Of course, you’ve found the love of your life, and those closest to you will hold a place of honor by your side on your big day. Getting together with your bridesmaids is a guaranteed good time. However, now that the holiday season is here, you have an even better excuse to plan an event. Our bridesmaid Christmas cookie exchange is filled with inspiration!

What is a Christmas cookie exchange?

Hosting a cookie exchange is the perfect opportunity for everyone to break out their best recipes and share them with everyone. Traditionally, each person bakes a set amount of cookies (dependent on the number of guests), and everyone gets to take a few of everyone else’s cookies home for the holidays. Sharing recipes is up to you, but it’s always a good idea. Of course, plan to make extra so folks can sample during the party.

Doing a bridesmaid Christmas cookie exchange helps break the ice with your crew. Plus, it allows them to learn something about each other as everyone shares recipes and discusses why their cookies are a family favorite. This year is ideal to plan this pre-wedding event. Additionally, depending on your tastes, it could even serve as a bridal shower or bachelorette party.

Elements of a Bridesmaid Christmas Cookie Exchange

We have a lovely event filled with inspiration for hosting a holiday cookie exchange with your wedding party. Also, consider including these tips if you’re a bride looking to treat your bridesmaids or are the maid-of-honor trying to help foster unity.

1. Send out a cookie exchange invitation.

Set the tone with a lovely invitation sent via snail mail. Also, include clear instructions on what a bridesmaid cookie exchange looks like and important details, such as the place and time of the event.

2. Have your bridesmaids dress for the occasion.

Part of the fun of getting together is looking your best. Therefore, encourage your bridal party to dress in festive attire. And be sure to state these expectations on the invitation. Of course, everyone will also want to be comfortable, so you don’t have to make it too formal.

Also, a fun touch would be to have your makeup artist and hairstylist available to do everyone’s hair and makeup. It’s a great way to do a trial run for everyone before the wedding day. Can you dress up for a cookie exchange? Absolutely!

3. Create a beautiful setting for your cookie exchange.

The setting of your event will create ambiance, but it should also be practical. If you live somewhere warm, having an outdoor bridesmaid Christmas cookie exchange would be fabulous! Of course, an indoor event is perfect, too.

Take time to consider things like seating, table decor, and flowers. Making things feel festive while not being overly Christmasy can help everyone focus on weddings instead of just the holiday season. Don’t forget to have snacks, such as holiday scones or a Christmas cake.

4. Enjoy your bridesmaid Christmas cookie exchange.

Once the day arrives, take time with each bridesmaid to make the event special. You can also plan to prepare gifts for each bridesmaid to say “Thank you.” What a nice touch!

Also, scheduling a photographer—your wedding day pro would be perfect!—capturing the event can be a memory-making experience as you exchange your delicious cookies.

Bridesmaid Cookie Exchange Tips

The cute petite centerpieces were designed in gold mason jars (available at craft stores). Not only do they make great decorations for the tablescape and the cookie table, but your bridesmaids can take them home as a gift after the luncheon. You can include greenery, flowers, or glittery twigs for added decor.

You can recycle and reuse all those cuttings from Christmas trees and fill an urn or compote with different evergreens to design your Christmas arrangements. They make fabulous complements for trees if you are hosting your luncheon outdoors or at a friend’s house. Place gifts underneath, and they make the space look festive. Include pine cones and ilex berries if you want a more wintery look.

For gift ideas, we filled a cute box with holiday cheer and useful items for our bridesmaids: thank you cards, gift tags, soft drinks, cookie cutters, and other related themes.

A holiday cookie exchange is also a great opportunity to give your bridesmaids their gifts for participating in your wedding. It’s much more intimate than your rehearsal dinner.

Holiday Exchange Vendor Team:

• Blue Goblets – The Pioneer Woman
• Brush Trees, Holiday Decor, and Gold Mason Jars – JoAnn
• Cookies and Desserts – Wegman’s
• Designer Wrapping Paper and Calligraphy – Fig 2 Design
• Dresses – Charlotte Russe
• Festive-Fetti and Gift Box Details – Brenda’s Wedding Blog
• Flowers, Cookie Exchange Styling and Details – EightTreeStreet
• Gift Boxes – Target
• Hair and Makeup – Bobby Pins and Blush
• Linens – CVLinens
• Photography – Debbie Ringle Photography
• Stationery Design – Allison Barnhill Design
• Venue – Private Horse Farm in Fredericksburg, VA

Save our event idea!