Determining what to spend on a bridal shower gift is often a challenge that most people grapple with. Whether the bridal shower is for a friend or a family member, one will always desire to get the best gift at an affordable price.
A bridal shower gift typically costs roughly between $25 and $ 75. However, the amount you wish to spend depends on how close you are to the bride. But all in all, it all comes down to the budget you wish to spare.
It is not always easy to figure out how much to spend on a bridal shower gift. After all, a bridal shower means that a wedding is looming on the horizon. Do you spend more on a bridal shower gift than on the wedding present, or do you save up and splurge on a significant gift at the wedding?
We always have to buy gifts for the bride-to-be, but the question that brings a little murky is how much should we spend on a bridal shower gift? Well, buckle up as I help you try to figure out how much you should spend on a bridal shower gift.
What is the Purpose of a Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers are an excellent way for a bride to connect with their loved ones and prepare for the big day. It is an opportunity for female friends and family members to pass on wisdom and gifts to support the bride through her next life stage.
When it comes to gift gifting for a bridal shower, there are a few helpful tips you should consider.
How Much Money Should You Give at a Bridal Shower?
When you get an invitation to a bridal shower, how much should you spend on a gift? A gift is expected at a bridal shower. It would be best if you never went empty-handed, no matter your budget.
The standard cost to spend on a bridal shower gift is $25-$75. Your budget and the bride’s importance will guide how much you can and are willing to spend. Close family members are often expected to spend more than distant family members, co-workers, friends, or guests.
It would help if you kept in mind this is but one of the expenses you will have as a wedding guest. If you give a bridal shower gift, you are also expected to provide a wedding gift. You might also incur other expenses such as travel, wedding apparel, and an engagement present.
A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 20% of your budget to a bridal shower. For instance, if your total budget is $200, you should spend $40 on the bridal shower gift and the remaining $140 on the wedding and engagement presents.
Be sure to note whether the bride has a registry wish list of items from a local store, national chain, or online store. This will make your shopping easy as you will know the price ranges of the gifts and be assured that there aren’t duplicates. You won’t be bringing the third oven to the party.
What Do You Give Someone for a Bridal Shower?
Choosing a bridal shower gift is fun when you know what you are looking for. Consider the type of shower you are attending. The theme or style of the bridal shower is often specified in the bridal shower invitation. Also, consider the needs and wants of the bride. Is there a registry she wants you to use? Would she prefer something more meaningful than practical?
For a traditional bridal shower
Gifts at a traditional bridal shower should focus on what the brides like, want, or need. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, and home décor items. Any items specified on the bridal shower registry fall under this category.
Bridal shower gift basket
Gift baskets are a great way to make your bridal shower gift look outstanding. They can tie small gifts together and make them look larger than life. Consider using smaller gifts like customized tea towels, a lovely teapot, or a recipe book.
Fun bridal shower gift
Brides usually appreciate all their gifts, but some stand out as so funny. What varies from bride to bride, but who knows better than you? If your bride loves all things brewery, consider getting her a customized growler she can take on a fun day out. Or maybe she loves jewelry and will be thrilled to get her a charm bracelet with his fiancé’s name on it.
Unique bridal shower gifts
When looking for a unique bridal shower gift, I recommend sticking to the registry for wedding gifts. A bridal shower is a perfect opportunity to gift something a bit personal. It is also a chance to give her something that can be used on her wedding day, honeymoon, or beyond.
Go beyond the bridal theme and consider the bride’s traits and hobbies when selecting a gift. Does the bride like to cook, play board games, entertain or travel? Surprising the bride with a unique gift she might not expect from herself is fun. She will surely love its sentiment, whether practical or indulgent gift.
I shall suggest some fantastic gifts I will give for a bridal shower:
A bride and groom shop monogrammed passport covers
Mr. and Mrs. Passport Wallets Travel Holder Set, honeymoon essentials. The adorable passport cover set is the perfect gift for couples ready to take off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Honeymoon sweatshirt
Send the bride off to her honeymoon in style with an adorable sweatshirt for the plane. Who knows, they might get lucky and score an upgrade from the airline.
The home personalized lumbar pillow
Personalized with an elegant script font (choose from different colors), this customized pillowcase is a fun gift she will cherish for years to come. It is perfect for adding some personality to a neutral sofa or bed.
Personalized cutting board
The classic-style cutting board is a timeless piece that is sure to be used by the couple when entertaining for years to come. The modern design means that it will fit in with the rest of their dinnerware, no matter what the pattern is.
Glass cake stand
Allow the bride to showcase her wedding cake in style. Find her a classic glass stand that comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
Gift of service
While you have to give a gift, it mustn’t necessarily have to be something bought. You can include the service you are willing to do as your gift. Include these as gift certificates for the bride to redeem, perhaps wrapped in a box or a basket with valuable items. You can price them according to what the services go for in the market while aiming for a $75 value rather than the low-end.
For example, if you are a beauty professional, give gift certificates for haircuts, styling, or nails. This will be welcomed in the days before and after the wedding. You can also offer services like house sitting, mowing the lawn, taking care of plants, or walking the dog while the couple is away on their honeymoon.
Another thoughtful idea for a gift is to tour guide the out-of-town guest before and after the wedding. If you have organizational skills, you could offer your services as the bride’s assistant during the wedding week, following up on important details.
Personalized bridal shower gifts
You can personalize your gift idea by giving the bride-to-be a custom bridal shower gift. This includes custom wine glasses, hands, mugs, or personalized cutting boards. You can customize items with the bride’s initials, a heartfelt love quote, or her upcoming wedding date to make them look extra special.
A note on funny bridal ideas
Avoid gifting the bride with the wrong items at a bridal shower since various family members will attend. However, if you are familiar with the bride’s family members and their sense of humor, you can use your discretion. Keep in mind some gifts are well suited for her bachelorette party.
DIY Bridal Shower Gifts
Whether due to budget concerns or love for custom-made things, DIY gifts are sometimes the perfect choice. However, prepare to spend significant time creating the perfect gift. If you create something like a hand-knit throw or homemade serving dish, give yourself plenty of time. Giving your weeks to months when making your gifts will provide a chance to fix your mistake and stay stress-free.
Let it come from your heart, whatever you wish to give at the bridal shower. Don’t interfere with your budget, but give the couple something that will carry your best wishes.
Should I bring a bridal shower hostess gift?
Much work goes from planning a bridal shower, organizing the guest list, to setting up the day. It is a great idea to bring a small hostess gift for the person holding or organizing the event. Presents could include a pretty candle, a bouquet, or some bubbly. It is a good way of appreciating the hostess’s excellent work in holding the event.
Do I have to bring a bridal shower gift to the bridal shower?
It is not necessarily compulsory for one to carry the bridal shower gift along with her. It is possible to send a more significant gift ahead of time, as you would with a wedding present. But because the bridal shower is smaller than the wedding and presents are usually open at the event, it is nice to come with something in hand.
Is Cash Acceptable as a Bridal Shower Gift?
While cash is acceptable as a wedding gift, you should try as much as possible to get a gift at a bridal shower. Taking time to choose the bride’s gift shows that you cared and kept her in your thoughts, which she will appreciate afterward. Start by looking at her bridal wedding registry to make the gift selection process easier and quicker.
What to do if you are not attending the bridal shower?
If you are not attending the bridal shower but have been invited, send a bridal shower gift in the mail as proper etiquette. If you cannot send a bridal shower gift, you should send a handwritten note congratulating the bride-to-be on her upcoming day. For help, check out resources on what to write on a bridal shower card.
Packaging your bridal shower gift
You got the perfect gift for your friend’s bridal shower. You know she is going to love it. You should present it to her in beautiful wrapping.
Nothing says “from the heart” more than hand-wrapped gifts. This means you took time to get the present and carefully wrapped it to draw suspense. The bride will appreciate how you made the gift look nice.
Using wrapping paper to wrap a gift is way more personal than a gift bag. The bridal shower wrapping paper makes the gift look more unique, and you can customize it however you want.
The best place to find wrapping paper perfect for a bridal shower is Amazon and Etsy. These sites have affordable and beautiful options for gift wrap.
The upside of using bridal shower wrapping paper is it doubles as wedding wrapping paper. They do not go out of style. You could use this wrapping paper for special occasions like a bridal shower, engagement, or wedding.
They are also customizable, wrapping papers with little phrases and engagement rings. You could even get wrapping paper with the bride’s future last name.
Sending bridal shower thank you note
A bridal shower is such a happy and exciting occasion. Nothing beats the feeling of having friends and family gathered close to shower you with gifts and good wishes as you set on your journey of marriage. Of course, receiving lots of gifts means having a long list of thank-you notes to write.
During the bridal shower, the maid of honor or bridesmaid takes notes while the brides open the gifts. Afterward, the bride-to-be sends bridal shower notes to her guest to show their gratitude and appreciation.
Tips on further reading
https://www.thespruce.com/how-much-should-i-spend-on-a-bridal-shower-gift-3489697
https://www.brides.com/gallery/bridal-shower-gifts-for-the-bride