Behind the Scenes: What It Really Means to be a Bridesmaid

There's no doubt that being a bridesmaid at a wedding is a privilege and an absolute honor. Not only is this tight-knit group of confidantes there to provide emotional and moral support to the bride as she embarks on this new chapter of her life, but they also get to help out with planning and organizing the big day.

And with the grand return of weddings after the pandemic, there's even more emphasis on their role and significance in the overall celebration. Since they serve such an integral part of the festivities, it's only natural for brides to appreciate and thank their bridesmaids for all their hard work.

Behind Every Great Bride Is a Group of Fierce Bridesmaids: A Brief History

But where did the concept of having bridesmaids originate from anyway? Did they always have the same scope of responsibilities?

The earliest record of bridesmaids dates back to Greek and Roman weddings, where they would accompany the bride on the way to the ceremony and were considered to be a form of protection from evil spirits. A total of 10 so-called witnesses were expected, and the bride wore a veil to disguise herself from potential suitors that might attempt to disrupt the ceremony.

Likewise, all of the women in the bride's entourage also wore white dresses that looked quite similar to the bride's gown. This was an effort to confuse any spirits or other suitors that were looking for her, as well as symbolize their unity and loyalty.

Fast forward to the Victorian Era, and bridesmaids took on more of a ceremonial role. They were still expected to provide protection from evil spirits, while also carrying the bride's train and holding the groom's ring during the ceremony. These new duties were often passed down to the younger members of the family, with the eldest bridesmaids taking on a more prestigious role.

Modern times have since scrapped the evil spirit superstition and instead, focused more on the aesthetic aspect of weddings by incorporating color-coordinated dresses. The whole point of having bridesmaids nowadays is to assist the Maid of Honor in planning and organizing the wedding, as well as stand by their best friend's side on her special day.

What to Get Bridesmaids for Gifts

Traditionally, the bridal party members are given small presents and tokens as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for their commitment, loyalty, and help with the wedding planning. How much you choose to spend on gifts is completely up to you, but here are a few thoughtful ideas to consider.

Jewelry

Starting off with the classics, giving your bridesmaids jewelry is one of the most delightful ways to show your appreciation. It doesn't have to be anything super lavish or extravagant either - as long as it's meaningful, they will love it just the same.

One particularly thoughtful gesture is to give each of them a pearl necklace as a symbol of the bond that you share. An Add-A-Pearl necklace starts off with a single bead as the center of the piece and can be added to over time. The wearer can choose to add more beads on special occasions, anniversaries, or just for fun. This gives them more control over how ornate or simple they want their jewelry to be.

For years, pearls have been a symbol of purity and joy, as well as a symbol of a long and prosperous marriage. Not only will they be able to wear this classic piece of jewelry on the big day, but they can also flaunt it on numerous occasions in the future.

Another alternative is to give them a pair of pearl earrings if you're looking for something a bit more nuanced. You can opt for a minimalist look with a single bead and a delicate gold base or multiple beads arranged in different styles for a more elaborate look.

Custom Keepsake Box

For those that have a soft spot for memories, you can never go wrong with a custom keepsake box. These small yet impactful gifts for bridesmaids provide them with a special place to store mementos, cards, and trinkets from the wedding or even other milestones in their own lives. Plus, they can be used as jewelry boxes to help keep them organized.

Smaller models often feature a singular drawer with a few separate compartments, whereas larger chests may come with multiple-tiered drawers in a more box-like form. If you're feeling extra generous, you can even have a ballerina figurine installed on the top, which will twirl gracefully to music as they open the box.

Matching Robes or PJs

Nothing screams "bride tribe" like the perfect set of matching robes or pajamas. Not only are these comfortable and functional, but they also provide a great opportunity for photos. You can choose from various colors and patterns to fit the theme of your wedding.

Alternatively, you can have custom robes and pajamas made to feature each of your bridesmaid's initials or a meaningful phrase, giving them a wonderful reminder of the special day. This can further solidify your bond as a group and create long-lasting memories.

Should the Maid of Honor Get a Different Gift Than the Other Bridesmaids?

Given her more prominent role in the wedding planning and day-of preparations, it's only natural to give the Maid of Honor a different or more extravagant gift than the other bridesmaids. Of course, you can stick with the same item you give the other bridesmaids if you feel like it since they're all equally important to you.

If you do opt for specialized maid of honor gifts, you can still stick to the same categories as the gifts for bridesmaids, such as jewelry and keepsake boxes. But you can also opt for something more unique, such as personalized prints or illustrations, original artwork, or even a monogrammed handbag.

How Many Bridesmaids Should You Have?

It all depends on how big you want your wedding to be and how much help you think you need when it comes to planning and preparations. A good rule of thumb is to have between two and 12 bridesmaids since it can get quite overwhelming for both you and everyone else involved if there are too many.

The most common number rounds out at three, given that it's an optimal number for most festivities. You'll have enough bridesmaids to help out while still keeping the final count relatively manageable and productive.

Ready to learn more about Add-A-Pearl as a gift option for your bridal party? Visit this page to start building your perfect necklace and don't forget to share your story with us.