Most brides spend $50 to $150 per bridesmaid, with $75 to $100 being the most common range.
Wondering how much to spend on bridesmaid gifts? You are not alone. This is one of the most common wedding budget questions, and the answer depends on your budget, bridal party size, and the expenses your bridesmaids are already covering.
Quick Answer: Most brides spend $75 to $100 per bridesmaid. A reasonable range is $50 to $150, with the maid of honor often receiving a gift worth $100 to $200+.
There is no single “perfect” amount for bridesmaid gifts. What matters most is showing appreciation. Gifts that feel thoughtful, personal, or useful will always be remembered more than expensive, generic items.
As a general guideline:
- $50 to $75: Budget weddings or large bridal parties
- $75 to $100: The most common and comfortable range
- $100 to $150: Smaller bridal parties or higher-budget weddings
- $150 to $200+: Maid of honor or very intimate weddings
Consider what your bridesmaids are already paying for, such as dresses, hair, makeup, or travel. These costs can affect how much you choose to spend on a physical gift. For example, if bridesmaids cover $150 dresses, giving a gift in the $100–$150 range is common. For more modest costs, $50–$75 is completely appropriate.
Ultimately, the best bridesmaid gifts are meaningful, thoughtful, and within your budget. Your friends will remember the thought, not the price tag.
💡 Quick Tip: Don’t overspend! Gifts under $50 can be just as meaningful when paired with a heartfelt note or small personal touch.
How Much to Spend on Bridesmaid Gifts (Real Budgets Explained)
Short answer: Most brides spend $50 to $150 per bridesmaid, with $75 to $100 being the most common and comfortable range.
In my experience working with brides and online discussion groups, many brides disagree about there being a correct dollar amount: some spent around $40-$75 per person, others closer to $100-$130, and others even focus more on personalization and meaning than price. It’s all about appreciation, not perfection: the gift matters more than a set dollar amount.
How much you should spend on bridesmaid gifts depends on your wedding budget, how many bridesmaids you have, and the expenses your bridal party is already covering. Let’s walk through it step by step so you can decide what makes sense for your wedding.
How Much Should You Spend on Bridesmaid Gifts?
As a general rule of thumb, bridesmaid gifts typically fall between $50 and $200 per person. This range covers everything from simple, thoughtful keepsakes to more elevated or personalized gifts.
If you are unsure where to land, aim for this guideline:
- $50 to $75: Budget-friendly weddings or larger bridal parties
- $75 to $100: The most common spending range for most brides
- $100 to $150: Smaller bridal parties or higher overall wedding budgets
- $150 to $200: Maid of honor gifts or very intimate weddings
- $200+: Luxury weddings
Remember, your bridesmaids are not comparing price tags. What matters most is that the gift feels intentional and appreciative.
What Bridesmaids Actually Think About Gift Cost
Wedding threads, forums, and real brides all agree: it’s not about the price tag. Here’s what your bridesmaids are really thinking:
- They want appreciation, not luxury: Thoughtful gifts matter far more than expensive ones.
- Personal touches go a long way: Handwritten notes, personalized jewelry, or something that fits their personality make gifts memorable.
- Experiences count: Covering hair, makeup, a spa day or wine tour, or a fun pre-wedding brunch is often seen as just as meaningful as a physical gift.
- Fairness matters: Gifts don’t have to be identical, but should feel equal in value across the bridal party.
- They notice thought, not numbers: Even small gestures under $50 can feel generous if they’re meaningful.
In short: your bridesmaids care far more about feeling appreciated than whether the gift cost $50 or $150. A little thought goes a long way, and that’s what they’ll remember most.
Consider What You’re Already Giving
Some brides forgo an extra item if they’re already covering hair, makeup, brunch, or other wedding-week experiences because those count as part of the thank-you too. Don’t dismiss the niceties you’ve already given or plan to give, e.g. bridesmaid proposal gifts, cost of the dress, getting ready outfits, hair and makeup, experiences, etc. (they count, too!)
► Need fantastic gift suggestions? Check out bridesmaid gifts that are useful for ideas they’ll truly love.
What Most Brides Actually Spend on Bridesmaid Gifts
Based on current wedding trends, most brides today spend around $75 to $100 per bridesmaid. This amount allows room for a gift that feels meaningful without creating financial stress for the bride.
Many brides choose one higher-quality item rather than several small ones. Others opt for a small collection of items that together land in the same price range. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable.
How Much Do Bridesmaid Gifts Cost Based on Your Wedding?
The right bridesmaid gift budget depends heavily on your specific wedding details. These are the biggest factors to consider.
How Much Does the Bridesmaid Dress Cost?
If your bridesmaids are paying for dresses that cost $150 or more, many brides choose to give gifts that help balance that expense. In this case, spending closer to $100 to $150 on a bridesmaid gift is common. (P.S. Read: 6 Top Places for Bridesmaid Dresses They Won’t Hate – thank me later.)
If the dresses are more affordable, spending $50 to $75 on gifts is still completely appropriate.
Is This a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings usually mean higher costs for your bridal party. Travel, lodging, and time off work all add up quickly.
If your wedding requires travel, consider increasing your bridesmaid gift budget slightly as a thank-you for the extra commitment. Many destination brides spend closer to the higher end of the typical range. Consider travel-friendly bridesmaid gifts that make it easy to toss in a suitcase.
Are You Paying for Hair and Makeup?
If you are covering professional hair and makeup for your bridesmaids, this can absolutely count as part of your overall gift. That said, most brides still choose to give a small tangible item so their bridesmaids have something lasting.
In this case, a more modest physical gift paired with covered beauty services works well.
PRO TIP: If covering the cost of hair and makeup for your bridesmaids as a gift, be sure to also include tip so there are no surprises. See our wedding tipping guide for specifics.
What Is Your Overall Wedding Budget?
Your total wedding budget should guide your bridesmaid gift spending, not guilt or comparison.
- $10,000 or less wedding budget: $35 to $75 per bridesmaid
- $20,000 wedding budget: $50 to $100 per bridesmaid
- $40,000+ wedding budget: $100 to $150 per bridesmaid
The goal is to be generous while staying realistic. Overspending on gifts can create stress later in your planning process.
How Many Bridesmaids Are in Your Wedding?
When deciding how much to spend on bridesmaid gifts, remember that you need one for each bridesmaid. A $100 gift sounds reasonable until you multiply it by eight.
Gifts should be equal in value across the bridal party, even if they are personalized. The only exception is the maid of honor, who typically receives a slightly more special or higher-value gift. (See luxury maid of honor gift ideas.)
What Kind of Bridesmaid Gift Are You Giving?
The type of gift you choose often determines how much you will spend. Jewelry, robes, bags, keepsakes, and personalized items all fall into different price ranges.
Decide what kind of gift feels right first, then set your budget within that category. Buying in multiples or bundles can often help you stay within your target spend. You can also find affordable bridesmaid gift ideas which often have bulk discounts.
Is It Rude If You Spend Less on Bridesmaid Gifts?
No. It is only considered rude if the gift feels careless or transactional. Budget-conscious gifts paired with sincere notes are widely appreciated.
Is $25 Too Cheap for a Bridesmaid Gift?
Spending $25 or less can be appropriate for very tight budgets, especially when paired with a handwritten note or experience-based thank-you. However, for most weddings, spending under $35 can feel a bit light unless paired with another meaningful gesture.
If possible, aim for quality over quantity. One well-chosen item usually feels more generous than several inexpensive ones they’ll never use.
The Biggest Bridesmaid Gift Mistake Brides Make
The biggest mistake is trying to match what other weddings are doing instead of what actually fits your budget.
Overspending on bridesmaid gifts often leads to stress later in the planning process, while under-spending out of guilt can still miss the mark. The best bridesmaid gifts are thoughtful, personal, and financially comfortable for the bride.
If choosing between going into debt or giving a simpler gift, always choose the simpler gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridesmaid Gift Spending
How much should you spend on bridesmaid gifts per person?
Most brides spend between $50 and $150 per bridesmaid, with $75 to $100 being the most common range.
Do bridesmaids expect expensive gifts?
No. Bridesmaids expect appreciation, not luxury. Thoughtful gifts matter far more than price.
Is it okay to spend different amounts on bridesmaids?
Gifts should be similar in value for fairness, though personalization is encouraged.
Should the maid of honor gift cost more?
Yes. The maid of honor typically receives a more elevated gift due to her role and responsibilities.
Can gifts under $50 still feel meaningful?
Absolutely! Pair a small gift with a heartfelt note or personal touch for maximum impact. Even small gestures can feel generous and thoughtful.
Does covering hair, makeup, or brunch count as a gift?
Yes. Experiences like professional hair, makeup, or a pre-wedding brunch are often just as appreciated as a physical gift. Many brides use these as part of their overall “thank you” to the bridal party.
What types of gifts are most appreciated?
Bridesmaids love gifts that feel personal, thoughtful, or useful. Jewelry, personalized keepsakes, makeup pouches, robes, and travel-friendly items all rank high.
Is $25 too cheap for a bridesmaid gift?
Spending $25 or less can be appropriate for tight budgets, especially when paired with a handwritten note or experience-based thank-you. Aim for quality over quantity whenever possible.
How does wedding budget affect gift spending?
- $10,000 or less wedding budget: $35 to $75 per bridesmaid
- $20,000 wedding budget: $50 to $100 per bridesmaid
- $40,000+ wedding budget: $100 to $150 per bridesmaid
How Much Will YOU Spend on Bridesmaid Gifts?
When deciding how much to spend on bridesmaid gifts, focus on gratitude, not pressure. Set a budget you can afford, choose something meaningful, and give it with sincere gratitude. The best gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive… they’re the ones that felt personal and thoughtful. These are the things your bridesmaids will remember most.
Now it is your turn: How much do you plan to spend on bridesmaid gifts, or what did you choose to give? Share your thoughts below.
xo
Emma
