When the big day was approaching, the last thing I wanted to be worried about was last minute to-do list items. As you are wedding planning, it never hurts to think ahead. One item you can check off earlier than you might think, is gifts for your gals.

The first consideration you'll need to make is how much you'd like to spend on each bridesmaid (or bridesman!) and personal attendant. Here are a few things to consider as you determine your gift budget:

1. Being a bridesmaid is expensive. 

You've likely been there. As much as your friends are so happy to stand by your side, it is a lot to take on with the dress, a bachelorette party trip, and all kinds of gifts! Your gift is a way to help them with items they might need the day of and to say thank you for standing by your side. 

I gifted my gals a flannel to get ready in the morning of the big day, earrings to wear for the ceremony, and a coordinating shawl in case it was chilly. You never know what kind of weather you'll get in the fall in Minnesota. Luckily it was gorgeous!!

2. Will you pay for any portion of hair or makeup? 

Helping with one or both of these goes a long way with your wedding party. 

We were able to budget in paying for everyone's hair and I think it was really appreciated! Plus, how pretty did these ladies look??

3. Ask yourself if they can use any of these items again! 

Although part of being in a wedding means investing in a few items that are for that day only, it's great if your gift survives the wedding. For example, if you gift your wedding party something to get ready in the morning of the wedding, you might want to avoid a "BRIDESMAID" branded shirt and stick with something less wedding specific like a robe or a flannel that they can enjoy after the festivities are over.

I must not have done too badly in this area because I've seen the flannels and earrings being worn after the wedding! The shawls could also be used as a plain, gray scarf. 

4. Do you want to give everyone the same items or change it up?

There is no right answer to this question. However, if you decide to give different gifts, make sure that you stick within the same budget for everyone. The perception that someone got a more extravagant gift than someone else never made anyone feel good!

In this category, I stuck with giving everyone a very similar set of gifts. To give the gifts a little personalization, I gave each bride a personalized hanger to hang their dress. You can read about that DIY project here. It also made a cute tie on to the gift box.

To add a little personality to each gift, I chose a fall candle scent and a bottle of wine based on each of their personal tastes. 

Each lady also received a red wine face mask and a wine wipe (to clean those pearly whites at the reception after a few glasses) to pull the fall winery theme all together!

5. Plan ahead! 

If you buy items throughout the wedding planning process, you are more likely to find the items you want and at a better price. For example, keep an eye out for sales on jewelry or getting ready attire. 

I was able to get all of the flannel purchased at great prices during the winter, rather than trying to find it out of season in late summer. I also found these amazing copper gift boxes at Goodwill of all places! They were brand new (recently donated from Target) and were a fraction of the original price. It was complete luck to find them! They were perfect! 

Plus, if you have everything purchased in advance, all you have to do is put it all together in a pretty package in time for the rehearsal dinner.