One of my friends and co-bridesmaids in two weddings writes a weekly blog for We TV about planning her own wedding. This week she talks about Bride #6's Bachelorette Party in Newport (mentioned below) and gives some great Bachelorette Party tips!
You should definitely check it out!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"OMG You Just Got Engaged!!!!" Gifts
In addition to an engagement gift (typically something off the registry purchased a few weeks after the actual engagement), I like to buy my brides an "OMG! You just got engaged!! (insert girlie squeal)" Gift. This is a little something special for just the bride (not the couple) to get her excited about her year ahead. I will try to have the gift ready in my apartment if I know the engagement is coming soon, but sometimes if you are caught off guard, you need to just haul a** to the nearest store and pick one up! Some of my favorite gifts to give include:
- Bedazzled "Bride" tank top
- A ring dish (I made a personalized one at one of those paint your own pottery places)
- White "bride" or "I Do" underwear/thong
- Bridal magazines
- Ring/jewelry cleaner so she can keep that rock sparkling!
- A gift certificate for a manicure or better yet- take her to get one so you can spend some QT together
- Wedding planning book (I usually go with this Martha Stewart book, because I personalize the cover with the bride and groom's names. I also like that it's a binder, so you can put things in or take them out)
If you are good friends with the groom, he shouldn't feel left out! There are some gifts you can get him too! Some examples are:
- A groom's guide to the wedding book
- A gag t-shirt
- Groom baseball hat
Let me know if you have any other great ideas to share.
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Not going to the Bachelorette Party? No problem!
We all have busy years when we get in to Wedding Season, and sometimes we can't always go to the bachelorette party. Or, especially in this environment, some people may not be able to afford to go. Just because you can't be there, it doesn't mean you can't let the bride know that you are thinking about her. I always recommend you send a little gift to the bride to show her you are sorry you can't be there but she's special to you. Some ideas are as simple as sending a bottle of wine, champagne or dessert to the table if they go out to dinner. Other elaborate ideas include sending gift baskets to a hotel room, a gift if there's a lingerie shower, or any other special treat that you know the bride loves (i.e. if Magnolia cupcakes make her salivate, send a few her way!). Your bride will understand if you can't make it, but but getting a little gift from you will definitely make her smile. Buying a round of shots at the bar won't replace you, but it sure will help her enjoy her night!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Bachelorette Party in Newport
I just got back from an AMAZING weekend in Newport for Bride #6's bachelorette party. There were thirteen of us (including) the bride, and it went so smoothly! Bride #6 is probably the biggest partier of all of my brides, and we always thought we would definitely be going to Vegas for her. (Or New Orleans, because this bride would definitely get lots of beads, if you know what I mean). However- this isn't the economic environment where we can all drop a grand on a bachelorette party, when many of us are getting laid off, or taking pay cuts. So, we promised Bride #6 that we would go out of town, and we did. We did it in a really fun yet economical way.
Instead of doing the usual NYC summer escape like Fire Island, the Hamptons, or Jersey Shore- we went up to Newport, RI. Newport was just a 3 1/2 hour drive away, and a really cute little town. We found a gorgeous house to rent, that fit all 13 of us (very) comfortably. The house had everything we needed, including a fantastic outdoor pool and hot tub. We were only a few blocks from town, so were able to walk to our delicious and reasonable seafood dinner. There was a club in the basement of the restaurant, so we knew exactly where to go after eating, and the restaurant even reserved a table for us. The restaurant had been recommended, and we chose the club not only because of its proximity to dinner, but because it was called The Boom Boom Room, and how do you not go to a club with that name for a party animal bride? We had so much fun there, that we stayed until the bar closed (which isn't too hard in Newport, since the bars all close at 1 AM!)
The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out at the house. We brought in bagels Saturday morning, and hung out by the pool eating chips and dip and drinking bloody marys and margaritas all day. The MOH and I collected money from everyone in advance and stocked the house with all of the food and necessities for the weekend. We bar-b-qued hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner and hung out in the house all night. We took advantage of the different rooms and had different activities and games all night long celebrating the bride.
I was nervous that we weren't going out enough for the bride, but she was so appreciative of 12 of her friends all coming out for her and celebrating her all weekend. She was so excited to just spend such quality time with her closest friends- and it was so nice to hear that. You could really tell she was so warmed and ecstatic all weekend, it makes all of your planning and hard work feel rewarded. She told us it was the best weekend of her life, but we told her, we're glad to hear that now, but hope the wedding is even better!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Instead of doing the usual NYC summer escape like Fire Island, the Hamptons, or Jersey Shore- we went up to Newport, RI. Newport was just a 3 1/2 hour drive away, and a really cute little town. We found a gorgeous house to rent, that fit all 13 of us (very) comfortably. The house had everything we needed, including a fantastic outdoor pool and hot tub. We were only a few blocks from town, so were able to walk to our delicious and reasonable seafood dinner. There was a club in the basement of the restaurant, so we knew exactly where to go after eating, and the restaurant even reserved a table for us. The restaurant had been recommended, and we chose the club not only because of its proximity to dinner, but because it was called The Boom Boom Room, and how do you not go to a club with that name for a party animal bride? We had so much fun there, that we stayed until the bar closed (which isn't too hard in Newport, since the bars all close at 1 AM!)
The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out at the house. We brought in bagels Saturday morning, and hung out by the pool eating chips and dip and drinking bloody marys and margaritas all day. The MOH and I collected money from everyone in advance and stocked the house with all of the food and necessities for the weekend. We bar-b-qued hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner and hung out in the house all night. We took advantage of the different rooms and had different activities and games all night long celebrating the bride.
I was nervous that we weren't going out enough for the bride, but she was so appreciative of 12 of her friends all coming out for her and celebrating her all weekend. She was so excited to just spend such quality time with her closest friends- and it was so nice to hear that. You could really tell she was so warmed and ecstatic all weekend, it makes all of your planning and hard work feel rewarded. She told us it was the best weekend of her life, but we told her, we're glad to hear that now, but hope the wedding is even better!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
LL Bean Bags
As many of you know, I am a big fan of giving LL Bean Boat & Tote bags with the bride's new initials as part of the shower gift. I recently did this for Bride #6. When I got an e-mail after I placed the order that the color I chose was now out of stock- I wasn't happy. I called LL Bean, and they were so great and accommodating! I had originally ordered the medium bag with long handles, and they were totally out of purple mediums- so they gave me the large purple bag and didn't charge me for shipping. It ended up being cheaper than the medium with shipping! Then, since I was a novice at ordering the large bag (the medium with long handles is my usual standard)- I ordered the large bag with the long handles rather than the standard handles. Bride #6 is about 5'1", so the long handles on the large bag were WAY too big. The bag started at her waist! No problem though, I called LL Bean and even though the bag was monogrammed, I can exchange it for a new one! Plus, they're shipping the new one out with free shipping and all I have to pay for is the shipping to send the old one back. Fabulous! Lessons learned from this experience? A) When ordered Boat & Tote bags go with either the medium bag and long handles or large bag and standard handles and B) Always go with a reputable established company. Don't cheap out and order an imitation Boat & Tote bag on a cheapie website...go for the real thing. Their customer service was impeccable and they have super fast shipping!!!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Shower Gifts
One question I am always asked about is a shower gift. There are many different opinions on shower gifts, and whether or not to get a gift off the registry or not. The fact of the matter is- you are never wrong if you stay within the registry. I mean, the bride chose that gift- obviously she wants it!
However, as one of her bridesmaids, you are obviously one of her closest friends (or family members). Who knows her better than you do? If anyone is at liberty to get a gift off the registry and know that she'll like it, it's you! Just use your judgement!
One of my favorite things to do is have all of the bridesmaids chip in together and get a sort of combination gift. Half from the registry, and half using our creative imagination! One of my most common gifts is the travel/honeymoon gift and it's a great compromise of on and off the registry. This gift can include any or all of the following items, depending on your budget.
However, as one of her bridesmaids, you are obviously one of her closest friends (or family members). Who knows her better than you do? If anyone is at liberty to get a gift off the registry and know that she'll like it, it's you! Just use your judgement!
One of my favorite things to do is have all of the bridesmaids chip in together and get a sort of combination gift. Half from the registry, and half using our creative imagination! One of my most common gifts is the travel/honeymoon gift and it's a great compromise of on and off the registry. This gift can include any or all of the following items, depending on your budget.
- Luggage that the bride registered for
- Luggage tags (possibly even personalized with the couple's monogram or last initial)
- LL Bean Boat & Tote bag with the bride's new initials
- "Mrs. _____" tank top for her honeymoon or morning after brunch
- Just Married Underwear
- "I Love [Groom's Name]" underwear
- Travel cosmetics bag (possibly personalized with name or bride's new initials)
- Travel lingerie and/or shoe bags
- Sunscreen
- Bathing Suit Cover Up
- Travel slippers
- Robe (possibly personalized with name or bride's new initials)
- Honeymoon Journal
- Honeymoon disposable camera
I have given this to numerous brides, even for weddings that I am not in, and have always gotten the most positive reaction. They all love it!
If it's just you and you are limited, but want to go off the registry, the following are some great generic gifts that I heard are always appreciated!
- Lingerie (use your discretion how risky you want to get here)
- Picture frames
- Serving Pieces
- Gift Certificates (restaurants, spas, etc)
If you want to be really special and go off the registry, here are some other ideas.
- Create a scrapbook of the bride and groom's pre-married life together and give her a blank album to start when they get married
- Buy the bride a personalized recipe box with her new married name. Secretly e-mail the other bridesmaids and important family members (sisters, both moms, grandmas, aunts, etc) and fill the box with the recipes. I did this for Bride #5 and she said it was the best gift she received at her shower. She was so touched to have in her possession the recipes her friends and family members are best known for. She even gave herself the deadline of her one year anniversary to make each recipe at least once. Her husband is loving every minute of it!
- Personalized stationary with the bride's new name
As I always say though, keep your bride in mind. If you know she really wants her registry completed- buy her something off the registry and use your creativity somewhere else. We did this for Bride #2 and Bride #4. We bought them their pots and pans and then their luggage and they were both thrilled to get the high ticket items they didn't think they would otherwise receive.
Happy Bridesmaiding!
Know Your Bride!
The most important thing I tell everyone who asks, is KNOW YOUR BRIDE! Seriously...this is her day, her year! Yes, yes- everyone likes to have fun, but if you know that your bride is the type of girl who gets mortified when she gets up in front of a large crowd, don't make her sing karaoke at her bachelorette party. If your bride can't stand getting dressed up, don't over do it on the bachelorette accessories. If she's a bit tame and modest- don't make her party all night at a club.
The same goes for a rehearsal dinner speech or a bridal shower gift. If you love to give lingerie at a shower, but have a modest bride- keep her in mind and don't embarass her. If she can't take a joke- be kind when you roast her at the rehearsal dinner.
Just remember, that even though you may have a bridezilla who demands the exact nail polish color you wear and calls you at all hours of the day with questions and demands, she IS still your friend. So try not to embarass her and tailor your gifts, activities, etc around her. Trust me, you'll want her to do the same for you when it's your turn.
Happy Bridesmaiding!
The same goes for a rehearsal dinner speech or a bridal shower gift. If you love to give lingerie at a shower, but have a modest bride- keep her in mind and don't embarass her. If she can't take a joke- be kind when you roast her at the rehearsal dinner.
Just remember, that even though you may have a bridezilla who demands the exact nail polish color you wear and calls you at all hours of the day with questions and demands, she IS still your friend. So try not to embarass her and tailor your gifts, activities, etc around her. Trust me, you'll want her to do the same for you when it's your turn.
Happy Bridesmaiding!
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