So, you’ve picked your best friends/ cousins/ sisters for the important job of bridesmaid, chosen a suitably gorgeous gown for them and now it just leaves the gift.
This is your way of saying thank you for being there, for being a rock when times were hard, for being a shoulder to cry on when your dress shopping turns into a disaster and of course for getting you home in one piece from your hen do. Or at least holding back your hair whilst you hug the toilet bowl.
Brides nowadays are happy to break away from tradition and gift buying is no exception, no longer do you have to buy a piece of jewellery for your maids and really anything goes. Some brides choose to buy their ladies shoes or accessories for the big day as a thank you, others still buying a gift for the day itself but choosing something completely different from the norm.
In my recent stints as bridesmaid I have received a gorgeous Tiffany heart necklace and then a cute Pandora charm bracelet (this is a great one as it means you can buy the bracelet for those who haven’t already got one or a new charm for those that do!) and so I think jewellery is still the most popular option. Here are a few ideas though that might break the mould slightly, if that's what you want to do...
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Above are some possibilities for alternative jewellery, a bit more for your rock and roll maid shall we say!
Left we have a gorgeous Dana Levy Tassle bracelet around £36 and on the left a super cool House of Harlow horseshoe necklace for £62. Both of these can be found on-line at 3:Eleven |
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| For my own bridesmaids I bought this gorgeous Dogeared Karma bracelet in silver (shown here on the left in gold at £60 from 3:eleven) and may possibly treat myself to one as they are really cute. On the right we have a handmade charm bracelet from Notonthehighstreet at a bargainous £25. |
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| If your maids have already got plenty of jewellery you might want to think of something else, maybe a jewellery stand like this bird one from Angel at my Table £27.50? Or keeping in with the bird theme, these gorgeous cushions again from Angel at my Table at £50 will keep any décor obsessed maids happy. |
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| Keeping in with the thought of buying a gift with the specific maid in mind, I know a not so-far-away brideandchicette who I'm sure would be delighted to receive this vintage crockery set from Notonthehighstreet at £39 for her abode. Similarly, this cute little flower clutch bag would keep every fashionista happy, £60 again from Notonthehighstreet |
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| When I am gift buying in general I like thought of choosing something that is luxurious and extravagant and which you would not normally justify buying for yourself, a real treat. Jo Malone candles are just that, completely unnecessary but totally gorgeous and even the cream and black packaging is a delight to behold (I have always been an advertisers dream!). On the right I've pushed the boat out a little in including this gorgeous Michael Kors oversize watch which at £199 might be reserved for your chief bridesmaid but would put you well and truly in the good books. |
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| You might want to also think about giving your bridesmaids their gift the night before the big day, especially if you were thinking of putting together a girly night in for all the pampering and general giddiness. What could be sweeter than opening a gift bag to find some rather cute Jack Wills lounge shorts and hoody, perfect for chilling around in on the morning of the wedding too. You might want to get yourselves some as well though, you know, just for the pictures and that... The hoody shown here is £59 and the shorts a not cheap £34 but again, its a treat is it not?! |
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Finally, my bride in crime Fran had the master plan of giving her maids a goody bag of gifts, who doesn't love a party bag?! You could take this a step further and buying a funky wash bag (this one here I spotted on Bouf by seller Mrs Budd) and filling it with some goodies such as a Chanel nail polish in your chosen shade and some wine glass charms? These cute ones here are from good old Etsy by a seller called Clinks.
Food for thought? Hope so!
Lots of love
Wishing she was sat in her Jack Wills hoody, painting her nails Rouge Noir with a Jo Malone glow in the corner...
Vicky
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