Are you on the hunt for that perfect bridal shower gift? While it’s pretty standard to stick to the registry or a gift card when it comes to the wedding present, picking out a gift for the bridal shower gives you a little more room to send something more personal.
Whether you’re shopping for a bride who likes the glitz and glamor, or one who prefers the simpler things in life, picking a shower gift allows you to get the bride-to-be something she can use on her big day or on the honeymoon, or treasure for years to come.
Don’t Go Overboard
There’s an old and outdated wedding guest belief that what you spend on gifts should cover the cost of your plate—and the plate of your plus-one. This is no longer the norm, and you should choose your gift with both your budget and your relationship with the bride in mind.
Giving from the heart is more important than giving from your wallet but if you feel the need to buy an extravagant gift, this is where the wedding registry comes in handy.
Know the Bride’s Preferences
Every bride is different, which means that every bridal shower will be different as well. While some brides might love a thoughtful gift, others might prefer that you stick to the couple’s registry even for the shower gift. If you aren’t sure which the bride-to-be prefers, there’s no harm in asking. Consult the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or the bride herself if you’re unsure.
Read the Room
At a bridal shower, all of the gifts are opened in front of the entire party. If you happen to choose a honeymoon gift, it’s probably a good idea to leave anything considered NSFW off to the side and give it to the bride at a more appropriate time (either after the bridal shower or at the bachelorette party).
If you’d still like to have the bride open something from you while the entire party is present, a nice card with a gift card or a small gift from her favorite Etsy shop inside will suffice.
Don’t Be Afraid to DIY
If a second gift isn’t in your budget but you still want to bring something special for the bride, tap into your creative side and bring a unique bridal shower gift handmade by you.
Whether it’s a canvas painting that you think would give beautifully with her decor or a cookbook filled with recipes from all of the shower guests, adding a personal touch to your shower gift is a great option when a big gift won’t work for you. Gift baskets with wedding day or date night necessities are also a big hit.
Think About the Groom
If you’re close with both the bride and the groom, don’t be afraid to get the groom a little something that matches his personal style as well. If he has a hobby, stock up on a few of his favorite essentials or ask him for a wish list to pick from.
If he’s more of the fashionable type, look into a timeless leather item like a belt or crossbody bag. This leather bag shopping guide is a great place to start if the world of leather goods is intimidating to you. And of course, you can also get a bridal shower gift that the happy couple can use together!
Finding the best bridal shower gift is all about knowing the bride’s taste and preferences, but it’s also about giving a gift from the heart. Stay within your price range, give something meaningful, and help the bride get ready for her big day and the beginning of her new life. And when in doubt, including a gift receipt is always a safe bet!
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