How To Show Your Appreciation: Gift Ideas For Your Bridesmaids

               Your Bridesmaids have all said yes to be a part of your special day.  They have been there by your side every step of the way leading up to your Wedding.  So to return the favor, you want to show them how thankful you are for all of their love, support and guidance they have given you the last few months or so…. But what do you get them?  Are you stumped on what would be the perfect gift?  Well I have listed out a few categories and ideas that I feel your Bridesmaids will absolutely love and even better, they can actually use! 

 

The “Day Of” Gifts

These gifts are for your Bridesmaids to use on the day of your Wedding.  This will not only save them time and money, but it can also help them coordinate with one another. 

·         Matching Nail Polish

·         Jewelry

·         Gift Card to Spa/Hair Dresser that you may be using that day

·         Sewing Kit

·         Fashion Tape

·         Matching Clutches

·         Customized Clothing (Robe, Tank, Sweats) that all say Bridesmaids

·         Mints

·         Advil

·         Makeup/Makeup Bag

Prepare Her for Your Destination Wedding

Are you planning a Destination Wedding?  Well a great idea for a Bridesmaid’s gift is one that would help make traveling a lot easier for them!  Even better… Put it all into a carry-on bag

·         Magazines or Their Favorite Book for the Flight

·         Headset

·         Neck Pillow

·         Tickets to a Show/Sporting Event or a Gift Card to a Restaurant at your Wedding location

·         A List of Restaurants, Things to Do, Places to See

·         A Customized Luggage Tag for their Luggage 

·         Camera

Pamper Her

Every girl appreciates a good pampering.  After all of the stress she has endured during the planning of your wedding, she would really appreciate a relaxing day to her self.  

·         Silk Pajamas/Robe

·         Monogrammed Towels

·         Slippers

·         Gift Certificate to a Local Spa or Boutique

·         Makeup/Makeup Bag

·         Lotions

·         Her Favorite Color Nail Polish

·         Facial Masks

·         Perfume 

All of Her Favorite Things

If she is one of your bridesmaids, then I would assume you know her pretty well.  By customizing each gift for your Bridesmaids, it will give it a personal touch that they will truly appreciate.

·       Fitness Lover: Personalized Sweats, Gift Certificate for Personal Training/Class, Yoga Mat, Light Weights, Water Bottle, Hair Bands

·       Loves to Cook: Recipe Book, Personalized Apron, Small Cooking Appliances, Colorful Colander, Cookie Cutters

·       Gardener: Gardening Tools, Small Plant, Gift Certificate to Local Gardening Center, Seeds, Pale

·       Movie Buff: Tickets to a Local Movie Theater, Her Favorite DVD, Popcorn, Candy

Wine & Dine Her

What better way to make your Bridesmaid feel appreciated then to wine & dine her!  Here a few ideas to make her feel special! 

·         Her Favorite Bottle of Bubbly

·         Sample Cheeses

·         Wine Club Membership

·         Gift Certificate to her Favorite Restaurant

·         Wine Bottle Opener

·         Chocolates

·         Gift Certificate to a Winery

·         Customized Wine Glass

After you create your perfect gifts for each of your Bridesmaids, there is one more touch that needs to be added!  I highly recommend writing a personalized letter to each and every one of them, stating how thankful you are to have them in your life and by your side throughout the Wedding process.  This not only shows your appreciation, but it also adds a personal and loving touch! 


BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Trending Bouquets and Creating Your Very Own

              Walking down the aisle is the moment you have waited for your whole life.  Everyone’s eyes are on you and the stunning gown that you have had chosen for maybe months or years in advance.  But what do you have in your hands?  Is it a bright arrangement of flowers in multiple different colors?  Could it be a bouquet of monochromatic red roses?  Or maybe it’s a mixture of flowers, jewels and feathers?  You will be showcasing this bouquet down the aisle and it is very important to stay true to the theme while adding your own personal touches.   We have been noticing trending styles of bouquets this year and are happy to see brides keeping tradition, yet adding their very own modern and personalized touches.   

The Bright and Bold Bouquet

                Are you a fun and playful bride that wants her bouquet to really stand out against her white dress?  If this sounds like you, than bright and bold is the way to go.  This year especially, brides are breaking free of the traditional red and white flowers and are going for bright and intense colors.  Examples of these trendy colors are hot pink, lime green, bright orange and yellow.  If you want your wedding day to be fun, unique and dazzling, than combining these fabulous colors in a creative way will be sure to capture that.   

          

Soft Romantic Bouquet

                For you hopeless romantics that love the feel of a traditional wedding with a lush bouquet of red roses, white lilacs or orchids, than do not be discouraged because this style is still trending in the year 2012.  We are seeing a lot of these flowers in beautiful maroons, red, dark purples, whites and creams.  These flowers and colors are so elegant and so soft that this trend will always be around for brides to choose from.  The traditional bouquet of red roses can still be modernized by possibly adding a couple of jewels or a few branches to give it a little twist. 

Jeweled Bouquets

                Glamour, sparkle and bling all describe this year’s recent trend.  Depending on your personality and your theme, you could create a bouquet that has a few jewels to a bouquet made of all jewels and broaches.  Vintage weddings have been on the rise this year and we have been seeing some very unique bouquets without any flowers and are made up of pearls, broaches, gems and jewels.  Add personal and meaningful touches by incorporating your mothers or grandmothers broaches or by incorporating earrings that were first given to you by your fiancé.  Who would have known that our bouquets would have gone from all flowers to all jewels?  But whoever came up with this trend is a genius and it looks absolutely stunning for a vintage themed wedding.   

Textural Bouquets

                If your dress is simple and elegant do not be afraid to branch out there and hold a bright and textural bouquet that will really pop in your wedding photos.  Depending on your theme and color scheme, you can incorporate many unique and magnificent details to your bridal bouquet.  Examples we have been seeing this year are the use of branches, bows, jewels, buttons, feathers, fruits and ferns.  The mixture of flowers and one or two of these objects will really catch everyone’s attention and will make you different from all the rest.

Vintage Colored Bouquets

                Like we said before, vintage weddings and bouquets are on the rise in the year 2012.  We can’t help but love the mixture of the elegance, grace, beautiful colors and the uniqueness of this theme.  If you are looking for a vintage feel yet do not want to create an all jeweled bouquet, we have some colors and ideas to incorporate into your bouquet to still get that wonderful vibe.  We recommend staying with the pale tones such as light pink, lavender, ivory and cream when it comes to your color choices.  Hydrangeas, peonies and gardenias are excellent flower choices for the vintage era themed wedding.  Also, incorporating touches of pearls, lace, broaches and stems can help make the look stand out and become absolutely unique. 

                Your dress, hair, makeup and shoes are all important when it comes to your wedding look.  But once you place your unique bouquet in your hands, it just completes everything.  While walking down the aisle, you will be showing off something that you have created and something that has your personal touches as well.  Don’t be afraid to explore options and make it your very own.  2012 is about standing out from the rest and showing off your style, and you can show this through your bridal bouquet.      

BBFN,

Olivia

A New Trend that is Quite Old

   By looking back into the past, brides have been able to have a beautiful and unique wedding that everyone will remember.  A Modern Vintage theme has become very popular over the years and we can definitely see why.  By the use of old antique furniture and dishware, neutral colors with a pop of a brighter color, vintage stationary for invitations, and old frames for a table number or menu holder, vintage weddings become very intimate and is something anyone can appreciate.  Here are some ideas we have found to make any Vintage theme wedding intimate, unique and most of all romantic. 

Colors & Fabrics: When you think of a wedding, you probably do not think of using burlap as one of your primary fabrics… think again.  By combining burlap and lace, a wedding will immediately give off a vintage vibe.  The definition of a vintage wedding is the use of lace, lace, and even more lace.  From the gown, to the table settings, to the bridesmaid’s dresses, the use of neutral tones and lace screams classic chic.  Suggested colors for this theme are peaches, nudes, grays, and always incorporate a pop of color to give it a modern twist. 

Decorations: By using timeless pieces, brides can make their wedding day classic yet fresh and modern.  Make a statement by using old antique furniture and dishware as decorations.  This not only increases the feeling of the theme but can also help the budget.  Use old furniture such as doors for backdrops, or dressers and desks as a place card table.  Using older plates and glassware for table settings, definitely gives off a vintage vibe.  Older frames as menu or table number holders can really add an old-rustic look.  Lighting is also very critical to get this look right.  Dramatic lighting and shadows are necessary and can be shown in a vintage way by the use of mason jars with candles, lights hanging and candlelight just about everywhere.  Look around an antique store or even your grandparent’s house and you just might find something inspiring for your big day. 

By simply adding a few select details, your special day will have a retro feel and will create a day that is truly unique.  Also, do not forget to capture your day with stunning photography that includes stills that are in black and white.  Today’s Vintage themed weddings have a very romantic and intimate vibe with a twist of modern to it.  There is nothing more classic than looking into the past and bringing it out in a modern and unique way.  

BBFN,

Olivia

Always a Bridesmaid, how to win an award as “Best Supporting Bridesmaid”

Whether it’s your sister, grade school friend or college roommate, some important woman (or man) in your life has invited you to be a part of their bridal party. If you’ve ever been part of a wedding party you know this role comes with fun times, and responsibility.

Here are my top 5 tips on how to best support your bride to be:


1. Start Saving – There is no getting around it, standing up in a wedding is going to cost some money (dress, shoes, showers, etc.). If you say yes to being in a wedding, you are saying yes to the cost of being in the wedding as well. Be realistic about your budget, and if you have any concerns talk to the bride to be before accepting the role. Once you’re on board, spend with a smile. This is someone you love, and she would do (or has done) the same for you.

2. Offer an Opinion – when asked to do so. Respect the decisions the bride feels confidence in making on her own, and offer honest opinions when she asks for them (also remember that she may not take ALL of your suggestions)

3. Lend a Helping Hand – A bride’s to do list is never-ending, or so it seems. As her big day approaches reach out to her, see what you can do. It may be tying ribbons, sorting through contracts to make a contact info. sheet, or going out for a glass (ok, bottle) of wine to de-stress. The bride might not want to ask for help, since you’ve done so much already, but she will appreciate you offering more than you know.

4. Run Interference – Unfortunately there are always going to be people involved in a wedding who cause a bit of trouble. We all have the complaining cousin, opinionated sister-in-law or friend who forgets this day is not about them. Be a buffer between the troublemaker and bride. She has enough to worry about. You may end up with a headache from listening to all that complaining, but someday karma will send the favor back to you.

5. Have Fun – Be her right hand (and left, when necessary), through her wedding day prep, ceremony and all of the formal activities. When it comes time for the reception, kick back and have fun. The bride will most likely be most relaxed during this time, and will take away many happy memories of her guests celebrating the love between her and her new husband.

Abide by all of these guidelines and you are sure to win “Best Supporting Bridesmaid” in our book!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia