Do I Need to Buy a Separate Gift as Maid of Honor?

Being asked to stand by your best friend as her Maid of Honor (MOH) is such an incredible privilege—but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and questions. One of the most common ones bridesmaids and MOHs ask is:

“Do I need to buy my own gift for the bride, or can I join in on a group gift?”

In my case, my fellow bridesmaids and I decided to create something sentimental: a “Letters to the Bride” scrapbook. Each bridesmaid will write a heartfelt note, and one of the bridesmaids—who already loves scrapbooking—will put it all together into a beautiful keepsake for the bride.

The question that came up for me was: As the Maid of Honor, should I still buy the bride something extra on top of this group gift?

What’s Traditional for MOH Gifts?

Traditionally, the Maid of Honor isn’t obligated to give the bride a separate gift beyond what the bridesmaids collectively contribute. Your role already includes planning and helping with showers, bachelorette parties, and providing emotional support throughout the wedding journey. That in itself is a huge gift!

That said, some MOHs choose to give the bride a personal gift in addition to the group present—especially if they want to add a more intimate touch to their friendship. For example, a handwritten letter, a small piece of jewelry, or something meaningful to your bond can be a lovely gesture.

Why Sentimental Gifts Work Best

Weddings are emotional milestones, and gifts that come from the heart often mean the most. A “Letters to the Bride” scrapbook is perfect because it gives the bride something she can treasure forever. She’ll be able to look back on those letters years from now and remember the love and support she had on her wedding day.

The Bottom Line

If you and the bridesmaids are already giving a thoughtful, creative, and sentimental gift like the scrapbook, then you don’t need to stress about buying something separately as the Maid of Honor. However, if you feel compelled to give something extra, keep it small and meaningful—it doesn’t need to be expensive.

At the end of the day, what matters most is showing your bride that she’s loved, supported, and celebrated—not how much money you spend.

Planning your wedding? At Unique Events by Shollah, we bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a free consultation.