Bridesmaid Gifts

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE PHOTOS BY MADDIE SULLIVAN PHOTO

The perfect bridesmaid gift is one with sentimental value. The best are often those with a hand-written note, detailing how thankful the bride is for the commitment her bridesmaids made to achieve the bride’s wedding dreams.

If you’re a bride and don’t know where to start, consider putting your thoughts on paper first. Express your love and thankfulness to each bridesmaid individually. No one likes a generic note. Next, think of the aesthetic of your wedding. Are you going for shabby-chic or more of a classic, timeless vibe? Your gifts will want to reflect your desired aesthetic and complement the color palette and theme you choose.

Here are a few things brides should consider when creating their bridesmaid gifts.

If you or your bridesmaids prefer non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, teas and lemonade make the perfect substitute. Small wine bottles with bridesmaid stickers are small enough to fit in a tote or handbag but sentimental enough because the bride can pair them with a sweet note.

One of the most important parts of any bridesmaid gift is the “look.” Your friends will feel honored that you asked them to be in your wedding. While the gift is a nice gesture, the pictures of the gifts last forever. The packaging, wrapping, ribbon, color scheme and trinkets inside all should match to stand out.

Often, brides think of innately-decorated chocolates and cookies to add to their bridesmaid gifts. These are cute, but if you’re shipping your gifts especially to your out-of-town friends, you’re going to want to use non-perishable items. But, for friends near home, edible croissants with fruit or neat pastries are a sweet and inexpensive way to thank your friends who’re standing by your side.

THINK OF GIFTS THAT CAN BE REUSED IN THE FUTURE. Another great gift is one in which can be used again and again. Wedding koozies, hats and sunglasses are gifts that bridesmaids can use for the bachelorette trip! Finding ways to cut down on expenses without having to sacrifice style is important for every bridal party.

WHERE ARE YOU GIVING YOUR BRIDESMAIDS THEIR GIFTS? Location, location, location! The area that you’re gifting your bridesmaid gifts is an essential part of the friendly gesture. Some brides choose to mail them, but for those wanting an in-person feel, consider this: gift your bridesmaids their gifts at a place that you all can celebrate. A bridesmaids’ luncheon, an engagement party and even a bachelorette trip are all perfect occasions to give your gifts. A poolside retreat, for example, is a great location to give your bridesmaids something they’ll love. Everyone will be enjoying the pool party, and your bridesmaids will get something to take home, too!

JANUARY 15, 2022

Ceremony Venue: Canterbury United Methodist Church Reception Venue: The Country Club of Birmingham Wedding Planner/Day Of Coordinator: Jane Dickens Events Florist: Sarah Pienhart Caterer: The Country Club of Birmingham Cake: Barb’s Cakes Wedding Dress: The White Room Bridal Hair: Sherri Condo Bridal Makeup: Norma Sampley Groom’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Stationery: Please Reply Calligraphy: Mara Davidson Calligraphy DJ/Wedding Band: Flavor Band Wedding Transportation: Coats Classic Cars and The Struggle Bus Wedding Night Accommodations: The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook

We met at the University of Alabama in 2018 on our very first night of college. Blair was my first “game-day date” of my freshman year. We stayed friends the first three years and started dating the summer going into senior year!

Blair proposed to me on November 28, 2020. I thought I had it all figured out that I was getting engaged the weekend before. When I asked about it, I was told it wasn’t happening for a while and to be patient. So, I didn’t see it coming at all! That morning, Blair told me we were going to take Christmas card pictures for his mom at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and he proposed there! We had a big party afterwards with friends and family to watch the Iron Bowl!

It’s hard to pinpoint one specific moment that is my favorite. The day was a dream, but I think having all of our friends and family in that same room made it so much fun. We have a lot of friends and family that live out of state, so it was so fun to get to celebrate with all of them.

The bracelet I wore is one of my favorite details from my wedding. My grandmother gifted it to me for Christmas one year and passed along the story. Her uncle gave it to a lady he fell in love with. Years later, my grandmother and grandfather unknowingly became good friends with the lady’s grandson and his wife. They found the bracelet, and his mother told them the story behind it. She gifted it to my grandmother. They joke about how they were almost cousins all the time now.