Gift Ideas Your Bestie Will Obsess Over on Her Wedding Day

Photo: @parishilton (Instagram)

Finding the perfect gift for your best friend’s wedding can feel like a high-stakes mission. You want something thoughtful, stylish, and memorable, something that says, “I know you, I love you, and I’m celebrating this moment with you.” From luxe keepsakes to practical yet chic surprises, the right gift can make her big day even more unforgettable. To help you skip the stress and score major bestie points, we’ve rounded up eight can’t-miss ideas she’ll actually love.

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding: the venue, the decor, the dress! It’s no wonder so many beautiful brides turn into monstrous planners. Before she gets carried away with flower arrangements and seating charts, it is your duty as a BFF to make her feel spoiled and coddled. Let’s start with a bridal shower!

A bridal shower is a rite of passage before the bride says, ‘I do’. It is a glamorous day spent in laughs, drinks and games. Some even take the bridal party for a stylish spa day, filled with pampered massages and buffed, painted nails. From drawing the dress to unboxing gifts, there is so much to look forward to at a bridal shower. The biggest question that most people ask themselves is, “what do I get her?”

Photo: @ddlovato (Instagram)

It’s always convenient to stick to the registry (if she has one). That way, you know it’s something that the couple will love. Another safe bet is to choose an item for the house like a decorative vase or unique pepper shaker.

This year, however, we are investing in skincare. A clean nude lip and gloss goes a long way. A hydrating sleeping mask is crucial for the night and during the honeymoon. Every bride needs a rosy blush and a show-stopping highlighter. Don’t just think about the day she wears her elegant white dress, there’s also the bachelorette party and honeymoon.

Here are 8 beauty products and accessories to gift your bestie for her big day. Tailor it to her likes, dislikes, favourite brands and stores. You can’t go wrong with a luxurious lipstick or a personalized perfume bottle.

1. A Multi-Use Cosmetics Bag

Photo: cottonon.com

Before you get the beauty products, you need to start with a cosmetics bag. Whether it’s her wedding day or morning after, the bride needs necessities. They say you should carry a sewing kit or breathe mint in case of an emergency, but you need something to put it in first. If you’re going to be the maid of honour, then this bag is your responsibility. To make it extra special by engraving it with her to-be initials.

2. A Plumping Lip Kit

Photo: arcstore.co.za

So, now that you have something to put the mints and sewing kit in, let’s add a lip tint.

Whether you choose a matte, liquid or gloss lip, the perfect gift for the bride is a lip kit. You know her best; get a lip colour that will match her look on the day. Throw in a complimentary lip pencil while you’re at it. It will make the gift feel like a full package.

3. A Wedding Day Scent

Photo: @monakattan/@kayali (Instagram)

There is nothing sweeter than a couple’s gift. A bridal package is incomplete without a fabulous perfume. Before she walks down the aisle, the bride needs a memorable scent. Search for travel-size bottles of her favourite perfume, or shop for a matching set for him and her. They both need to be smelling delicious for the big day.

4. Bridal Blemish-Free Set

Photo: arcstore.co.za

If there is one rule that you should follow, is to never skip your skincare routine especially during wedding week. The best way to remind the bride to prep her skin and keep it moist is by gifting her expensive on-the-go set. We recommend hydrating masks, sleeping masks, lip masks, serums, blemish drops and/or moisturizers.

5. Highlighting That First Night Glow

Photo: @maybellineafrica (Instagram)

Every bride needs a dewy highlighter on her wedding day. Not that she needs it, she already has that bridal glow, but to enhance the day’s celebrations – find a flattering shade of glittery, pigment to bring out the bridal shine. This, too, is a wonderful addition to her honeymoon kit or wedding day touch-ups.

6. Wifey Accessories for Daysss

Photo: lovisajewellery.co.za

An exciting way for your bestie to embrace her inner princess-bride is by dressing like one.

Find cute hair clips, bag accessories, or charms that will remind her of her wifey era! Not only does it add a personal touch to her wardrobe but it act as a souvenir afterwards.

7. A Warm Bronzer for A Tanned Look

Photo: @benefitsouthafica (instagram)

Missing from the makeup bag is a toned bronzer. The highlighter looks incomplete without chiselled, cheek bones. Whether it’s a holiday in Bali or site-seeing in New York, contoured cheeks are the finishing touches to a flawless makeup look. There are many brands that offer minis for small packing, take your pick!

8. Honeymoon-Friendly Brushes

Photo: @swiitchbeauty (Instagram)

Finally, now that she’s said her vows and packed her suitcase, the last thing on the list is to organize your bestie’s makeup bag. She already has the bronzer, highlighter and lip kit, the last item necessary is a compact set of brushes. Spoil her with quality makeup brushes that will last her a lifetime.

With wedding season in full swing this time of year, the South African Bridal Expo is happening is around the corner and couldn’t come at a better time. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding and everything before it, but it is the small details that really make a difference. Keep a look out for all things ‘wedding’ and ‘bridal’.