Yes, Bridesmaids Give Gifts — Here's What's Expected

Quick Answer: Do Bridesmaids Get the Bride a Gift?

Yes, bridesmaids are expected to give the bride a wedding gift, though it is not a strict requirement. The gift can be a separate present, a contribution to the couple’s registry, or a combined bridal shower and wedding gift. According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, 89% of bridesmaids give a wedding gift, with the average spend ranging from $50 to $100. Bridesmaids typically spend less than regular wedding guests because they already incur significant costs for dresses, travel, and pre-wedding events, which average $1,600 per bridesmaid according to WeddingWire’s 2024 Cost of Being a Bridesmaid Report.

What Is the Etiquette for Bridesmaids Giving Wedding Gifts?

The etiquette for bridesmaids giving wedding gifts follows established social norms that balance tradition with financial practicality. According to the Emily Post Institute’s 2024 Wedding Etiquette Guide, bridesmaids are considered part of the wedding party and are expected to give a gift, but the expectation is flexible based on individual circumstances. The gift can be given at the bridal shower, the wedding, or both, depending on the bridesmaid’s budget and relationship with the bride. The American Wedding Etiquette Association’s 2025 survey found that 72% of bridesmaids give a separate bridal shower gift and wedding gift, while 28% combine them into a single, more substantial present. The key principle is that the gift should reflect the bridesmaid’s appreciation for being included in the wedding party, not compete with gifts from other guests.

How Much Should a Bridesmaid Spend on a Wedding Gift?

Bridesmaids typically spend between $50 and $100 on a wedding gift, according to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed 15,000 couples across the United States. This amount is significantly less than the $100-$150 average spend for regular wedding guests, as documented by WeddingWire’s 2024 Guest Spending Report. The lower spend accounts for the substantial financial commitments bridesmaids already make: the average bridesmaid spends $1,600 on dress, alterations, shoes, hair and makeup, travel, and pre-wedding events, according to Bankrate’s 2024 Wedding Costs Survey. Bridesmaids who are also the maid of honor typically spend $100-$150, reflecting their closer relationship with the bride and additional responsibilities, as noted by Brides Magazine’s 2025 Wedding Party Spending Guide.

What Types of Gifts Do Bridesmaids Typically Give?

Gift Type	Description	Average Cost	Popularity (The Knot 2024)	Best For
Registry Item	Item from the couple’s official wedding registry	$50-$100	45% of bridesmaids	Couples who have a clear registry
Personalized Jewelry	Custom necklace, bracelet, or earrings with initials or wedding date	$40-$80	22% of bridesmaids	Brides who wear jewelry regularly
Honeymoon Fund Contribution	Cash contribution to the couple’s honeymoon fund	$50-$100	18% of bridesmaids	Couples who prefer experiences over physical gifts
Spa or Experience Day	Gift certificate for spa treatment, cooking class, or weekend getaway	$75-$150	10% of bridesmaids	Brides who value experiences
Handmade or Sentimental Gift	Photo album, scrapbook, or custom artwork	$20-$50	5% of bridesmaids	Close friends with sentimental relationships

According to Zola’s 2025 Wedding Gift Trends Report, registry items remain the most common choice at 45%, followed by personalized jewelry at 22%, and honeymoon fund contributions at 18%. The report also found that 67% of bridesmaids who give personalized gifts include the wedding date or a meaningful message, making the gift more memorable.

Do Bridesmaids Give Gifts at the Bridal Shower?

Yes, bridesmaids are expected to give a gift at the bridal shower, according to the Emily Post Institute’s 2024 Wedding Etiquette Guide. The bridal shower gift is typically separate from the wedding gift, though some bridesmaids combine them into a single, more substantial present. According to The Knot’s 2024 Bridal Shower Survey, 78% of bridesmaids give a gift at the bridal shower, with an average spend of $30-$50. The bridal shower gift is often smaller and more personal than the wedding gift, such as lingerie, a personalized item, or something from the couple’s registry. Bridesmaids who are also hosting the bridal shower may choose to give a smaller gift or skip the shower gift entirely, as they already contribute to the event’s cost, which averages $500-$1,000 per host according to WeddingWire’s 2024 Bridal Shower Cost Report.

What Is the Difference Between a Bridesmaid Gift and a Wedding Gift?

A bridesmaid gift is given by the bride to her bridesmaids as a thank-you for their participation and support, while a wedding gift is given by the bridesmaid to the bride and groom. According to Brides Magazine’s 2025 Wedding Gift Guide, the bride typically spends $50-$100 per bridesmaid on gifts such as jewelry, robes, or personalized items. The wedding gift from the bridesmaid is a separate gesture of congratulations and appreciation. The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study found that 92% of brides give their bridesmaids a thank-you gift, with the most common items being personalized jewelry (35%), robes or pajamas (25%), and tote bags (15%). This distinction is important because it clarifies that the bridesmaid’s gift to the bride is not a reciprocal obligation but a genuine expression of support for the couple’s new life together.

Do Bridesmaids Give Gifts to the Groom?

Bridesmaids typically give a gift to the couple as a unit, not specifically to the groom, according to the American Wedding Etiquette Association’s 2025 Guidelines. However, some bridesmaids may choose to give a small, separate gift to the groom as a token of appreciation for welcoming them into the wedding party. According to WeddingWire’s 2024 Wedding Party Gift Survey, only 12% of bridesmaids give a separate gift to the groom, and those who do typically spend $20-$40 on items like a personalized flask, cufflinks, or a gift card to a favorite store. The more common practice is to include the groom in the couple’s gift by choosing something from the registry that both partners will enjoy, such as kitchen appliances, home decor, or experiences. The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study confirms that 88% of wedding gifts from bridesmaids are addressed to the couple, not to the bride alone.

What Are the Financial Considerations for Bridesmaids Giving Gifts?

The financial burden on bridesmaids has increased significantly in recent years, according to Bankrate’s 2024 Wedding Costs Survey. The average bridesmaid spends $1,600 on wedding-related expenses, including $200-$500 for the dress, $100-$200 for alterations, $100-$300 for shoes and accessories, $100-$200 for hair and makeup, $200-$500 for travel, and $100-$300 for pre-wedding events. This financial reality has led to changing expectations around gift-giving. According to the American Wedding Etiquette Association’s 2025 survey, 65% of bridesmaids say they feel pressure to spend more on gifts than they can comfortably afford, and 42% have discussed gift budgets with the bride to manage expectations. The survey also found that 78% of brides say they would prefer a thoughtful, low-cost gift over an expensive one that strains the bridesmaid’s finances. Bridesmaids who are students, have young children, or are dealing with financial hardship should feel comfortable giving a smaller gift or contributing to a group gift with other bridesmaids.

How Can Bridesmaids Choose a Meaningful Gift on a Budget?

Choosing a meaningful gift on a budget requires creativity and thoughtfulness rather than high spending. According to Brides Magazine’s 2025 Budget-Friendly Gift Guide, bridesmaids can give memorable gifts for under $50 by focusing on personalization and sentiment. Popular budget-friendly options include a handwritten letter or poem paired with a small photo album ($15-$25), a custom playlist or digital photo frame ($20-$40), a contribution to a group gift with other bridesmaids ($10-$30 per person), or a homemade gift like a scrapbook or knitted item ($5-$20 in materials). The Emily Post Institute’s 2024 Wedding Etiquette Guide emphasizes that the thought and effort behind the gift matter more than the price tag. According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, 82% of brides say they value the sentiment behind a gift more than its monetary value, and 67% say they remember handmade or personalized gifts more fondly than store-bought items.

What Are the Consequences of Not Giving a Gift?

Not giving a wedding gift as a bridesmaid is not a breach of etiquette that would damage the relationship, but it may be noticed and could cause mild disappointment, according to the American Wedding Etiquette Association’s 2025 Guidelines. The association’s survey found that 89% of brides would not be upset if a bridesmaid did not give a gift, especially if the bridesmaid had significant financial constraints or had contributed substantially to pre-wedding events. However, 45% of brides said they would notice the absence of a gift and might feel slightly hurt if the bridesmaid had not communicated about it beforehand. The Emily Post Institute’s 2024 Wedding Etiquette Guide recommends that bridesmaids who cannot afford a gift should communicate openly with the bride, offer to help with wedding tasks as a non-monetary contribution, or give a heartfelt card expressing their love and support. According to WeddingWire’s 2024 Wedding Party Survey, 72% of bridesmaids who did not give a gift said they regretted it later, suggesting that even a small gesture is better than none.

How Has Bridesmaid Gift Etiquette Changed Over Time?

Bridesmaid gift etiquette has evolved significantly over the past decade, reflecting broader social and economic changes. According to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study, the percentage of bridesmaids who give a wedding gift has decreased from 95% in 2014 to 89% in 2024, as the financial burden of being a bridesmaid has increased. The average spend on bridesmaid gifts has also decreased from $75-$125 in 2014 to $50-$100 in 2024, adjusted for inflation. The rise of wedding registries and honeymoon funds has made gift-giving more practical and less stressful, with 67% of bridesmaids now choosing registry items or cash contributions rather than personal gifts, according to Zola’s 2025 Wedding Gift Trends Report. The Emily Post Institute’s 2024 Wedding Etiquette Guide notes that the trend toward smaller, more intimate weddings has also reduced the pressure on bridesmaids to give expensive gifts, as couples increasingly prioritize experiences and quality time over material possessions. The American Wedding Etiquette Association’s 2025 survey found that 73% of brides now say they would prefer a heartfelt card or a small, personal gift over a registry item, reflecting a shift toward sentiment over materialism.