Wedding Party

Groomsmen Gift

I saw this over on Project Wedding and couldn't get it out of my head. What an awesome idea! Break away from the monogrammed/etched/anything able to be ordered in bulk, and make a gift box specifically for your best buds.

And I know I say it's for the guys, but I know plenty of girls who'd love something like this too. Think mini champagne bottle, an orange, and a champagne flute for the mimosa lover- or maybe tequila, limes, and salt for the margarita lover. Have a friend who prefers coffee? Pick up a bag of their favorite roast (or a new type you'd like them to try) and pack the box with a cool mug, biscotti, and cinnamon sticks, chocolate or whatever other flavors/mix-ins they'd like. You could even add earrings or a necklace to each of the boxes to give a gift that "lasts" as well. The possibilities are endless.

Some of my favorite (Valentine's Day) Things #5

I saw this over at Martha Stewart and fell in love with the idea. (I actually might do this for some of my engaged friends!) It's supposed to be placed in the hotel suite of newlyweds so they have something to eat after the wedding reception. (I don't think J and I were ever so happy to see someone more on our wedding day than my sister when she arrived at our door with a picnic basket full of food. Between dancing and chatting, we didn't have time to eat and were famished after the reception!)

But why only for a wedding? I think it could be a perfect Valentine's Day present/activity! Think of sitting by a fire all cozied up and opening this little baby to share. Add a bottle of champagne and this would be my perfect dinner! Well, minus the caviar. I'm just not a big cavier person. Switch that out with some proscuitto and a cheese wedge and I'd be all set :)

Will You be my Bridesmaid?

I really wanted to do something cute to ask my close friends to be my bridesmaids. Maybe a dress shaped cookie or a super cute handmade card, but alas, my friends all pretty much knew they were my bridesmaids and just kind of jumped on the band wagon. I'll explain a little more.

I texted everyone right away once J and I got engaged (well after calling family etc.) We happened to be outside of Atlanta so we swung by and saw my sister to tell her the good news before J and I went to have a "we just got engaged!" dinner. We were driving back to Athens after dinner when I got a text from my sister. My one and only sister by the way.

"I'm your maid of honor, right?"

Well, yes, of course you are, but there goes the super cute card surprise :)

Then I talk to my bff, A (I know, third grade flash back, but seriously, we were born 4 days apart from each other and pretty much have been inseparable ever since) and she doesn't even ask. She starts planning :) "So, since I know I'm not your maid of honor and I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but I'm already starting to plan your bachelorette party." Just another reason I love A. She doesn't even care about the card. Honestly, she probably would have made fun of me and sent one back saying "I need to think about it."

That same night (I believe) I talked to my other super close friend (and sorority sister) A. (yep. same initials. Oh, and have I mentioned how all of my bridesmaids looked the same? 3 of the 4 had roughly the same hair cut too haha. Apparently I'm just not close with many blondes...) Anyhow, I knew I had to ask her quickly because she and her now husband (they got engaged the night before we did!) would be moving to Boston so he could go to Harvard law (yep. he's a smart one :)) and I wanted to make sure it wouldn't be too hard for them to fly back down.

(If you'recounting, there went card #3.)

Then there was my "little sister." While not blood related, she is the closest I will ever have to a little sister. L is the one I give advice to, get late night texts to talk from, and pretty much just love dearly. I decided I would put the "introducing J to her parents" and "asking her to be a bridesmaid" into one, and did that promptly a few days later when J and I went to my parents for Christmas. I figured sending a card would be redundant after that!

So all 4 bridesmaids had been asked and all without a cute card, or cookie, or anything else. I might send them all something special for Christmas (right after our anniversary) to thank them again. They were all awesome.

Anyhow, long story short, I saw those super cute cards on Once Wed today and wanted to share what "could have been!" If you'd like more, check it out here (which, you should. They are really really cool!)

Speaking of the boys...

Even if they aren't to wear for the wedding, these are awesome ties!

via meandmatilda
I really love this pattern

via toybreaker
The reverse silhouette is super cool

via toybreaker
I just love peacock feathers... and the black and blue brings edge to such a delicate subject

via Rokgear
esp. awesome if the wedding was in New York

via toybreaker
had to jump on the bicycle trend :)

Let's hear it for the boy(s)

We hear over and over how to show your 'maids personalities, but what about the groomsmen? How about spicing up their attire?

Let's start with the cufflinks. If you two are buying them as a gift for the guys, shouldn't they be something reflective of them? Here are some ideas to get you started!

For the traveler

via crimsonking
For the poker player

via cosmofashionslave
For the Star Wars fanatic

via nouveaumotley
For the guy who likes to tinker

via ragtrader
For the hiker (or the one who will never ask for directions)

via crimsonking
For the gamer

via crimsonking
For the music lover