Picking a hideous, Pepto-pink, ruffly bridesmaid dress is the fun part of being a bride, right? Wrong. That might be the wedding protocol of the 1980's, but modern brides want their bridesmaids to look beautiful, not like cotton candy. Make your bridesmaids smile this summer with chic bridesmaid gifts and dresses they'll actually like.
1)Will you be my Bridesmaid?Ask Nicely.
Don't call up your friend and say "Listen - I'm getting married and you're in the wedding. Let's start with the list of things you need to do." Ask nicely with these bridesmaid cards. And nothing makes "be my bridesmaid" sound sweeter than a cookie card.
2) Bridesmaid Dressesof a Different Color Carrie's choice of bold, clashing bridesmaid dresses took the wedding world by storm in Sex and the City: the Movie. Before you evoke the spirit of Patricia Field and start pulling dresses off the rack, choose between pastel or jewel tones. Don't go to fashion extremes; there are disastrous color combinations out there. For example, lipstick red and lemon yellow might make your bridesmaids look like ketchup and mustard. If you go the rainbow route, coordinate your bridesmaids with matching sashes, bridesmaid jewelry, or shoes.
3) Toss the Bouquet This summer, toss the bouquet and opt for something more original. Have your bridesmaids hold parasols, peacock feathers or fans instead. If you are the crafty type, learn to fold an origami bouquet. Everyone will comment on your creativity and forgoing flowers means more spending cash for bridesmaid gifts and wedding favors.
4) Take it Tea Length Don't make your poor bridesmaids suffer in the summer heat. Tea-length dresses are elegant, weather appropriate, and the latest thing. Tea-length dresses can be worn again, while floor-length formal wear will sit in her closet until her next trip to the second-hand shop. Take it tea length and spare your bridesmaids the expense of a gown she'll only wear once.
5) Bridesmaids Behaving Badly Every bride takes her wedding seriously or it would turn into a complete disaster. But instead of turning into a task master, let loose! Pull some pranks at your bachelorette party. Spike the punch at your bridal shower. Make funny faces to the wedding photographer. Keep it fun and those bridesmaid duties won't seem like a big deal.
6) Individual Bridesmaid Gifts Remember girls, "it's the thought that counts." Finding a bridesmaid gift that suits every ladies' unique taste is torture. You found the perfect pink camo flasks, but there's one non-drinker in the group. Or maybe you wanted to give out earrings, but your maid of honor doesn't have her ears pierced. To avoid having a nervous breakdown at the mall, give out individual bridesmaid gifts. Stuff a tote bag with her favorite makeup or give her a personalized bridesmaid frame with a picture of the two of you. Shopping for bridesmaid gifts just became so much easier!
7) Mix it Up The best wedding advice ever? Don't try to make everyone happy. When it comes to bridesmaids, pick who you want standing up on your special day, not who Grandma deems appropriate. Bridesmen and pets are the latest additional to the bridal party. If you have trouble choosing between two siblings for the coveted maid of honor position, pick both. If you want your boy best friend to stand up on your side, put him in a tux.
Now that you're up on the latest trends, find hip bridesmaid gifts and fun wedding favors at Weddingstand. Happy shopping!
