Are bridesmaids supposed to buy the bride a gift?

Question

I'm a Bride to be and I actualy just heard that the bridesmaid's are supposed to buy the bride a gift. Is that common practice? I always just assumed their gift to the bride was being her attendants... I mean they already do so much! Am I the only one who thinks that's kind of alot for them to give gifts too?

Answer 1

yes they are....and a good one too

Answer 2

I think it's common practice but I agree, they do so much. My bridesmaids are doing a joint bach party for us in Vegas and they are throwing me a bridal shower and a "lingerie party" (whatever that is... they are party girls so this is their way of doing it...) I don't expect anything from them as far as a gift but they have all offered to buy something for the wedding (my dress, the cake, the invitations, my jewelry, and other stuff.) If you feel that they shouldn't get you something then when they ask if they can buy you something or offer politely decline...

Answer 3

generally yes but if you dont expent it let them know they have done enough and you insist

Answer 4

well normally the bride would actually buy the bridemaid a gift

Answer 5

Some do, some don't. My friend is getting married in August and the three other bridesmaids and I decided to go in together on her wedding gift so we could get her something really nice. But we didn't get her a separate "bridesmaid" present - I've never heard of that.

The bride generally gives each of her bridesmaids a personal gift at the rehearsal dinner. The traditional gift is jewelry to be worn during the ceremony, but you can give them anything you think they might enjoy, like a gift certificate for mani/pedis, cute purses, etc.

It's nice to hear that you appreciate all that your attendants do for your wedding!

Answer 6

I quite agree, but knowing my bridesmaids I can't think of a way to tell them not to. Two of them are our sisters, so that makes it more difficult.

I suppose given that I'm saying no bachelorette that telling them no gifts would really be pulling a bridezilla, so I'm leaving it be. But perhaps you could suggest something special that they could do that would be easy and inexpensive for them & difficult to get otherwise, as your gift (e.g. I knit so a gift like that from me would be some sort of shawl or socks or etc.)

Answer 7

I figure that I'd give a gift whether I was a bridesmaid or just invited to attend the festivities, so I gave a cash gift to the couple when I stood up in my best friend's wedding.  It wasn't for her specifically, but she is my best friend & I figured it was something they could use on their honeymoon.

Answer 8

the bridesmaids can opt to buy a gift for the bride as a wedding present.  generally they do give gifts for the bridal shower and for the wedding.  you can choose to let them know that having them as your attendants is more than what they could give materially, but it's up to them to decide if they want to do more.

Answer 9

well the bridesmaids usually get together and pitch in to buy the bride a nice gift. for example my girls pitched in and bought me a nice luggage set... they didnt all get me individual gifts but i wasnt expecting anything anyway. and yes the bride gets them a gift.. maybe the jewlery to wear with their dress or something like that.

Answer 10

I've been a bridesmaid several times and always buy a gift for the shower and give cash at the wedding along with doing all the other stuff!  It's part of being a bridesmaid!

Answer 11

Just because they are in the wedding does not give them a  free pass not to buy a gift.  Of course they should buy you a gift, and yes, this is common practice.  I do not know of any  bridesmaid, myself included, that has not given a gift to the couple.  All of my bridesmaids gave me gifts, though each spent a different amount.  I  have been in two weddings recently and in addition to the expense of being a bridesmaid, I gave each of them $100.  Typically, you will also get a gift for each of your bridesmaids.  Truthfully, I'd be horribly offended if my bridesmaids hadn't given me a wedding gift, and my husband and I certainly were very put-off when 2 groomsmen and an usher failed to get us anything.  They're in your wedding because they're a special part of your lives, but they are still guests at your wedding; wouldn't you plan on getting something for them if you were in their wedding?  Being in someone's wedding is terribly expensive, but so is having people in your wedding.  Don't worry about any extra cost your 'maids will have to endure, but if you'd really prefer they not give you anything, you are welcome to have that discussion with them.  It does not seem improper to me if those are your wishes.  Afterall, you're the bride!

Answer 12

yes

Answer 13

As much as your bridesmaids are your support through all this, they are also guests.  It is customary for them to buy you gifts for your showers (if invited) and also a wedding gift.  But as someone mentioned above... it is also your responsibility to thank them (in the form of a gift) for being by your side on your special day.