When my fiancee and I were looking for thank you gifts for our bridesmaids and groomsmen we scoured the internet. We wanted meaningful and unique gifts that we could get locally in the Greater Toronto Area instead of online. Here are some suggestions for bridesmaids gifts that will show them just how much you appreciate them.
A BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAID PHOTOSHOOT
I don’t think we ever came across the idea of gifting a group photoshoot. Seems simple enough, right?
Most engaged couples will overlook this gift because they probably think it would be covered during their wedding day. You need to remember that the wedding day is still about the two of you though!
There are really only a few moments that allow photos of the bride, groom, maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen to have together. I truly believe you should spend that time doing something more than a formalized photoshoot. Relax and take in the fact that it’s a special day to share together! Go hang out at a coffee shop you like to meet at or even an old parking lot you used to blare music out of your cars from.
A DAY FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS
A group photoshoot is a more suitable gift for the bridemaids than groomsmen. A lot of the times men can be stiff when a camera is pointed at them. The energy of a wedding often softens the men up and they can be themselves in front of the camera. Ladies on the other hand don’t need much coaxing for the opportunity to look and feel beautiful.
Here’s the sequence you can follow for an epic day:
- Pick up your ladies
- Make your way to the Toronto Eaton Centre and buy some new outfits
- Get your hair and makeup done at a local boutique
- Throw on your outfits, pop some bubbly, and work it in front of the camera together
I promise the experience will be filled with laughter, happiness, and love!
THE PHOTOSHOOT OPTIONS
Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration on ideas/themes for photoshoots you can do together:
- Vanity Fair/magazine themed group photoshoot
- High fashion photoshoot
- Lifestyle/hangout photoshoot
- Era themed photoshoot
- Creative group photoshoot
If you need help coming up with the best theme for your bridesmaids then send us a message!
TAKE THE EXPERIENCE HIGHER
To take the experience to the next level you can give them something to keep forever.
The digital files are great for sharing on Instagram and Facebook and to keep on their phones, but having something physical to hold is even better.
You can create art, prints, and photobooks from your images. Then they can hang them on their walls or put them on their desks, shelves, and coffee tables to enjoy all the time.
PHOTOSHOOT ALTERNATIVES
If a unique gift like a photoshoot just isn’t your style there are a ton of more typical thank you gifts you can give your bridesmaids. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is filled with so many options that we’ll be writing a future article very soon (like…tomorrow)!
Let us know if you need more help finding meaningful and unique gifts for your bridesmaids by commenting below!
Jonathan How is the photographer behind Made by Ten and calls Milton his home. He specializes in creating beautiful, creative portraits of real women. He uses photography (and this blog) to help them build confidence and love for themselves and creates artistic images for their homes and offices. You can see him driving around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada from portrait to fashion shoot and back again.