The Money Mustache Community

Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: windawake on April 20, 2012, 05:46:22 PM

Title: Mustachian Bridal Shower Gift (or other requisite gift situations)
Post by: windawake on April 20, 2012, 05:46:22 PM
Hey all,

I'm the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding this summer, which I am honored to be a part of (even though weddings are NOT my thing at all) however it is expensive!  I've already spent over $150 on a dress and will have to pay to get it tailored.  I'm also expected to throw a bridal shower and bachelorette weekend.  Luckily I got a hook-up with a cheap cabin for the bachelorette weekend so it should cost less than $25 per person for two nights and all of our food/activities.

However, I'm not sure what's required for the bridal shower.  It seems I am required to throw the bridal shower, get her a gift for that, and get one for the wedding (my parents are invited to the wedding so I'll probably just "contribute" aka. put my name on, their gift).  I can't really justify getting her ANY bridal shower gift since I'm already going to be spending at least $200 on this wedding.  What are your thoughts for a free or homemade present for her?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mustachian Bridal Shower Gift (or other requisite gift situations)
Post by: arebelspy on April 20, 2012, 08:29:24 PM
The wife suggests a "Wedding Day Emergency Kit"

Put in stuff like:
Breath mints
Small pack of deodorant
Tide bleach pen
Safety Pins
Bobby pins
Aspirin
Sewing kit
Band Aids
Small bar of chocolate (don't let it get on the dress!)
Tweezers
Lint Roller
etc.
etc.

Those were some she thought of, but if you google wedding day of emergency kit, you'll find a whole list of other items as well.

And add a little heartfelt note for her sealed for her to read the day of (I'm so happy for you, breathe, it'll be wonderful, you deserve this, etc. etc.)

If it fits her/you, a small bottle of alcohol (airplane sized).

Put it all in a cute little box, decorate it, done.
Title: Re: Mustachian Bridal Shower Gift (or other requisite gift situations)
Post by: Arbor33 on April 23, 2012, 08:04:48 AM
It probably can't make up the entire gift, but coupons!

If they have kids, or plan to, give them some coupons for watching their kids. Trust me, my sister is eternally grateful each time I help out by watching my niece and nephew. The best part is I actually like doing it!

You obviously know her better than I. Get creative and personalize them to things she enjoys like a dish you can prepare, something of yours she would borrow, or offer your services as a DD if she likes to go out. My buddies and I trade the latter pretty often. Being a guy, I really don't know what happens at bridal showers, but feel free to make it something embarrassing if the venue allows for it. The more fun they are, the more memorable they'll be.

That's all I got. Let us know what you end up doing!
Title: Re: Mustachian Bridal Shower Gift (or other requisite gift situations)
Post by: debthater on May 04, 2012, 10:21:08 PM
The best two gifts I received at my shower were not expensive but very thoughtful.  My maid of honor coordinated with all the shower guests to bring photos to the shower.  there was a covert operation where all the guests went into a room and built a scrapbook page or two with their pictures.  The MOH pulled it all together and presented it to me. It was really awesome.  I did the same for another friend but gave people the details about the book (size, etc.) and asked them to make a page at home and bring to the shower.  It went over well. 

Another friend took photos of numbers that made up my wedding date.  She put them in a photo frame that was set up for three pictures (10-10-10).  It was so thoughtful and I have it hung in my house today.  Good luck! It is the thought that counts!