Bridesmaid and hen do gifting: Plush present ideas for your wedding party
Celebrate your engagement with your nearest and dearest – and some luxurious tokens of gratitude
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If you’re in the throes of planning your wedding, or even your hen do, you’ll know how invaluable the help and support of friends and family is during what can be, at times, a very stressful period. Your nearest and dearest have been there to lend a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on throughout your life – and you’ve likely noticed their unwavering moral support even more now you’re tasked with planning an event as momentous as your own wedding.
So, how do you say thank you meaningfully with more than just a card? Whether you’d like to ‘propose’ to your bridesmaids, celebrate your girlfriends at your chic hen do or find gifts for those who have been by your side throughout the wedding planning process, there are now plenty of luxurious tokens of gratitude on the market that will show how much you really care – but that wasn’t always the case.
“When I got engaged in 2008, bridesmaid proposals, as we know them today, weren’t really a thing,” says Danielle Kendall, founder of Team Hen which launched in 2014 to answer the call from brides for stylish gifts for their hens or bridesmaids. “As I delved into the market, I quickly realised everything on the high street was overwhelmingly tacky and garish. As a result, I designed some hen party favours more aligned with my taste and so Team Hen was born.”
Fast forward to 2023 and bridesmaid proposals and hen gifting are part and parcel of weddings – another thing brides willingly spend time, effort and money on in the lead-up to their big day. “Bridesmaids play a significant role in the wedding process, offering support, time, and often financial contributions. Gifting is a way for brides to express their appreciation for the dedication and assistance of their friends and loved ones,” explains Kendall. “It’s a way we can show love, make memories, and make the bridal party experience even more special. It’s a heartfelt tradition that lets us give thanks to our friends and family for the big part they play in our journey to saying ‘I do’.”
The dos and don’ts of bridesmaid gifting
Knowing what presents your friends and family will love (and actually use) is incredibly personal. To get you started, Kendall has created a simple checklist that we recommend you consult before embarking on a wedding party shopping spree.
“Be thoughtful. Take the time to consider each bridesmaid’s personality, interests and preferences so you can choose gifts that align with their individual tastes to show that you value their uniqueness,” she says. “Also think about what your bridesmaids can use and enjoy beyond the wedding or hen party.”
Heartfelt, handwritten notes or personalised touches always go down a treat, too. “Sharing your feelings and why you chose them as bridesmaid or hen will make the gift even more meaningful,” adds Kendall. However, her biggest tip is establishing a budget. “Ensure that it’s reasonable and considerate. It's important to choose gifts that are within your means. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money.”
Two things not to forget are time and presentation. “Give yourself plenty of time to choose and order the gifts, as rushing the process can lead to hasty decisions and less thoughtful presents. Also pay attention to the presentation; thoughtful wrapping or packaging can enhance the overall experience.”
Bridesmaid gifting ideas
So, now we know the basics, it’s time to start planning. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together an edit of luxurious gifts any chic bridesmaid or hen will love, from champagne to raise a glass with and sentimental presents they will cherish forever.
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial in bespoke metal gift box
What better way to celebrate than with a bottle of sparkling? Plus, this special edition of the pink stuff can also be personalised with your bridesmaid’s name – how thoughtful of you…
Elizabeth Scarlett eye mask
Every bridesmaid (and bride) needs her beauty sleep. And what better way to do so than with a luxurious, lavender-filled eye mask which has been designed and hand-embroidered by British designer Elizabeth Scarlett.
Desmond & Dempsey pyjamas
Following on from that theme, a luxurious set of pyjamas are always a fail-safe option for any friend. Desmond & Dempsey is famous for its array of printed pyjamas, but this cream jaguar print screams wild abandon and romance. Perfect for a pre-wedding slumber party.
Gigi & Olive personalised wicker basket
As Kendall mentioned, presentation is key. Package your gifts in this stylish personalised wicker basket, which will no doubt become a keepsake they’ll reuse at future picnics or beach days. Plus, trust us when we say wedding gifts don’t get much better than Gigi and Olive’s.
Augustinus Bader Cleansing Balm
It’s fair to assume your bridesmaid’s may be in need of a detox after your hen, and what better way to kick off a pampering session than with a cleanser you can count on? Ensuring your bridesmaids will feel fresh-faced, Augustinus Bader’s Cleansing Balm can get in all of the nooks and crannies where you might still find a spot of make up or glitter from the night before…
Team Hen Bridesmaid pillar candle
Candles are another safe option when it comes to bridesmaid gifting, and these 3D hand-poured, natural soy wax pillars do a great job of standing out. These candles are made in small batches by the Team Hen crew and have a burn time of up to 60 hours, so make for a great long-lasting gift.
Bloom & Wild bouquet
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a bouquet of flowers – and Bloom & Wild’s carefully-selected array of hand-tied bouquets will do the job nicely. We love the Sunniva: bright and beautiful with bold sunflowers, roses and plenty of budding blooms.
Polaroid Go Instant Camera
What better way to capture your hen party memories with your best friends than with an instant camera? Gift to your maid of honour so she can be in charge of the photoshoot, as the camera comes with a selfie mirror, self-timer, double exposure and can be paired with its own colour filters. The best bit? You’ll have the printed pictures in your hands instantly.
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath
Gift your bridesmaids the perfect pout with Charlotte Tilbury’s collagen-infused lip gloss. Designed to plump and nourish lips with coconut oil and peppermint extract, there will be shining smiles all round…
Soru Pearl 18ct stud earrings
A playful and colourful take on traditional pearl jewellery, this set of earrings by Soru should be reserved for the special few (meaning your maid of honour). The rainbow detailing gives the earrings a party-edge, while the simple design means they’re easily wearable on the hen do and beyond.
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