyclopedia Britannica"; Hugh Chisholm; 1910
• Martha Stewart Weddings: Gifts for Your Bridesmaids
• The Emily Post Institute: Gifts For Your Attendants
• WeddingChannel.com; Spa Treatment Ideas for Your Bridal Party; Charli Penn
• WeddingChannel.com: The Gifts That Say Thanks

Resources

• The Knot; Bridesmaid Gifts: Shopping Tips & Etiquette; Joanna Salz