For the Girls

Bridesmaid gifting is a newer tradition, but it’s definitely an important one. Your ladies shelled out an awful lot of time, effort, and money to participate in your big day so naturally, it would be nice to thank them with a token of some sort. Budget notwithstanding, there are plenty of ways to make your girls feel special.

 

I am a big believer in the box, basket, or bag of goodies — smaller, affordable things that are filled with meaning and will be used. Or, you could go all-out and spend more per item, focusing on one lovely piece of jewelry or other wedding-day accessory, or something each girl will individually use and love.

 

I commissioned my dad who is an incredible artisan of vintage-look pots made of antique dishes to create a small vessel for each girl. Inside, I put a small bottle of pink champagne, a gold bracelet with a bow, a bottle of Jo Malone perfume, and some other small goodies. These days, many companies are making it super-easy for you to pick a gift — Kate Spade has an entire line devoted to the cause, J. Crew’s baubles are wedding-day ready, and the internet is a veritable sea of ideas. Get picking!

This is a really sweet little gift box and you could pick gem colors to match your wedding scheme. $18 each. For the Maids via Etsy.

Got a preppier crowd? These monogrammed totes are perfect. It’s not only cute — she’ll get so much use of it. $25 each; Ballard Designs.

Floral robes are becoming more and more popular by the season — it’s a comfy, pretty solution to what to wear while getting ready, and something she’ll use and enjoy once the festivities are over, too. Sets start at $130 for two — Plum Pretty Sugar for pricing and design details.

These adorable mini jewelry boxes with monogrammed rings inside are just darling. You could do this affordably by going through an Etsy vendor for the rings and sourcing the boxes at a local antique store.

Or, check out these maid of honor and bridesmaid bangles from Kate Spade. $58 apiece and available in silver-tone, gold-tone, or rose gold-tone, these stunners are just perfect. In fact, so is everything that comes up when you type “bridesmaid” into Kate’s search tool on the site.

TOSS: My New Obsession from R. Nichols

We all know this girl loves a good candle. I couldn’t help but fall over myself in glee, therefore, when one of my favorite companies came out with a new scent and design especially tied to weddings. Artfully called TOSS, this sweet candle has a girl-centered POV, with the focus on that special iconic moment when the bride tosses her wedding bouquet. I’ve always loved taking part in this fun tradition.

Right before the toss at my wedding — notice my bridesmaid Jackie poised for the moment! (She ended up splitting it with the other girl in pink).

Featuring a whimsical design with the bride hurling her buds backyard to a line of waiting single ladies, the graphic is just perfect for a coffee table, kitchen island, bedside table, or boudoir. And even though I’m already married, this is just the type of gift I would have loved to receive for my engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding. It also doubles as a sweet token the bride can give to her ‘maids.

Not only is the packaging on this piece absolutely lovely, in a white-and-black box tied with a cerulean bow, but what’s inside is a true treasure. R. Nichols candles are like little works of art, each offering up its own special graphic to draw in the eye. But perhaps even better than the pretty canister (which you can reuse, by the way) the scent of TOSS is amazing.

R. Nichols describes the scent profile on this one as “a pure and innocent bouquet of the most beautiful white flowers… White freesia are embellished with sprigs of lily of the valley, orchids and stephanotis. Hints of white peony and creamy rose petals are scattered through the fragrance for textured femininity. And notes of jasmine blushed with pink and budding red currant blossoms add a touch of soft rose color.” I couldn’t capture it better. Open this candle and with closed eyes and you’ll imagine you’re sniffing the most beautiful wedding bouquet. Speaking of beauty, it’s designed so that as your candle burns, the playful exterior design will be illuminated from within. Just lovely!

For a little something extra, invest in this charming pair of luggage tags for the bride- and groom-to-be. We might not be headed on another honeymoon anytime soon, but Josh and I plan to use these on our next couples’ trip anyway. Such a sweet gift for the couple — and one that will continue to make them smile for years to come. Candle, $32, and luggage tags, $6 each, available at R. Nichols.

Shine a Light

A lot of brides ask me for inspiration for what to give their bridesmaids as a thank-you on the big day. I have so many ideas, and I try to cater my advice to the particular bride and style of wedding. You’d be hard-pressed to find a girl who doesn’t love a little luxury, even if it’s something she’d never buy herself. In my experience, those types of gifts make the perfect ones for your most special girls. And today I’d like to share with you my latest discovery that I’m certain your bridesmaids will adore. Don’t worry, I won’t tell if you decide to order an extra for yourself! Introducing Le Feu de L’Eau.

This super-cool brand was founded by celebrity makeup artist Jo Strettell and a longtime friend (see why they’re the perfect gift of friendship?), designer Wendy Polish. Each candle is individually hand-sculpted under water for a totally unique and artistic look — no two are ever alike. These beautiful, organic candles are soy-based and come in a vibrant array of hues. Match your selections to your wedding colors or pick a different scent to match each girl’s personality.

My favorite is Le Feu Violet (The Fire of Violet), an absolutely stunning option that floods your bedroom, bathroom, entryway, or any perfect spot you choose with the scents of grapefruit and tobacco.

Here is the beautiful inspiration sheet on the candle that’s burning in my home office as we speak. To purchase, and for more color and scent inspiration, head over to Le Feu de L’Eau. $62 each.

 

Shady Ladies

As we gear up for wedding season, I’m sure many of you brides-to-be have a million and one items peppering your many to-do lists. One plan I made sure to set into action ahead of time was that of the gifts for my girls. With Josh and I living in Dallas, I know it wasn’t easy for them staying on top of things and being “there” for me throughout the planning process — and wow, did they throw me one hell of a bachelorette party. If everything else crumbled, I wanted to make sure they walked away with lovely loot on the big day, though no trinkets or words could ever properly express my gratitude.

Yesterday we mentioned makeup as a great gift for the girls. I really love the idea of an assemblage of gifts and not just one large thing, but of course that depends on your preferences and budget. If stuffing luxe gift bags for your gang, consider the time of year and make sure to put things in there that will come in useful for the weekend (Tylenol, champagne, anyone?) and beyond — like sunglasses.

There’s nothing wrong with a love theme — this is a wedding after all! This ultra-girly frames are super-sweet. $16, UrbanOutfitters.com

I’ve been lusting after the pink RayBan wayfarers, but this affordable option with gold-tone detail will make a blushing beauty out of each of your girls. $25, NastyGal.com

Hey, Cat Lady, these retro-inspired sunnies are tops. AJ Morgan Cateye Greta sunglasses, $28.22, Asos.com

 

Jel with Your Bridesmaids

You want to gift your leading girls with something special on the big day. Or, you haven’t asked them yet and you’d like to sweeten the deal with a thoughtful present. I’ve got the solution for all of you spring, summer, and tropical destination brides. And the best part? This option is totally workable in your color scheme. You’re welcome.

Ride the retro train with the gift of Jelly Beans Jellys. I opted for the navy when selecting a pair for myself. Classic and neutral, these will carry me through multiple summer ensembles from sweet day dresses for a burger or brunch date with Josh to beach-weather days spent cruising around the city (pictures to come, when the temps rise!). In lieu of flip flops, these breathable summer sandals allow toe coverage while staying casual. Your bridesmaids (and flower girl!) will love receiving these as a “Please take these next steps with me toward my wedding day” gift, or a day-of “Ditch the heels after dinner and dance the night away in these” option. They’re affordable, cute, and stir up those delightful childhood emotions you may not have tapped into in a while.

Here are some pretty colors you might consider, depending on your wedding scheme.

Silver sparkles are so neutral and summery.

Are these kids’ Jellys for your flower girl the cutest thing ever? I love the candy pink.

All Jellys are $29.99 per pair. Purchase here.

Loving this colorful maxi inspiration. Your bridesmaids will look so cute in their Jellys!

The Gifts of Friendship

When one of my bridesmaids got engaged (just before me!) she sent each of her bridesmaids-to-be a long stem rose, a sweet treat, and a note asking if we would accept the role. I thought this gesture was so incredibly kind and special. When I got engaged, I had just about a month to find a venue, pick a dress, house-hunt in a new city, plan two engagement parties, and pack up our lives (and our cat!) for the Texas move. In my frenzy, I never got around to sending my lovely five the hand-written notes and heartfelt gifts I’d planned to. Instead, most of them were just sort of told they were going to be bridesmaids. Sorry, girls!

On the weekend of the wedding, I’d love to really “wow” them with some meaningful gifts that will not only get them through the ceremony and dance party, but back home in style. Since these five make up a fair percentage of my readership, I can’t say much more about what I plan to do for them. But I would love to hear what you did to thank your special girls. Back to Mini, the bride-to-be mentioned above; she presented each of us with an overflowing bag of treats at her shower. Makeup, lacy undies, a gorgeous pair of rosebud stud earrings to wear for the wedding… and more. Oh, and she bought our bridesmaid dresses. Yes, she happens to be an unbelievable gifter.

I love the idea of an eclectic mix of goodies for the girls. And of course, a piece of jewelry that will be perfect for your wedding and will continue to be a favorite of theirs works. What’s your inspiration when letting your best girls know how much they mean?