Should the Maid of Honour & Bridesmaids Gift the Bride on the Wedding Morning?

In this article, we discuss the etiquette of gift giving as a bridesmaid or maid of honour on the wedding morning. As a bridesmaid and maid of honour myself, each time I have wondered what kind of gift to give to the bride on the morning of the wedding. I’ve even had regrets about not giving a gift on the wedding morning on one occasion, (and giving a gift to the couple later on). We discuss it all in this article.

To Gift or Not to Gift?

While it’s not a hard and fast rule, presenting the bride with a gift on the morning of the wedding has become a cherished tradition for many bridal parties. It’s a way to express love, appreciation, and to share a special moment with the bride before she walks down the aisle. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not about the cost or size of the gift, but the sentiment behind it.

The Journey to the Wedding: Multiple Opportunities for Gifting

The lead-up to the wedding is filled with numerous events and milestones that provide opportunities for gifting. From the one-year countdown, to the hen party, and the bridal shower, each occasion offers a chance to celebrate the bride-to-be. However, if budget constraints mean you can only afford to give one gift, consider saving it for the wedding morning. This moment, just before the bride embarks on her new journey, can be made even more special with a thoughtful gift.

My Personal Experience: The Importance of the wedding morning gift

Drawing from my personal experience of being a bridesmaid and maid of honour three times, I’ve found that gifting the bride on the wedding morning is often a big deal. It’s a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle, a chance to express your love and support for the bride in a tangible way. Here are some of the most memorable gifts I’ve seen given to the bride:

1. A bouquet charm: One bridesmaid gifted a charm featuring a photo of the bride’s late grandparent, providing a comforting presence on the big day.
2. A hand-painted portrait: In one instance, a bridesmaid painted a picture of the bride in her imagined wedding dress. It was incredibly touching and sentimental.
3. Heartfelt notes or cards: Every time I’ve been part of a bridal party, each bridesmaid has written a heartfelt note or given a card with a lovely message to the bride.
4. A memory book: As a maid of honour, I gifted the bride a book filled with memories of our friendship. It included funny Facebook statuses, messages we’d sent to each other about love and finding Mr Right, and photos of us growing up. It was like a scrapbook of our journey together.
5. Personalised champagne glasses: These make for a lovely keepsake, but do check if they’ve already been bought – one bride I know received them twice!

One regret I have from being a bridesmaid for the first time ever was not giving a sentimental gift to the bride on the wedding morning – instead, I saved the gift for the wedding couple but as a bridesmaid (at 21, inexperienced in this at the time!), I didn’t give anything special when I now wish I had. Even if it was just a small note or a photograph with a small message.

Coordinating with the Bridal Party

Before deciding on a gift, it’s a good idea to check in with the other members of the bridal party. This can help ensure that you’re not outdoing each other or duplicating gifts. Remember, the aim is to make the bride feel loved and cherished, not to overshadow each other with extravagant gifts.

Our Top 10 Gift Ideas for the wedding morning for the bride

1. Personalised Champagne Glasses: A set of customised champagne glasses can be a lovely keepsake for the bride. They can be engraved with her initials, the wedding date, or a special message.
2. Bouquet Charm: A charm featuring a photo of a loved one can be a comforting and sentimental addition to the bride’s bouquet.
3. Artwork: Commission a painting or print a picture of you both together. Add a special message on the back for a personal touch.
4. Heartfelt Note or Card: A handwritten note or card expressing your love and support can mean the world to the bride. It’s a simple yet powerful way to convey your feelings.
5. Memory Book: A scrapbook filled with memories of your friendship can be a wonderful gift. It can include photos, messages, and other mementos from your shared experiences.
6. Personalised Jewellery: A piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or bracelet with the bride’s initials or the wedding date, can be a beautiful and lasting reminder of the special day.
7. Spa Voucher: After the wedding, the bride will appreciate some relaxation. A voucher for a spa day can be a thoughtful gift.
8. Custom Robe or Pyjamas: A luxurious robe or set of pyjamas personalised with the bride’s new initials can make her feel special on the wedding morning and beyond.
9. Wedding Day Survival Kit: A kit filled with essentials for the wedding day (like mini sewing kits, stain remover, band-aids, etc.) can be a practical and appreciated gift.
10. Personalised Hanger for the Wedding Dress: A hanger personalised with the bride’s name or the phrase “Mrs [Last Name]” can be a lovely surprise on the wedding morning and makes for great photos.

Remember, the best gifts are those that come from the heart and have a personal touch.

In Conclusion

So, should the maid of honour and bridesmaids buy the bride a gift on the wedding morning? In short, it’s not mandatory, but it can be a beautiful gesture that adds to the specialness of the day. It’s all about showing your love and support in a way that feels right to you. Whether it’s a gift at the hen party, the bridal shower, or on the wedding morning, the best gift is one that comes from the heart.