Bridesmaid and Maid of Honor Gifts

Instead of the necklace, get each of them something specific to them that they will enjoy. I would never wear an initial necklace, so it would be a waste of money for a bride to purchase one for me.

The general consensus on WW is that anything wedding related is not considered a gift. The recommendation is to shop for each person individually like it was their birthday

I think it will depend on your bridesmaids. I personally would love the necklace but others may not wear it often.

Your gifts are all related to the wedding. I would encourage you buy a gift that is unique and personal to each bridesmaid. Something that acknowledges your gratitude for their relationship. Paying for their makeup, hair and nails is all props for the wedding rather than a true gift.

So is it better etiquette to have them pay for their own jewelry, hair and nails and buy them a nicer, more personalized gift instead?

Personally I wouldn't wear an initial charm .

If you require them to have their hair and manicure done in a specific matter, it is your responsibility to pay for it. It is not a gift for them. It is a prop for your pics.

Ditto with the jewelry.

If they are free to wear their hair, nails and manicure however they choose, then you are not required to pay.

I definitely agree with shopping for each girl like it's their birthday. You don't want to get and spend money on a blanket gift that may not ever be used again. The gifts don't have to be expensive as long as they are meaningful to you and each gal!

If hair and nails are not required and you're offering to pay for them, it's a nice and appreciated gesture (if you're able to afford it). However, if you are requiring it or there's pressure on the girls to all look uniform then it shouldn't be considered a gift. The last wedding I was in, the bride sort of did a combination of gift and prop which was appreciated and gifted us items helpful for the wedding day but weren't props and could be reused like a S'well water bottle, really nice lotions/lip gloss, etc. plus jewelry for wedding and hair coverage. I do think it's nice to get personalised gifts to show your appreciation for the time and money your friends are putting in for your wedding, but they don't have to be budget breaking gifts. I think it'd be nice for you to get something extra for your MOH given the extra work she's likely putting in and definitely nix the initialed gift idea bc I don't reuse any of the initialed gifts I get, but that's me. You should know what these girls will enjoy and actually reuse if you're close enough to have them in the wedding party so really keep them in mind when making this decision!