Wedding Tips & Bridal Party Gifts
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Wedding Tips & Bridal Party Gifts
In the years since my wedding, I've found myself thinking, "If only I knew then what I know now." I would definitely do many things differently if I had to go back and do it all over again. I'd stand up to the photographer when he decided to leave two hours before the reception was over. I'd choose much more comfortable shoes (sorry, shameless plug, I had to!). I'd get some sleep the night before the wedding, so that I could actually enjoy the reception without wanting to go pass out in the nearest corner. I'd buy both my parents and my husband's parents different wedding party gifts; we really had no idea what the "norm" was in purchasing wedding party gifts, so we threw together a lame coffee-themed gift basket of which I'm still ashamed. I'd sit back and relax, knowing that everything would get done in time, and even if it didn't...so what? I'd have my husband get me an engagement ring/wedding ring I'm not allergic to (it was heartbreaking to find out I can't wear them!). I'd stop stressing over making everyone else happy, and instead focus on my husband and myself (trust me, I was the opposite of a Bridezilla...would that make me a Briderella?).
I designed this lens to both give the future bride and groom some wedding tips that I wish I had known when I was engaged, and also some unique ideas for wedding party gifts (I hope to spare anyone else the poor decision of waiting until the last minute to get these taken care of!). My Table of Contents will let you skip ahead to each section, depending on the type of gift you're looking for.
I designed this lens to both give the future bride and groom some wedding tips that I wish I had known when I was engaged, and also some unique ideas for wedding party gifts (I hope to spare anyone else the poor decision of waiting until the last minute to get these taken care of!). My Table of Contents will let you skip ahead to each section, depending on the type of gift you're looking for.
Table Of Contents
Just in case you need a GPS for this site
- Wedding Tips
- To Do A.S.A.P.
- If You're Attending A Wedding Expo...
- Wedding Dress Shopping
- Bridesmaid Dress Shopping
- Registry
- Bridal Shower
- Reception
- Honeymoon
- Bridesmaid Gifts
- Abernook On Amazon
- Maid of Honor Gifts
- Groomsmen Gifts
- Abernook On Amazon
- Best Man Gifts
- Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Gifts
- Xasper8ing's Feedback
Wedding Tips
From one frazzled bride to another
To Do A.S.A.P.
- Buy a wedding magazine to get some ideas.
- Check some books out at the library about wedding planning/budget weddings/etc. You'll find a ton of good tips in these books, and maybe even something unique that you can incorporate into your wedding.
- Set up a folder (both actual folder and desktop computer folder) for all things wedding-related.
- Decide what type of wedding/reception you'll have: church/destination/courthouse/elopement? Separate receptions? One combined reception? Small (0-50 people) wedding / Medium (50-100) / Large (100+) wedding? Once you decide all of this, stick to your decision. All of your wedding planning stems off this decision, so it's a big one to make.
- Choose your maid of honor/best man, and make sure they know what's expected of them. Both the maid of honor and the best man need to know their responsibilities.
- If you are booking a reception hall, you need to have booked it yesterday. They book up years in advance, so hurry! Sundays and Fridays are always discounted, Saturdays are the hardest to get.
- Think of a color scheme. Try for 2 colors that complement each other. Many of the decisions you'll have to make are based on these colors, so make sure you love them!
Adam, our best man. We chose wisely, right?
If You're Attending A Wedding Expo...
- I seriously recommend going to at least one of these, as soon as possible. You'll get way more information than you'll ever need, but all the local vendors will be present, and you may just get a good discount for attending.
- Wear good walking shoes and something comfortable; you'll be in a crowded auditorium or conference hall for hours.
- Prepare your fiance for some heavy lifting. They provide you with a bag for all of the pamphlets/hand-outs you'll be receiving, but that bag gets heavy.
- Beforehand: sign up for a spam wedding e-mail, something easy for you to remember and write down a billion times. JohnandJaneWedding@yahoo.com or something; if you use your real e-mail, they'll never stop sending you junk.
- Buy a packet of deskjet/inkjet printer address labels, and then print out at least 150 address labels / e-mail labels. This will save you tons of time (and carpal tunnel) as you're going around from booth to booth - just stick the label on the sign-up sheet, and you're done!
- Sign up for as much as possible. They give out free wedding / honeymoon packages all the time (my husband and I even won some, but never claimed them), and chances are you'll win something, be it a trip to Mexico or a free chocolate fondue fountain...either way, it's free.
- Bring your mom and/or maid of honor. They're there to help you.
Wedding Dress Shopping
- Wear "nude" underwear...you know, beige, whatever you want to call it. Can't emphasize this enough. Otherwise, you'll be standing in front of a bunch of people with your purple underwear shining through from under the gown. Not fun.
- Figure out before you go shopping if you want to wear a veil. I bought one, but never ended up using it. Waste of $150. If you do want a veil, think about making one yourself. They're crazy easy to make, and will cost you $20 instead of over $100.
- Don't be afraid to bring pictures of gowns you've seen that you like, to give the attendant an idea of what you want. Kind of like bringing pictures when you're getting a haircut; they can't see what you're imagining, so you have to show them.
- Again, bring your mom and/or maid of honor. And have them bring a digital camera. Have them take pictures of you wearing the wedding gowns, so you get a better idea of what you look like in the gown.
- Once you find/purchase your actual wedding gown, take pictures of it and the detailing (if any) on the gown, so that when you go shopping for jewelry, you aren't trying to remember what your gown's flair looked like.
Fussing with the dress.
Bridesmaid Dress Shopping
- Do some research online at the store's website beforehand to get an idea of what color/type of dress you would like the girls to wear.
- Don't be a Bridezilla, but don't be a pushover, either. If you have a bridesmaid that's complaining about the color choice or the dress itself, restrain yourself from killing her and calmly explain to her that when it's her wedding, she can choose whatever color/dress she wants, but it's your day...not hers. She'll deal.
- Make sure they get their alterations/dry cleaning done immediately.
- If it really doesn't matter to you, have your bridesmaids wear shoes they already own. For example, I had mine wear any black dressy shoes they already had at home. This might help settle any disputes you have with your bridesmaids, if they're being fussy. At least they won't have to buy new shoes, too.
Registry
- It's up to you where you want to do your registry. The most common options are Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Target, Macy's, or sometimes your photographer has people donate money towards your wedding photos, which basically makes them cheaper for you. I registered at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, and my photography company, so don't think you just have to register at one place.
- If you know where you want to make your registry, spend some time online on their website(s) checking some stuff out, getting an idea for what color schemes/styles you and your future spouse like. That way, once you're in the actual store with the big scanner gun in your hand, you won't be totally lost and clicking things randomly.
- Bring your mom, or someone who knows good quality and good brands. Seriously, having my mom with us when we made our registry saved us about 10 return trips, and we got good quality stuff instead of cheap-o.
- Don't register for fine china. Yeah, everyone always tells you to, it's on all the registry lists, and they'll try to pressure you into registering for it. You'll never use fine china, and it'll just take up space. It breaks easily, you'll have a heart attack every time someone touches it...it's just not worth it. Register for a set of actual dinnerware you'll use on a daily basis, not something where it's $250 per place setting.
- Make sure, as you're walking around whatever store it is that you're creating a registry at, that you include items on your registry in all price ranges. For example, throw in a bunch of things that are under $10, under $20, and around $50. Most people won't want to spend $300 on a stand-up mixer (immediate family will, but distant cousins won't), so you need to make sure there are enough options for everyone's budget.
- If you see something that you like, but don't necessarily love...add it to the registry. Everything on your registry can be returned/exchanged for about 2 years after your wedding date, so go all out. And, like I said, you want to make sure there's enough on your registry for your wedding guests.
Bridal Shower
- Bring one of those sharp letter openers; it'll save you at least 20 minutes, what with all the cards you'll be opening in front of everyone. And seriously, it's embarrassing to be stared at while you're opening gifts, so you'll want to make that time go by as fast as possible.
- Wear something you can move around in. You'll have to dress up, obviously, but you should wear something that's comfortable - you'll be moving all over the place trying to open gifts, and there will probably be some shower games that you might have to move around for, too.
- Put someone who is organized and has neat handwriting in charge of "The List" -the list of what everyone bought for you, so that it'll be easy to write up thank-you cards.
- Don't put off writing thank-you cards. If at all possible, write them the day after the shower. It really doesn't take long at all (maybe 2 hours), and once they're done, they're DONE! And, if you write them soon after the shower, everything will still be fresh in your mind, so you won't be searching through piles of gifts trying to figure out what something looks like.
- Bring a few empty laundry baskets, for a few reasons: one, if you've made or bought table favors, you can bring them in a basket; two, once the shower is over, any gifts that can't fit back into their boxes or gift bags can be stacked inside laundry bins for easy carrying. My aunt gave me two laundry baskets as part of my shower gift from her, just for that particular purpose.
Reception
- Make sure you give your DJ a list of songs that are wedding-appropriate. By this I mean, add some songs that Grandma and Grandpa will want to dance to, as well as current hits.
- Invest in some Wedding Footzyrolls - they're super comfortable to dance in!
- Make sure you take a lap or two around the room, stopping at each table at least once. Your guests want to know that you appreciate them being there, and also want a chance for a quick conversation.
- Assign someone to keep an eye on the gift table - yes, I know, this sounds tacky, but you have no idea how many stories I've heard of envelopes/gifts that have gone missing over the course of the night!
- Buy disposable cameras and put one or two on each table, with instructions to your guests to take candid photos of each other. After the wedding, develop the film to see what your guests came up with. This idea is great if you can't afford a photographer, or if you just want to see the reception from your guests' viewpoint!
- Have your maid of honor be in charge of a small emergency kit: Tylenol, Band-Aids, Chapstick, makeup, Kleenex, bobby pins, a compact mirror, contact solution, lotion, breath mints, a small sewing kit, etc. You never know when you'll need something!
Keeping the reception G-rated.
Honeymoon
- Again, something that should be booked as soon as possible. Decide if you're going to leave immediately after the wedding, the next day, or a few weeks later. My husband and I waited 2 weeks, which allowed us to get ourselves organized (it puts much less stress on you if you wait...otherwise, you have to have everything packed and ready to go) -we were able to open gifts, send out all our thank-you cards, make last-minute changes to our itinerary, and pack our stuff. Of course, then we got into a big car accident the day before our honeymoon, so that didn't really help!
- Do a lot of research. Find the best priced package, if there is one. Find coupons for rental agencies for cars. Read forums and reviews about wherever it is you're staying. Post questions in forums. Buy one of those Frommer's Travel Guides, and actually read it, don't just say "Oh, we'll look stuff up when we get there." He tells you where hidden attractions are, where you can get the cheapest souvenirs, where the best restaurants are, the prices of everything...it's worth it.
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Bring a laptop. Most resorts / hotels have internet by now, and laptops are useful because:
a . You can check the weather.
b . You can further look up restaurants/excursions.
c . You can upload any pictures you've taken to get them off your camera's memory card. - Contact your credit card companies before you go, and let them know you'll be spending money in whatever state you're visiting; otherwise, they may cancel your card temporarily for fear that it's been stolen.
Maui, at last...
Bridesmaid Gifts
Bridesmaid Survival Kit
Just in case!
Let your girls prepare for the worst while looking their best with our super chic Bridesmaid Survival Kit. This is one wedding day detail your bridesmaids won't want to go without! Equipped with all the right survival accessories - from band aids and bobby pins to sewing kits and breath mints - and designed in plush matte satin, it's no wonder why this unique gift is such a best seller!Measures 10" x 5" x 1/2". Fashioned in matte satin and featuring zip and snap closures, each sleek mini purse may also be personalized for free! Bridesmaid clutch includes the following survival kit items: 2 band aids, 4 bobby pins, towelette, matchbox-styled sewing kit, breath mints and travel size Kleenex pack.
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Keepsake Jewelry Box
A gift she'll treasure!
Your bridesmaids will love storing their beautiful trinkets and jewelry in these delightful silver jewelry boxes. The smooth silver faceplate can be personalized with each name or initials, and is surrounded by an elegant floral pattern. Standing upright on four petite legs, this charming little jewelry box makes a great keepsake gift! Pair it with one of our many bracelets or necklaces for an added personal touch!Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Charm Bracelet
A popular item!
Your bridesmaids will all have matching accessories to go with their dresses when they wear this beautiful charm bracelet. Crafted of sturdy, sterling silver-plated links, this bracelet measures 7" long, and includes free personalization and a free organza gift pouch.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Ballet Shoes With Embroidered Gift Pouch
Dance the night away in comfort!
Once you remove our Ballet Shoes from their Embroidered Gift Pouch, you'll have the pleasure of slipping your feet into stylish flats that are as chic as they are comfortable. As one of the hottest trends on the market, these satin dancing shoes are a great gift for everyone, from bridesmaids and sorority sisters to family and friends. There's no doubt; every girl will love her slippers for their notable style, as well as their universal appeal! And because of their high comfort level and flexible soles, these glorified ballet slippers are ideal for dancing the night away at wedding receptions or simply relaxing around the house. Available in White (W) and Black (B) and four different sizes, these fun footies are the perfect fit every time!Available in four sizes:
S fits shoe sizes 5/6
M fits shoe sizes 7/8
L fits shoe sizes 9/10
XL fits shoes sizes 11/12
Embroidery Options:
The Ballet Shoes with Embroidered Gift Pouch may be personalized on the pouch with a single script initial of script monogram in red, medium pink, light pink, orange, light orange, apple green, sage, Caribbean, aqua, light blue, light purple, lavender, grey/silver or white thread at no additional cost.
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Bridesmaid Candle Holder
A beautiful keepsake!
Give your friend a bridesmaid gift she will truly enjoy! This elegant 4" x 4" x 5.2" candle holder features a tinted glass design and holds a single tea light candle, and makes a great keepsake of your special day. This candle holder can be laser engraved with the names of all the women in your wedding party, and each includes the phrase "Thank you for being my bridesmaid."Click on the picture for more information about this product.
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Maid of Honor Gifts
True Friends Personalized Frame
Thoughtful and touching!
Our True Friends Wedding Black Bi-Fold Personalized Picture Frame includes free personalization and measures 11 3/4" x 7 3/4" and holds two 4" x 6" photos. Your maid of honor will love this thoughtful gift!Keepsake Reads:
True friends are those who warm you by their presence, trust you with their secrets, remember you in their prayers.
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Heart Lariat
Stylish!
I would have loved to have given my maid of honor this gorgeous heart lariat necklace along with the trinket box I had already planned on gifting her with! With its fashion-forward look, this rhodium-finished necklace features a hollow heart with a solid hear charm on a snake chain (adjustable: measures 16" - 18" long). Personalization is free, and includes a free organza gift pouch.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Maid of Honor Candle
Thank your maid of honor with this beautiful double tea light candle holder! These candle holders measure 5.5" x 4" x 5.2" and offer room for two tea light candles housed inside a lovely rectangular tinted glass. The candle holder can be personalized with your maid of honor's name, and each comes with the phrase "Thank you for being my Maid of Honor" laser-engraved on the front. Surprise your closest friend or relative with a gift she will treasure for years to come!Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Groomsmen Gifts
Personalized Hanging Toiletry Bag
Great for destination weddings and/or travelers!
You'll have one less thing to worry about when you travel with our smart Metro Hanging Toiletry Bag! Fashioned for both men and women, this polyester travel case features a front flap with two zippered pockets, free personalization, an easy-carrying handle, double zip closure and large compartment, which is separated into one large area and three smaller sections. With all these elements, it's easy to see why this toiletry tote is a must have for all travelers.Details:
Size: Measures 11" wide by 8" tall by 4 1/4" deep.
Materials: Polyester and mesh
Embroidery Options:
The Metro Hanging Toiletry Bag may be embroidered with up to three block initials in white, grey, light tan, aqua, medium pink or burgundy thread at no additional cost.
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Groomsman Keepsake
Free personalization!
This keepsake will be a hit with your groomsmen! Pair this engraved gift with any of our other wedding party gifts for an added personal touch. Stands 3" x 4" with soft edges measuring 1/2" thick.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Groomsman Picture Frame
A great way to remember the day!
Express your gratitude and appreciation for your groomsmen with a Personalized Groomsman Picture Frame. Make sure you include a favorite photograph of the two of you to complete this unique gift! Measures 8 3/4" x 6 3/4" and holds a 3½" x 5" or 4" x 6" photo. Easel back allows for desk display.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Name Keychain
Great add-on gift!
Clip this personalized keychain onto your groomsman's gift bag for an added personal touch! Available in black, red, and navy.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Wedding Shot Glass
These shot glasses would be perfect gifts for your wedding party at your bachelor/bachelorette parties! Help them celebrate in style - they'll be enjoying shots all evening!Click on the picture for more information about this product.
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Best Man Gifts
Engraved Cigar Humidor
This personalized humidor is made from cherry wood and has cedar lining. It measures 9.5" x 7.25" x 3.75" and contains a humidifier, hygrometer, and humidor instruction manual. The bottom of the humidor is lined with a soft felt material to reduce furniture abrasion. Personalization is absolutely free (2 lines, 8 characters each). This humidor makes a great keepsake gift that he'll be sure to show off!Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Gift Bar Set
Sophisticated and stylish!
This exclusive bar set features a corkscrew, wine stopper, wine thermometer, and bottle opener, each in a stunning sterling silver lacquer-coated finish presented together in a distinctive burl wood finished bar accessory case. This stunning gift would also be excellent for the Father of the Bride/Groom!Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Gifts
Ring Bearer Tote Bag
Free personalization!
Fill this cotton/poly blend canvas tote bag with puzzles, games, toys, coloring books, etc. ...things for your ring bearer (and/or flower girl) to do while the adults mingle at the rehearsal dinner/wedding reception. After the wedding festivities, he can use this 16"H x 14"W bag for sleepovers, beach days, and more!Also available for flower girls.
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Ring Bearer Gift Set
Makes a perfect overnight bag!
Outfit your precious ring bearer with his own wedding travel bag. Perfect for storing a few games, books, and comfortable clothes for when the festivities are over. If you are planning an out of town wedding, this personalized duffel bag is perfect for your ring bearer to carry all of his belongings and keep them in one safe place. The bag measures 24 1/4" x 12 1/4" x 10 3/4", and is made of a regal black polyester material. Each duffel bag is water-resistant with black web handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and zippered pockets.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Flower Girl Bracelet
Her birthstone color or your wedding colors!
Swarovski crystals and pearls make this bracelet a special gift for any flower girl. Comes with a special poem that can be customized with your wedding date and information. Select an all white bracelet or add a touch of color with the birthstones of your flower girl or your wedding colors.Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Personalized Ring Bearer Magazine Frame
Unique and fun!
Click on the picture for more information about this product.
Xasper8ing's Feedback
Comments make me a happy panda
Have something to say about bridal party gifts? Like our lens? Wanna just say hi? Leave a comment or question!
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christina
Jul 8, 2010 @ 12:44 pm | delete
- love this ~ you are so creative. i do have to say though, that i did register for and receive china and i use it often. :) anyday of the week, just because i can. :)
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theraggededge
Jul 6, 2010 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- What a beautiful, useful and *readable* lens! Blessed by a Squid angel :-)
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by Xasper8ing
Hey there! My name is Jessica, and most of the lenses I create are for Abernook, an online gift store specializing in unique gift ideas for special oc... more »
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