Not Quite a Bridal Party

Could you could have favors or gifts that you give to these close friends when you hold bachelor/bachelorette parties? I would feel strange getting a gift out of the blue for something I wasn't actually doing. Having it be you recognizing them as a group would make more sense, to me.

They're all coming the morning of and getting ready with me, so we'll all be together that morning before the wedding, I was planning on doing it then.

View Quoted Comment That sounds perfect! Have fun ❤

I am inviting my best friends to come to the venue earlier than the rest of the guests so I can have pictures with just them.

Maybe give the gifts at the rehearsal and before the rehearsal dinner. Write a heart felt card stating how you are grateful for their friendship and excited to get ready together the morning of your wedding.


I would tailor the gift to the person. If they love jewelry, maybe a nice bracelet, if they are a coffee drinker, maybe a tumbler, if they travel a lot, maybe a leather toiletries bag
My personal preference would be something without a personalization on it or a wedding phrase, because that way, if I received the gift, I’d feel more comfortable using it year round

Ps. Just re-read that you were planning on giving gifts the morning of your wedding. That’s a nice idea as well 😁

If you want them to be bridesmaids then ask them. Otherwise let them be guests without a role or title. Middle ground is very confusing and some may not share your view that it is making them feel honored because they are not actually doing anything. Being a guest is a huge honor in itself and a lot of women don’t like being bridesmaids due to unrealistic expectations and high expenses.


If you feel you must give gifts, find something that fits their individual interests that is completely unrelated to the wedding.

We aren't having a wedding party, but we have a pretty tight guest list and all of our friend whom we've invited are people we would have considered as part of our wedding party if we used the title. I've let my friends know that and told them personally how special they are to me, and I plan to ask them to get ready with me in the morning on the day of if they're interested, but with no obligation if they aren't. I personally struggle with gifts and wouldn't want to give something to my friends that they won't really use again.