The Art of Selecting a Bridal Shower Gift
With wedding season in full swing, chances are you have a bridal shower in the near future. Selecting the perfect gift for these pre-wedding celebrations can be difficult, especially if the bride-to-be is a close friend or relative and you really want her to love it. Bridal shower etiquette has evolved over the years. Today, many people are opting for off-registry gifts like unique experiences, personalized gifts, meaningful keepsakes, or something handpicked just for the bride. To save you some time, we put in the research and curated a list of the five best bridal shower gift ideas for the bride of 2023.
When Should You Give a Gift to the Bride?
There are plenty of opportunities to give gifts to the bride-to-be in the months leading up to her wedding. These include events like:
- Bridal shower
- Engagement party
- Bachelorette party
- Rehearsal dinner
- Wedding day
Any pre-wedding celebration like this is a perfect time to present the bride-to-be with a more personalized gift that may not be on the couple’s wish list.
Are Gifts Required at a Bridal Shower?
If you are new to bridal showers, here is what you need to know - do not go empty-handed. Bridal showers are gift-giving events - and the bride will often open the presents during the shower. Even if the bride says not to worry about gifts, you should still bring one. The only exception is if the invitation explicitly writes not to bring a gift (yes, gift-less bridal showers are really a thing).
5 Best Gifts for the Bride-to-Be:
1. Washable Silk Pajamas
Nothing says luxury quite like silk, and these washable silk pajamas will make the bride-to-be feel like royalty. Not only do they offer supreme comfort, but they also add a touch of glamour to the bride's pre-wedding routine. With optimal versatility, these pajamas can be worn on the wedding night, during honeymoon evenings, or even for lounging at home. The washable silk fabric feels like heaven against your skin, and this high-quality set by Lunya ensures that the bride can enjoy them for years to come.
2. Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Every bride deserves to sparkle on her wedding day, and what better way to ensure her diamond ring gleams with radiance than with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner? This cutting-edge device utilizes high-frequency sound waves to gently remove dirt and grime from precious metals and gemstones. With its ease of use, remarkable results, and a sleek design, the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a gift that will keep on giving, ensuring the bride's diamond ring stays sparkling long after the celebration ends. Giving the bride-to-be something special she can actually use on her wedding day is always a great choice! You can even buy it on Etsy!
BONUS: You can use an ultrasonic cleaner on so much more than jewelry. We love it for deep cleaning makeup brushes, retainers, toothbrushes, eyeglasses, and cosmetic tools. At an affordable price point, you can give the bride-to-be an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for a bridal shower or on the wedding day for next-level sparkle.
3. Pressed Wedding Bouquet
Want to give the bride something truly unique? A pressed wedding bouquet turns the bride's wedding bouquet into a gorgeous work of art, capturing the sentiment of her wedding day forever. Although this gift takes a bit of planning, the result is truly stunning. With its timeless appeal, it serves as a constant reminder of the special day and the love shared between the couple. Depending on the size you choose, pressed wedding bouquets can run on the expensive side, so this often works best as a joint gift. Gather a few friends, or ask the bridesmaids to contribute to a pressed wedding bouquet for a one-of-a-kind gift the bride will swoon over.
4. Experiential Gift
Looking to offer an unforgettable experience rather than a physical gift? An experiential gift is the perfect choice! Whether it's a couple's spa day, a hot air balloon ride, or a cooking class for the newlyweds, experiences offers a memorable and shared experience for the couple to enjoy together. With an experiential gift, you're not only giving the bride something she'll remember forever but also creating a lasting memory for the happy couple.
Experience gifts work best if you are a close friend or relative to the bride - since you will know what the couple enjoys the most. When I was a bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding recently, a few of us joined in and purchased a private cooking class experience for the bride and groom to take while on their honeymoon in Greece. She said it was the highlight of their trip and the best gift she has ever received!
5. BoxFox for the Bride
The perfect small gesture right before the big day, BoxFox for the Bride is a wedding day essential. Available in a chic and stylish creme or matte black box, the set contains a mini emergency kit for brides, a scented candle, and two silk scrunchies. Give this to the bride on the morning of her wedding day to help her stay calm and get down the aisle worry-free.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect bridal shower gifts can be a challenge, but with a little thought and creativity, you can find a gift that the bride will love. From unique and personalized gifts to practical and luxurious items, there's something out there for every bride. The best bridal shower gift is one that reflects the bride's style, interests, and needs. It's about considering her lifestyle, her hobbies, and her dreams.
