Holy smokes, you guys: you’ve been blowing up our Ask Emmaline inbox! Your wedding questions are awesome, our readers are the best on the planet, and we can’t wait to answer them all. Bride-to-be, Nicky, asks us, “I just bought cosmetic pouches for my bridesmaids, but I have no idea what to put in them. Do you give them as-is or are you supposed to put other gifts inside? Help!” Fantastic question, and an easy one at that! For starters, no, you don’t have to fill bridesmaid bags with any extra gifts, unless you want to (and your budget allows). If you do decide to add gifts, we’ve rounded up ten fun ideas for what to put in bridesmaid bags below. PLUS, we’ve teamed up with Almquist Design Studio to give away a set of bridesmaid bags to one lucky reader. Now you’ll have ideas for what to put in bridesmaid bags (and a set of cute handmade bags to give!) Enjoy!
What to Put in Bridesmaid Bags
1. Pretty Nail Polishes
Yesterday’s post about the best monthly boxes was so well-received that I have over two dozen emails about Julep alone! Seems you all love it just as much as I! Therefore, I know for a fact that your bridesmaids would love pretty nail color in pre-packed set or delivered every month straight to her doorstep. There are also some fantastic tried-and-true products from their website (like the Julep Plié Wand™ that I’ve been dying to try). They have such pretty combos, this this one:
2. Favorite Makeup Products
What are your favorite makeup products? A bridesmaid bag is a great place to stow a few of your faves to give as gifts to your girls. For instance, I took to Twitter recently to find out about a new foundation (I needed something with more coverage than a sheer tinted moisturizer, you feel me?) and realized how fun it is to try NEW products, specifically when people recommend their favorites. So, think about your favorite mascara, lip balm or lipstick, blush, and eye shadow. Pick specific ones for each bridesmaid and put ’em in a cute bridesmaid bag. They don’t have to be expensive, either: I love me some drugstore cosmetics, like this new mascara I recently bought after seeing the commercial on TV and settled on this foundation because it was on clearance at Target. LOVE THEM BOTH. Will buy again.
3. A Compact Mirror
A compact mirror is one perfect gift idea she’ll use again and again. Personalize it for an even more memorable gift. These custom compact mirrors by Spotlight Mirrors are cute!
4. An Emergency Kit
Include some wedding-day essentials she won’t want to go without, such as clear nail polish (for hosiery runs), eye makeup remover wipes (to get rid of mascara runs), aspirin, a small can of hairspray, mints or chewing gum… you get the idea. Or, get one that’s already been pre-made.
5. A Gift Card
Who doesn’t love a gift card, the gift of being able to splurge on any thing your little heart desires? Some of my faves: Target (obviously, since it has EVERYTHING), Amazon (again, everything), Groupon, salon, movie theater, or a spa package experiences so she can relax pre or post-wedding. A gift card to her favorite clothing store is always a perfect gift, too.
6. A Piece of Jewelry
This one is a popular option, for good reason: there are so many beautiful jewelry pieces out there! Be sure to check this out for handmade finds. Pick a piece that is personalized with her name, birthstone, or something that’s entirely her style.
Peridot for fellow August birthdays!
Pick something like a classic pearl bracelet with a splash of color…
… or a piece with a charm that’s totally her. This is so much my style.
7. Foldable Flats
Foldable flats are a gift she’ll use again and again. Also, they’re extremely well-received: your bridesmaids feet are likely going to hurt at some point in the evening and these will keep ’em dancing!
8. A Heartfelt Note
Stick a heartfelt note or card inside the bag. She’ll love the sentiment and it doesn’t cost a thing.
9. Perfume
A small bottle of perfume makes a great gift. One surprising place to find inexpensive perfume? Kohls, especially when you use their 20% or 30% off coupons and you’re in business. :) Or try Amazon, since they always have pretty decent deals… like this adorable bottle.
10. Cell Phone Case
Custom phone cases are 1000x more fun than the boring case that comes with the phone. Plus, now there are so many affordable + custom-designed options, like this…
… and this!
xo
-E.
P.S. What would you add to the list?
