When should you give bridesmaids their gifts? And groomsmen? And everyone else?! So many gifts to be given. Find out the best time in this blog post! And, while you’re here, subscribe for updates straight to your inbox. :)

When should you give bridesmaids their gifts? That’s the question we’re answering today thanks to a recent Ask Emmaline question from Bridget. She asks,

“I have two questions. First, when are we supposed to give our bridesmaids and groomsmen their gifts? Second, how should they be presented? Do they need to be wrapped? Thanks!”

Great questions, Bridget! As you obviously know, thank you gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen are given as a sign of your sincere appreciation. Finding the right time to give gifts to say thank you for being a part of your wedding — and a huge part of your lives — can be tricky among the hustle and bustle of wedding day excitement. But that’s why we’re here to help!

There are two perfect opportunities recommended for giving your wedding party their gifts. Choose the one that works best for you.

Rehearsal Dinner

Your rehearsal dinner is one of the best times to give your wedding party their gifts. Why? For starters, everyone is finally together in one location. The atmosphere is relaxed, with everyone enjoying dinner and conversation. This gives you the perfect opportunity to speak with each attendant individually and properly thank him or her.

While Getting Ready Before the Wedding

The other ideal place to give bridesmaids and groomsmen their gifts is while getting ready before the wedding, typically in the morning before the ceremony while primping for the big day (i.e. while bridesmaids are getting their hair and makeup done or groomsmen are getting dressed). This is because you have a lot of downtime while getting ready, so it’s an ideal place to give gifts and tell your attendants how much they mean to you. P.S. Don’t worry, these gifts aren’t cheesy if that’s more your style. :)

A gift to be worn while getting ready — i.e. bridesmaid robes, button-down shirts, tank tops, or bridesmaid pajamas for instance are best given the morning of the wedding. The same applies when it is a monetary gift such as covering the cost of bridesmaid hair and/or makeup, or a gift which will be worn during the wedding like pashminas or wraps, bridesmaid jewelry, clutch purses, or cuff links for the groomsmen and toasting glasses — all just examples — are best given during this time (so no one forgets to bring theirs from home).

Consider the Gift You Are Giving

When deciding the right time to give your wedding party their gifts, consider the gift you are giving. A large gift or one that will not be of use during the wedding day, give the gift at your rehearsal dinner. Otherwise, he or she will need to lug it around on the wedding day or find a safe place to keep it during the entire wedding.

If the gift is wedding-specific, give gifts to your bridesmaids in the morning. Even the best gifts can be accidentally left at home and you wouldn’t want your bridesmaids or groomsmen to be without theirs by accident, especially if there are photos involved.

If neither time works for you…

If the rehearsal dinner or morning of the wedding doesn’t feel like the right times to give the wedding party their gifts, pick a private moment before your ceremony that works best for you. Some brides like to throw a bridesmaid brunch a week before the wedding to meet up, tackle any last-minute tasks, provide itineraries to their bridal party, and give their bridesmaid gifts then.

It’s totally up to you!

How to Wrap / Give Wedding Party Gifts

Now for Part Two of your question: when to give bridesmaid gifts, what are you supposed to wrap them in? That’s easy! Just wrap ’em up in any of these creative gift wrap options.

• Personalized Bridesmaid Gift Bags: These are designed for your bridal party, available in kraft brown or white. By GoldandGlamour. They are super affordable and help you cross another thing off of your long list of to-dos. (Yay!)

They offer stylish groomsmen gift bags for gift-giving, too. By Gold and Glamour.

For a different style, check out this design by ConfettiMommaParty.

• Bridesmaid Tote Bags: Reusable totes are a great way to wrap up bridesmaid gifts. After the wedding, they have a bonus gift to use while running errands or going to the beach. These are all designed by Confetti Momma Party.

And last but not least, when you give your bridesmaid gifts, include a thank you card!

That should do it! If you have any additional questions, just let us know in the comments. :)

We hope it helps!

xo
Emma

P.S. Need wedding party gift ideas? Read: 50 Most Unique Bridesmaid Gift Ideas + 100 Most Unique Groomsmen Gifts for one-of-a-kind suggestions.