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When it comes to shower gifting (or wedding gifting, for that matter) we’d certainly never advise against purchasing something from the guest/couple of honor’s registry. After all, registries exist for a reason. That being said, going off-registry in favor of something completely personal can also be a surprise, and feels particularly appropriate at a bridal shower. This event is an opportunity to gift something special that’s just for the bride. A custom bridal shower gift is also a great way to show thanks to the hostess, maid of honor, or other members of the wedding party who are helping on the big day.
Katie Brownstein, a wedding expert at Joy, says that personalized items are the exception to the buy ‘off the registry’ rule. “They offer a unique touch and shows the thought and care behind the gift,” she says. And if you’ve already chosen something off their registry, it’s still possible to add a small, personalized gift to go with your larger gift.
Meet the Expert
Katie Brownstein is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Joy, where she’s also their resident wedding expert. Her knowledge of the wedding industry has enabled her to lend her expertise on wedding planning, staying under budget, creating a unique wedding website, hosting virtual celebrations, guest etiquette, and ongoing wedding trends.
With so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect thing? To help, we’ve found personalized presents that are sure to make any bride smile, (plus some that double as great ideas for shower hostess and/or bridesmaid gifts).
Read on for the best personalized bridesmaid gifts.
What to look for in a personalized bridal shower gift
The correct details
Make sure you’re clear on all of the details you’re incorporating, including any dates, locations, or the monogram the couple prefers, says Brownstein. “Personalized items cannot be returned in the majority of cases, so you want to ensure you have all the right information,” she cautions.
Monogram preference
In related news, Brownstein suggests always checking with the bride as to what style she prefers. “Historically, the bride’s initials were used on any linens or towels, but a more modern approach is incorporating both partner’s initials into the monogram,” she explains.
FAQ
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Personalized items incorporating the couple’s names, wedding date, location, and home decor items that are personalized are always a good option, says Brownstein, who suggests looking at Etsy for inspiration for these types of gifts.
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“The short answer is yes! It’s always polite to bring a gift to the person, or people, hosting your shower. This is a nice gesture that shows your thanks and appreciation for their time and effort spent planning your celebration,” says Brownstein.
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It kind of depends. “Some people prefer to give a gift at the shower rather than at the wedding, while others prefer to give gifts on both occasions. Decide how much you want to spend on a gift for the bride overall, then decide if you want to split that amount between wedding and shower gifts, or dedicate all of the funds to a gift she’ll open at her shower,” suggests Brownstein. As far as guest favors go, she says $5 to $20 per person is a good range.
Why Trust Brides
Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s also a recent newlywed—who both gave and was gifted many of the items on this list at her recent bridal shower.