Beautiful Bridesmaids Gifts

I adore just about everything from Sarah Drake, and I when I was browsing through their site this week I was thinking how most of her work would make lovely bridesmaids or hostess gifts! If the ladies in your life love a monogram as much as I do (I even want to monogram a pumpkin this year) these coffee mugs and linen napkins would be the perfect way to say "thank you." {Images from Sarah Drake, taken by Elizabeth Messina}

Hi-Fi Weddings Music Mix

Do you read Hi-Fi Weddings? Ashley writes all about the music side of weddings and everything in between. If you're looking for the perfect play list for a certain portion of your day, I can guarantee she has some ideas already published on her blog! Ashley has such great style and of course, an amazing ear for music. So I am really excited to tell you that she put together a mix for all of you!



While you're busy transforming into a bride, you'll clearly be in need of some tunes to set the mood. So Ashley created a "Going to the Chapel" mix just for the occasion, that you can listen to below. Thanks, Ashley!



**If you're looking at this in a reader, click over to the site to access the player!**

Playlist">

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Colorful Robes and Sleepwear

I remember looking for a cute robe to wear while I was getting ready the morning of the wedding (don't forget that there will probably be some photographers in there with you!) so when the owner of Plum Pretty Sugar contacted me a few weeks ago, had to share her creations with you. Her robes, pajama shorts, pajama pants and even the jewelry pouches pictured above are all kind of whimsical without trying too hard. She even calls her store a "loungerie" which is so cute. Are you going to wear something cute while you're getting ready for your wedding? Or just go with your normal casual wear?

Cute and Colorful Clutches

I've written about these adorable clutches and coin purses from nonsuch before, but since it was over a year ago I thought it might be worth sharing again! The fabrics and details make them almost too cute to be used for coins - maybe for traveling with jewelry? I think it would be a sweet idea to give these as bridesmaids gifts, filled with a favorite lip gloss or maybe a cute pair of earrings!

DIY Project: Braided Bead Necklace

My apologies for the lack of posting yesterday - these last few weeks seem determined to kick my butt! So while I regroup and get a little rest, take a look at this adorable DIY project from ECAB {via Darling Dexter}. This bead necklace would make such a sweet gift for your bridesmaids and would certainly fit within any budget! And even if you are challenged in the craft making department, as long as you can string beads and braid you've got this one in the bag.

Sponsor Spotlight: DesignerApparel.com

If any of you have started down the path of searching for a Mother of the Bride dress, you know how hard it can be to find something appropriate. To be honest, I think we spent more time looking for my Mom's dress for my own wedding than we did for mine! So with that said, I am so happy to introduce you to one of our newest sponsors - DesignerApparel.com

Designer Apparel is a shopping website that aggregates merchandise from other online stores (Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales, ShopBop, and Net-a-Porter, etc) and displays current sales and deals, and links you right to the original site to purchase whatever catches your eye. And guess what? So many people were searching their site for Mother of the Bride dresses, that they created a search thread dedicated entirely to Mother of the Bride dresses! The page is updated in real time, and you can search by price, designer and popularity. I found these four adorable options in just a few minutes...its so easy to use!

Flower Girl Dresses

I've always loved the idea of dressing flower girls in adorable little patterned (or colored) dresses, versus having them wear white stain. So, when I was browsing for a gift this weekend and came across these dresses at Olive Juice Kids, I immediately thought they would be perfect flower girl options! Not only are they really affordable, they could certainly double as a party dress for use later in the year. They even have silver ballet flats...I can't imagine a little girl who wouldn't love to dance down the aisle in those!

Jess L.C.

I absolutely adore the jewelry from Jess L.C. Based out of Chicago, all of the designs are handmade and extremely affordable. Don't they look like they could cost hundreds of dollars? Everything is well under that price range, and when I emailed Jessica to ask if I could write about her designs, she reminded me that she offers a 25% discount for bridal parties with multiple maids. Just email her and mention the discount to receive 25% off your order (plus, free shipping on orders over $60!) She also has a really cute blog that is worth checking out - a girl after my own heart!

B.Poetic

I adore these blooms from b.poetic! Made from vintage linens, they can be pinned to your shirt, your belt, to your purse, pretty much any surface that could use a petal or two (and really, what surface can't use a flower?)

B.poetic also offer shoe clips, hair clips and corsages and the ever lovely owner of the shop has offered up a giveaway to all of you! Take a look at her blog and/or her Etsy store, and leave a comment here letting us know what design you would choose. You have until Midnight (CST) on Thursday, August 27th to enter. The winner will be announced over the weekend. Good luck!

Etsy Weekend Deals

The Etsy blog (The Storque) writes about various sales and discounts across the site towards the end of each week, and this week there are a lot of great finds to take advantage of. I am loving the white flower necklace from LittleWhiteDresser, and those lotus blossoms from FancifulForm could make some interesting table decorations. Wall Stickz is offering 20% off all of their vinyl decals, including monograms (perfect for receptions). I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Nonsuch

It's quite possible these are the cutest coin purses I've ever laid eyes on. They would make lovely bridesmaids gifts, or possibly even a little something for your flower girl (maybe filled with some of her favorite trinkets). Many more adorable styles available at nonsuch.

Convo Pebbles

This is such a cute idea and a great way to break the ice at bridal showers without playing any overly embarrassing games. You can customize the convo pebbles to your event and color scheme, and through July they ship for free.

The idea is that you scatter them on a table and guests pick them up and are supposed to and answer the questions to start conversations. Or for a shower, you can have the bride answer the questions on each of the stones. Cute, right?

Loyalty and Blood

How cute are these tote bags from Loyalty and Blood? They would be perfect to give to bridesmaids, maybe full of some other little gifts. I use our leftover Out of Town totes all the time to take my lunch to work and as an alternative to plastic bags, so one of these would definitely get some use in my house! Check out their Etsy Store to see more - which also mentions special group offers.