Do You Bring Gifts to a Bachelorette Party?
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If you’ve made a bachelorette party guest list, chances are that you’re very close with the bride-to-be. It takes a special person to make the cut! While you’re getting excited about celebrating with some amazing people and choosing what to wear, there’s also probably one burning question at the forefront of your mind:
“Do you bring gifts to a bachelorette party?”
It’s like there’s an unspoken rule on whether or not gifts are expected at a bachelorette party, you’re just not sure what that rule is! Especially as you’ll be expected to give the happy couple something on their big day and probably the bridal shower too.
Often the bachelorette party invitation will specify whether or not to bring something, but if that detail is proving elusive, then this article should make things a bit clearer for you.
Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party Gifts
First things first, let’s quickly break down the difference between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party, and their related gifts.
A bridal shower is usually a daytime event. It can be quite formal and the guests shower the bride-to-be with love and gifts which usually focus on her new life as a married woman. On the other hand, a bachelorette party is a chance for a bride to let her hair down with her besties and celebrate saying goodbye to her single life.
The two events have very different vibes, and the gifts that you take along should reflect this. Great wedding shower gifts could include fancy candles, diffusers, or a monogrammed vanity case with her new initials on it. Focus on the bride’s personality and what her interests are. These aren’t necessarily items for the couple to enjoy together, that’s what wedding gifts are for!
When choosing a bachelorette party gift, you can think outside the box and get her something that you wouldn’t give to her at her bridal shower or on her wedding day. Sexy lingerie, gag gifts, or drinking essentials are some common bachelorette party gifts. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and go for a laugh!
Do You Need to Bring Gifts to a Bachelorette Party?
In most cases, it’s bachelorette party etiquette to bring something along something for the bride, especially if you’re in the bridal party. Where the lines become blurred is what to give and how much to spend, which we’ll look at a bit more below.
The maid of honor is usually in charge of planning the bachelorette party. Her and the bridesmaids will decide if they want to get a larger group bachelorette gift from the bridal party and/or attendees or if they’d prefer individual ones.
We love The Adventure Challenge or Miss to Mrs for group gifts!
These instructions are normally written on the invitation or explained beforehand. If nothing has been specified, it’s probably better to shoot the MOH a quick message or take something along just in case.
When Would Gifts Not Be Required?
These days, brides-to-be tend towards choosing unique activities for the bachelorette party or wanting a destination bachelorette weekend. However, between expensive activities and travel and accommodations, these can come with a hefty price tag for guests. In addition, those attending can sometimes be asked to pick up a portion of the bride-to-be’s expenses.
If this is the case, brides generally don’t expect a separate gift as well. She’ll just be excited to have all of her girlfriends in one place, celebrating the end of her single life. Do double check with the maid of honor or bridesmaids though. You don’t want to be the only one who turns up without a gift!
What are Appropriate Bachelorette Party Presents?
If you have decided to bring along something for the bride, let’s take a closer look at what types of items make the best bachelorette party gifts.
One of the first things to consider is the bachelorette party theme. If it’s going to be a movie night, you could all “Bring a Board” and this could be the gift. A 90’s themed bachelorette party wouldn’t be complete without some nostalgic gifts – think Spice Girls merch or personalized fanny packs!
It’s always advisable to contact the host of the party, whether that’s the maid of honor or the bridesmaids, to see if there’s a theme to the gifts. They may want to have some fun and have everyone bring a piece of lingerie!
The personality of the bride should also be taken into account, she might not appreciate a blow up doll with the groom’s face taped to it!
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite bachelorette party gift ideas below!
Funny Gifts
You have to know the bride pretty well to pull off a funny gift. Silly underwear or a shot glass with the bride’s face on won’t be for everyone but if her sense of humor is right, she’ll love these gifts.
Hap-penis Candle
Personalized Face Panties
Face Shot Glass
Personalized Gifts
If she’s going somewhere warm on her honeymoon, why not get her a beach hat with her new name on? Or how about a custom Mrs robe for her to wear on the morning of her wedding?
Personalized Beach Hat
Custom Mrs Robe
Personalized Mrs Purse
Accessories
Gifting her some classy jewelry or hairpieces is a great idea. Whenever she wears them, she’ll be reminded of her last party as a single woman.
Bride Barrette
Beaded Mrs Earrings
Bride Straw Purse
Games
Hear me out but every bachelorette party should include some games! It’s a good icebreaker if some of the guests don’t know each other and they’ll only get funnier as the night goes on and the drink keeps flowing.
For The Girls
Never Have I Ever
That’s What She Said
Charity Donations
If the bride says she doesn’t want anything, you can still show her how much she means to you by donating to a charity that’s close to her. Sometimes these gestures mean more than physical gifts.
When and How to Give a Bachelorette Party Gift
While there is some bachelorette party gift-giving etiquette, it changes depending on the type of party. Many brides will open the gifts before going out to celebrate but others won’t like that kind of attention on them, or won’t want to carry around a bag of swag.
If a group gift has been purchased, it’s down to the MoH to present it to the bride. But if it was agreed to bring separate gifts, try and get some alone time with her to give her your gift. This is largely to avoid making other party guests feel bad if they haven’t brought a gift along.
It’s also a nice gesture to bring a little something, maybe a bottle of champagne or some chocolates, to the host. They won’t be expecting it but it’s nice to show your appreciation to them. It’s not an easy job to plan these things!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a gift if I can’t attend the bridal shower?
No, you don’t have to. But if you’re close to the bride and you want to celebrate her, even though you can’t be there in person, it’s a nice gesture to send something in your absence.
How much should I spend on a bachelorette party gift?
If it’s a group gift, this will be decided by the MoH and bridesmaids, or other members of the wedding party planning the festivities. When it comes to separate gifts, the budget is what you can afford and what you are comfortable with spending. If the bride-to-be is a true friend, your presence at her party will mean more than the value of the gift you bring along.
Final Thoughts …
So, do you bring gifts to a bachelorette party? Generally speaking, yes but not always. I know, super clear, right!?
If you’re unsure of what the bride would prefer, send the MoH or bridesmaids a message and see what they say.
However, at the end of the day, don’t stress too much about it. This is a day to celebrate your friend and they definitely wouldn’t want you to be stressing about the gift.
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