Archive for the ‘Bridesmaids’ Category

Bridesmaids gifts

Monday, December 20th, 2010

I’ve made a few suggestions when it comes to your bridesmaids’ attire, but I’ve also got a few ideas about gifts for your girlfriends.  There are a lot of cheesy bridesmaids gifts floating around on wedding websites.  Just so we’re clear–ordering from a website just because something is “personalized” doesn’t make it cool and in most cases it also doesn’t make it feel personal.

Here are 10 Things I wouldn’t mind receiving if I were your bridesmaid:

Pashminas to compliment the wedding attire.

A quirky little flask from Anne Taintor.

Earrings and/or a necklace to coordinate with the dresses.

A personalized bowl from Paloma’s Nestthat your BFF’s can put their earrings and necklaces into.

These purse mirrors from Danforth Pewter.  The rose trellis is my favorite one.

A pair of ballet slippers (or flats of a similar style) to slip into at the reception.

An adorable handbag or clutch that can be used again and again!

A spa day before the wedding complete with a mani-pedi, perhaps a massage and lunch!

A comfy robe to wear while dressing the day of the wedding (or after the spa day!).

Or how about a fabulous piece of hand-blown glass from Simon Pearce.  Every girl should have a nice glass vase after all!

What are you gifting your bridesmaids?

Photo above from Daria Bishop Photographers.

Selecting Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

I have talked with several brides who are still deciding what color their bridesmaids should wear for their weddings.  J. Crew has earned a reputation for having colorful & classy bridesmaids dresses and they also make some beautiful dresses for brides, but I think Ann Taylor has a wonderful selection of wedding attire for bridesmaids that deserve a closer look.  Check out their selection of dresses online.  I see several dresses that can truly be worn again and again. 

Keep in mind the price point of the dresses you are considering and don’t overlook the idea of having the girls wear different colors.  Not everyone has to match.  And not everyone is thrilled to spend upwards of $200 on a dress you picked out.  That plum, burgundy, sage green, grass green, butter yellow, mango-tangerine or baby pink tone that matches your palette perfectly will probably retire to the closet after it debuts on your wedding day.

I think black, grey and possibly navy and brown dresses have the best chance of actually being worn again and I’m a big fan of different styles or colors on each girl.  If you manage to choose something that everyone likes (and looks good in!) you will be a wedding day hero.  Oh, and please remember that your table linens should not be the same color as the girls’ dresses.  That’s just mean.

What color do you think is most complimentary for a bridesmaid to wear?  Did you wear a color recently that you hated…or felt great in?

Above is one of my favorite color palettes for a summer wedding with a bright, fun feeling.

6 Tips For A Happy Wedding Party

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Unlike the days when puffy sleeves and pastels were all the rage, it is totally fashionable to have a fabulous wedding party!

Six Tips for a Happy Wedding Party
  1. Consider having your bridemaids wear different colors or styles of dresses (just in case everyone doesn’t feel she can pull off the color and strapless cut you may have in mind).  Mismatching can be done beautifully.
  2. Coordinate the girls’ look with matching shoes & handbags.  This is a great way to bring the bridesmaids’ looks together if they are not all wearing the same dress.
  3. Use bold, beaded jewelry to finish the look no matter what your style.  Necklaces, bracelets and earrings all work to complete a look.
  4. Perfectly match pashminas to your palette to add another pop of color to the wardrobe.  By the way, any of the aforementioned items would be thoughtful gift ideas from you to your maids!
  5. Picture your groomsmen in matching suits (instead of tuxedos–particularly for mid-day ceremonies!) with coordinating shirts & ties in your chosen palette.
  6. Bridesmaids & groomsmen prefer to be seated with their dates instead of being separated by head table status.  Everyone will love you for this one!

vermont wedding flowers

Flowers are a perfect way to add color to your wedding party.  These brightly colored bouquets include roses, freesia, hydrangea, and dianthus.