July 2006 Archives

Any girl worth her Cosmo subscription knows that belted dresses are all the rage. Indeed, formerly for the "Don't Mess With Texas" set only, big sparklybelt buckles are now the it-accessory for every fashionista. In the same way a patent leather belt spices up a floral sundress, a sparkly belt buckle is just the thing to spice up sweet pastel bridesmaids' dresses. Loop a grosgrain ribbon through the buckle and you've got yourself a thoroughly modern motif. And since these buckles classy and upscale, they make great bridesmaids' gifts.

You're a woman of the world, so you're well aware of the saying good things come in small packages (diamonds, chihauhaus, and cheetos all spring to mind). But did you know sometimes small packages make really good gifts -- especially when they’re gorgeous little baggies perfect for holding candles, almonds, tea bags or other elegant wedding favors. Packaging your bridesmaids’ gifts into pretty little bags can transform ordinary gifts into arrangements of feminine beauty, and your bridesmaids will feel ladylike toting around these lovely party favors. It might even make up for that bridesmaid style that the girls argued over.

Despite her steely rocker image, Avril Lavigne’s wedding to Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley was something straight out of the Barbie Dream House. Gorgeous white floral arbors, pale roses and stylish pink bridesmaid dresses accentuated the traditional affair thrown by an otherwise funky couple. For groomsmens’ gifts, the kind couple gave the best men the Hugo Boss suits they wore in the wedding. Hmmm, maybe you could get the bride in your life to buy your bridesmaid dresses as gifts for the gals? Bet she wouldn’t be so keen on that $300 sea-green chiffon, eh? If not, you could always be satisfied with a pretty sparkly necklace, which is what Lavigne gave as bridesmaids’ gifts.

Odysseus had the Trojan Horse. Woodward and Bernstein had Deepthroat. And you, cunning bridesmaid, have the "Me and My Bad Girls" Photo Album. Once the bride’s tipsy and riding the bull at the bachelorette party, you’ll be in a much better position to re-negotiate those stunning lycra bridesmaid dresses she so sternly vetoed while sober. And if she does put up a fight, no need to throw down! Just flash a photo worth a thousand words, then sit back and wait for the bridesmaids’ gifts to start rolling in.

Yellow python pedicure? By all means! Hairy godzilla calves? Go on, girl! With fall's forgivingly floor-length bridesmaid dresses there's no better time to embrace your inner peacenik or pedicure fetish du jour.
Autumn's sweeping bridesmaids' dresses are much more concealing than their tea-length summer sisters, which means it's easier than ever to forgo the stiletto in favor of oh-so-comfy footwear. For instance, these awesome wedding ballet flats.
If you and your bridesmaids have tussled a time or two over bridesmaids' dresses, why not make like a good bride and dispense these fab flats as bridesmaid's gifts? So cute and comfy, your girls will shake their tail feathers all night in their groovy slippers. Think of them as a bridesmaids' answer to Birkenstocks.

If you have out-of-town friends you would like to have as bridesmaids, it is still possible to creatively invite them to be in your wedding. Consider sending them a bridesmaid invite card with a magazine cut-out of their bridesmaids dress inside. For full dramatic effect, send the bridesmaids dress itself (they’re going to have to get it altered anyway). Whatever you send, don’t forget to include a sweet personal note entreating them to say “I Do!”

If you have a particularly fashion-conscious posse, take them to the local bridal boutique and say, "All right girls, I'll make you a deal. You pick the bridesmaid dresses, and I get the honor of having you accompany me down the aisle."

Not only will you instantly win best bride of the year, you and your girls will have a blast shopping for bridesmaids' dresses, accessories, and shoes.

Hint: Hearing your girls squeal over an ideal necklace or garter? Now's the time to keep your eye out for good bridesmaids' gifts.

Let's face it, these days, asking someone to be your bridesmaid is a pretty tall order. You're asking them to wear matchy-matchy bridesmaid dress, plan the wedding shower and bachelorette party, and possibly jet off to some place exotic like Bora Bora for a destination wedding (okay so it's not all bad). Still, asking someone to be a bridesmaid is a meaningful moment and should be executed in style.

Enjoy!

Despite their love for beef jerky, Jackass, and wine in the box, you know deep down your bridesmaids are classy chicks. Just look at the elegant bridesmaids' dresses they selected for your Big Day!

But somehow you're a bit worried your girls' inner Grace Kelly might not show through in the wedding photos. Never fear, Bridesmaid.com has the perfect answer to transform your girls from cheap to chic quicker than a tattoo cover up kit. The answer, dear darlings, is pearls. From pearl earrings to elegant necklaces that would look perfect at a beach wedding, these baubles will have your bridesmaids looking precious as kittens with one simple clasp.

Just remember to keep those claws in...