Find the Perfect Gift for Each of Your Bridesmaids

When it comes to deciding on a gift for your bridesmaids, there are any number of ideas to consider, from jewelry and silk scarves to evening clutches and scented candles. And, of course, the more personal your gift is, the better. That's why I love the amazing products from Initials, inc. This company, founded by sisters, Ivy C. Hall and Britney C. Vickery, not only offers a wide variety of fantastic gift ideas for your gal pals (and yourself!), but with their iCare Foundation, it’s also dedicated to “supporting women who are making a difference.” In fact, $5 from each sale of the company’s $18 Zip Around (a clever compact case that unzips into a large tote) is donated to a different cause every six months.

initials inc zip around

Right now, the proceeds are going to support Registered Nurse Katherine Roberts’ dream of building a new sewing training center in Solwezi located in Zambia, Africa, where she currently lives. With this sewing center, the town’s disabled will be able to support themselves by making products they can sell in their local marketplace. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

You’ll find so many other handbags, wallets, totes and more on initials-inc.com that you’re sure to spot something unique for every member of your bridal party. Plus, almost every item can be personalized with your besties’ initials.

Here are a few handbag options:

The Soho Shopper, $40, holds a multitude of items:

Trend We Love: Lavender-Infused Weddings

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna discusses one of her favorite trends right now.

Lavender is one of our favorite things to see in weddings these days, especially with the popularity of outdoor rustic and green weddings. Carrying lavender on your big day was once thought to ensure a long, happy marriage. The bloom also symbolizes love and loyalty, making it a perfect choice for weddings. From bouquets and boutonnières to cakes and cocktails, there are so many gorgeous and creative ways to incorporate this herb into your wedding-day décor.

Bridesmaid Bouquetslavender bouquet
Photo Credit: Samm Blake

Why I'm Having 'Wing Girls' Instead of Bridesmaids

When I think of bridesmaids, I imagine a row of identical, pretty faces standing duitfully by my side while I recite my vows. However, my husband Michael and I already had a simple wedding ceremony last November, so we're only throwing a reception this second time around. I still wanted to find a way to incorporate my girlfriends into my special day, so instead of asking them to be bridesmaids, they're my "wing girls."

I figured that if guys can have wingmen backing them up in tricky situations, why not have my best gals around to support me? Wing girls help out with planning and provide emotional support, but unlike bridesmaids, their tasks are on a volunteer basis—not mandatory. I don't want them to feel obligated to throw me a lavish bridal shower or wear identical dresses to the wedding.

There’s Kate, my best friend since the eighth grade; Carrie, a fun, sassy coworker from San Diego; Kelsey, my best girlfriend from college who I studied abroad with in Spain; Christina, my lovely sister-in-law; and Minty, my newest friend who I study journalism with here in New York. They’re all really sweet, awesome girls, and although they didn’t know each other beforehand, they get along great.

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Flower Guide: Peonies

The peony couldn't be more perfect for a wedding; it symbolizes a happy marriage, good health, and prosperity.

Enter Slideshow

Flower Guide: Peonies

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BG Cheat Sheet: What's Hot This Week

We succumbed to Jennifer Aniston wedding mania this week, swapping dress predictions and waiting for photos of her incredible rock (she can't keep up that hiding-it-under-a-towel shtick forever).

Another highlight was chatting with an inspiring couple from the U.K. They've had 23 weddings around the world and counting — don't miss their spectacular photos, here. Their most recent nuptials: A tango showdown in Argentina.

We'd also like to give a shout-out to our Web Intern, Paulette, on her last week at BG. She will be sorely missed! Take a look back at her "What Victoria Beckham Taught Me About Having a Hot Husband" and "Marriage Advice to Miley Cyrus" stories, both funny and insightful reads.

If you've also had a busy week, catch up now on our hottest features this week!

Soft and romantic, these boho-chic wedding gowns exude a relaxed, ethereal feel. Think: Kate Moss' and Natalie Portman's weddings.

wedding gown

25 Beatles Songs to Play at Your Wedding

Beatles’ songs, beloved by wedding guests young and old, live on as timeless crowd-pleasers and go-to hits for DJs. In fact, we see that couples request Beatles songs for their special wedding moments more than any other artist (and the music still never feels overplayed or trite).

From beautiful harmonies to feel-good melodies to emotional lyrics, the Fab Four created such a wide and diverse song library, we could pick a Beatles tune for every wedding moment! And so we did. Read on to find some creative Beatles tunes that will perfectly suit your special day.

couple dancing
Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

Ceremony Processional or Recessional


► “All You Need Is Love”
This may be the most well-known Beatles love song, but it hits the right notes every time.

► “Two of Us”

A more unique song choice for recessional, perfect for a couple with a long and strong history.  

Cocktail Hour


► “Michelle”
► “Norweigan Wood”
► “Penny Lane”
We could go on! You can’t go wrong with any popular Beatles’ song during cocktail hour or dinner.  

Reception Entrance


► “Love Me Do” 

Guests can’t help but clap, foot-tap and cheer along with this feel-good early Beatles hit.  

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