By Erin OllilaAs your wedding date inches closer, you're probably becoming more and more aware that you'll need to find bridal party gifts to give to your maid of honor and bridesmaids. You naturally want these gifts to be perfect and be something your girls will love—and actually use!
One idea for bridal party gifts is to find something your girls can use on the day of your wedding. Here are some ideas your maids are sure to love that you can also incorporate into your big day:
Shoes
Gifting shoes is one way to make sure your bridal party has picture-perfect style. If you want your girls all wearing the same heels, buy their shoes for them. However, heels aren't your only option. Are you getting married somewhere warm in the summer? Some comfortable flip-flops will make a great gift for dancing the night away. Also, cozy slippers will keep your girls' toes warm during the pre-wedding beauty festivities and comfy after a long night of dancing.
Attire
Depending on your style and budget, consider purchasing their dresses for them. Dresses are often a hefty expense and are paid for in advance by your maids, which can majorly affect their personal budgets since they have less time to save for them. However, if you pay for the dresses in advance, it's one fewer last-minute cost you have to bear right before the wedding, when expenses add up quickly.
The dress isn't your only option, either. A robe—whether soft and silky or fluffy and warm—will keep everyone covered while they're getting ready and make for a cute picture when the photographer shows up. Plus, who doesn't need a robe year-round? For bonus points, get their names or initials monogrammed on them.
Jewelry
Who doesn't love jewelry? From earrings to necklaces to bracelets to rings, your girls will love the gift of glam. There are two upsides to purchasing jewelry as bridal party gifts. First, you're able to style your bridesmaids exactly how you'd like them to look in pictures. Second, your presents can be enjoyed for years to come.
Beauty
One practical but often well-received gift is to consider paying for your bridal party's beauty appointments before the wedding. Depending on your budget, you could pay for your maids' hair, makeup, and nail appointments, or schedule massages for them while everyone else is getting ready.
Flowers
Have you considered using paper, wooden, dried, or even silk flowers in your bridal party's bouquets? Flowers often eat up a chunk of the wedding budget, so why not purchase some that will last forever? Plus, they can be brought home and kept on display without getting moldy.
Accessories
Your bridesmaids will need clutches to carry their keys, phones, lipsticks, IDs, and cash for the bar, so find ones that match their dresses or jewelry. Consider engraving a compact mirror, which will be helpful for any makeup touch-ups. You could also give your girls perfume to wear on the wedding day and every day from then on. Work with someone to make a signature scent for your wedding, and don't forget to order one for yourself, too.
Snacks
Let's face it—wedding days are long and often laborious, and if you haven't planned for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there's a chance your bridesmaids won't be eating very much. Don't risk a lightheaded maid of honor at the altar or a too-tipsy bridesmaid during cocktail hour. Pack a bag with water, protein bars, chocolates, cookies, and any favorite snacks that don't have to be refrigerated.
It's important to remember that your wedding is a big day for your bridal party, and any gifts you give them that they can use on the big day—and any day after—will be greatly appreciated.