Bridesmaid Dresses for 14 bucks?!

Or more specifcally $13.98. Target has had a line of party dresses and bridesmaid gowns for awhile but the line definitely deserves another look now. The featured dress, a classic navy sleeveless knee length dress, is on clearance for just $13.98. And of course the dress is available in other colors like black and espresso. Even at the regular price of $39.99, the dress would still be a steal.

Bridal Shower Centerpiece: Faux Wedding Cake

Image courtesy of bhg.com

Take a look at one of Better Homes & Garden's adorable DIY centerpieces-faux wedding cakes that look like the real thing. The directions are super easy to do and of course this would be easy to adapt to any theme-just change the colors and flowers.

What a gift: Money Bouquet

(Image from Swoonoverit)

Look at this money bouquet. We have to admit we never thought of this but it seems so perfect. A bouquet made out of bills-what a creative way to give cash at a bridal shower. Much better than stuffing cash into an envelope with a card saying "Congratulations."

This could be used to give cash as gifts or as a bridal shower decoration or centerpiece.

Want to DIY? Ella Fagan has a great tutorial on how to do a money bouquet. For more variations, look on ehow to find out how to make money roses and Make magazine for another variation on money bouquets.

Inspiration for this post came from Swoonoverit

Pimp the Bride's Ride in Style

(Image copyrighted RideMagnetism)

While most of us think of the groomsmen as decorating the couple's car after the wedding, plenty of us bridesmaids do it too loading up the couple's Ford Fusion with streamers and cans. Now there's a new way of decorating the car without damaging it.

Look at Ridemagnetism.com for plenty of designs like the one above. As car magnets, they won't damage the car, require no extra adhesives, and can be used over and over again. Of course the company can make custom designs.

Why Ninjas Make the Best Bridesmaids

Bridezilla has a great article-Why Ninjas Make the Best Bridesmaids. Basically when your bride starts complaining about how you don't want to trek to the fifth bridal boutique to try on yet another aubergine tea-length gown, send her this link with the suggestion that she should have had as bridesmaids someone other than actual humans like ninjas.

DIY: Matchbook Favor

Remember the good ole days when every club or restaurant gave out cute little matchbooks. Well, now for your best friend's bridal shower you can do the same thing and make these adorable personalized matchbooks.

Offbeat Bride featured this great DIY-best of all its super simple. The instructions: take cheap blank matchbooks, print out designs on sticker paper, and then trim and adhere to make cheap, custom favors. Sticker paper is easy to design and customize so the options are endless!

Vera Wang's Top Ten Colors for Bridesmaid Dresses

Perfect Bound has put together a delightful palette of the top ten bridesmaid dress colors from Vera Wang. Looking at the gorgeous dresses Vera Wang has to offer makes us wish we were in ten more weddings. Of course Vera also has their list of the top bridesmaid dresses.

What should a best woman wear?

We're constantly searching the web for what a best woman (the female version of a best man) should wear. Check out Offbeat Bride for this creative ensemble-a chic cocktail dress with the same custom ties as the groomsmen.

Other ideas:
-a feminine pantsuit with the same color scheme as the rest of the groomsmen.
-the same dress as the bridesmaids but with a twist; maybe a sash or same color, different style.

Best Wedding Toast-Amy's Song

Take a look at some toast inspiration for all of us. The first time I gave a speech I mumbled a few words, choked up, and started crying-an embarrassing 30 seconds. Of course I was followed by the groom's sister who did a poem that lasted for about 5 minutes. So enjoy this musical number...

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

The happy bride, dressed as Holly Golightly, proudly standing by her Tiffany centerpieces. Notice the little black dress, black gloves, and pearls. This shower looks like so much fun.
The cake-it looks too good to even eat. Classic Tiffany boxes with white ribbon frosting on the top. If anyone doubted before what the theme of the party was, this should clue them in.
The centerpieces-Tiffany boxes stacked on each other mixed with pearls and fake diamond rings.
Some more of the food plus a great photo of Audrey Hepburn. What a fun shower!

A "Good Advice" Bridal Shower

Better Homes & Garden had an unique bridal shower idea-a "good advice" bridal shower. While giving advice to the bride for a happy marriage is a common idea, this gives this common theme a new take. In the shower invites, tuck a blank card inside and tell each guest to write down a bit of wisdom to go with her gift. Tell the bride to read aloud the advice card before the bride opens the present. At the end gather the advice cards from each guest and place them in an album along with photos from the bridal shower to create a keepsake the bride will always cherish.

Another take: have the guests (or the bride) guess what the gift is before the bride opens it. Sometimes the advice given (say "never go to bed angry") can make for interesting gifts.

Giving the bride the practical gift paired with the sentimental advice can be tricky. Here a few creative ideas BH&G gives us to get you started:

Advice: Celebrate every day.
Gift: Champagne flutes or a beautiful cake plate.

Advice: Take turns cooking for each other.
Gift: Favorite cookbook and kitchen tools.

Advice: Experience new things.
Gift: Travel accessories.

Some others:

Advice: A happy wife equals a happy life.

Gift: Spa gift certificate, bath & body products

Advice: "Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine - age 5

Gift: Cooking and baking pans

Advice: Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
Gift: Comedy DVD

Of course BH&G takes the theme to an extreme. Besides the gifts, they suggest naming and serving food with the same theme. Think a clever quote to a toothpick topper on the cupcakes, Sage (Advice) Biscuits,and "Confucius Says" Noodle Salad recipe. And for favors: fortune cookies of course!

DIY: French Wedding Favor or Dessert

(Image via ParisianEvents)

Having a French, Parisian, or Marie Antoinette bridal shower? Then consider serving these delightful treats-French meringue hearts. The recipe can be found at Parisian Events.These would be great for dessert, as part of a candy buffet, or to serve as favors and quite frankly just look absolutely amazing.

Giveaways-Link Love

Other related contests on the web:

The 818 is giving away a $75 gift certificate to Fabulous Stationery. We love their selection of notes and cards.

Bridal Shower Activity: Decorating Wine Glasses

Looking for something to do at the bridal shower other than our fabulous shower games-why not decorate wine glasses? This would be a great activity to do at a stock the bar shower but would also be fun for most bridal showers and bachelorette parties.

Wine and Designs offers kits that include Wine Glasses, Permanent Glass Paints, Brushes, Stencil ideas, and Instructions for completing your masterpieces.

Look at Create for Less for unique rub on transfers to put on the glasses. Rub-ons are the easiest for a party as they don't make a mess and even the unskilled can use them. Also buy extra glass paint, brushes, and stencils.

Try etching monograms or other designs. Michaels has a great project where they show you how to easily etch glasses. It's fairly simple: position vinyl letter sticker and tape on the glass. (The glass will not etch where the vinyl is positioned.) Paint the etching cream onto the glass in a smooth layer. Allow it to set for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Rinse the etching cream off the glass with warm water in a stainless steel sink or bowl.

Each guest can take home their wine glass or give them all to the bride so the bride now has an excellent collection for her bar.

(Thanks to Elizabeth Anne Designs for the inspiration for this post.)

DIY Doily Bridal Shower Invitation

Wow-take a look at this bridal shower invite. We never would have thought of using a doily in this manner (to make a bridal gown) yet the whole DIY project is both easy to do and looks great.

Bridal Party FAQ: Does a pregnant bridesmaid have to step down?

Q: I just found out that I'm pregnant and at the time of the wedding I'll be 7 months pregnant. What should I do? Should I step down or continue to be a bridesmaid?

A: Congrats on being pregnant! Just because you're pregnant does not mean that you cannot be a bridesmaid. Some considerations:

-Will you be able to travel to the wedding? Depending on where the wedding is, you might be unable to fly or might feel uncomfortable taking a 12 hour drive when you're eight months pregnant. You might want to ask your doctor about future travel arrangements.

-The actual ceremony can be concern too. Will you be standing for an hour long ceremony or can you ask the bride to provide a chair for you?

-Does the dress concern you? Many bridesmaid styles are available in maternity sizes so it should not be too difficult to find a dress that fits you.

-Does the bride want you to continue to be in the bridal party? Most brides will but some brides feel uncomfortable having a heavily pregnant bridesmaid in photos or at the wedding. If you think the bride cares about silly matters like this, then give the bride a chance to have you back down.

Bridal Shower Brunch: Drink Bars

(Image via YumSugar)

Just because you're having a bridal shower brunch doesn't mean that the drinks have to take a backseat-instead organize the drinks into a drink bar where guests can choose from a wide range of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

• Serve different types of orange juice and place in carafes.
• Suggestion from Yumsugar, place vodka, Champagne, and sparkling water beside the juice so if any guests want to have a spiked beverage they easily can.
• Have a signature cocktail prepared in pitchers. Try a classic Bloody Mary,Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail, or Pomegranate Mimosas.
  
• Make a smoothie bar. To save on time and mess, make the smoothies ahead of time and serve in small glasses so guests can choose the one they best like. Our suggestions: Coconut, Strawberry, and Banana; Peach-Honey; and Papaya Pineapple.
• If smoothies are too much trouble (or too heavy for the weather), try a juice bar with a variety of different juice drinks. We like the idea of Melon Coolers or Cucumber-Lime Agua.
• Tea and coffee should be standard but consider offering tea and coffee drinks like Iced Caramel Coffee or Green Chai Spa Tea.

Eco-friendly DIY Favors

Bellenza has a great article about eco-friendly DIY favors. Some of the ideas:

• turning old light bulbs into Christmas ornaments
• using wine corks to make coasters
• filling reusable boxes with candies and other trinkets

Every idea seems easy to do and would undoubtedly be loved your bridal shower guests.

Maid of Honor: Her Duties in Detail

Curious as to what the Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor does at a wedding?

Showers

• The Maid of Honor (MOH) typically plans (and pays for) the entire bridal shower with the help from the other bridesmaids.
  
• The MOH should attend all other bridal showers given for the bride.

Bachelorette Party

The MOH, along with the bridesmaids, plans for and pays for the bride at the bachelorette party.

Other Pre-Wedding Parties

• The MOH attends the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The MOH may give her toast at the rehearsal dinner instead of the wedding if the bride desires.
  
• The MOH should attend any and all engagement parties.
  

Other Pre-Wedding Duties

• Go wedding gown shopping and give input as to the style, if it looks okay, what type of bustle the bride should have, etc.
• Assist the bride with picking out the bridesmaid dresses, if she lets you.
  
• Buy a MOH dress along with the rest of the bridesmaids and the rest of the ensemble-shoes, jewelry, handbag, etc.
  
• Assist the bride in putting together favors for the wedding, programs, decorations, etc.
• Help the bride in addressing wedding invitations if you have good penmanship.
• Stay on top of the other bridesmaids-make sure they buy their bridesmaid gown, help out, etc.
  

Day of Duties

• Help the bride get dressed and ready. This is probably one of the biggest duties of a MOH. Help her put on her dress, do her makeup, and give her drinks and food.
• Help out the ushers by seating guests.

• Hand out programs at the ceremony or bubbles, confetti, rice, or other props afterwards.
• Walk down the aisle in the procession, typically before the flower girl, and stand at the altar/stage along with the other attendants.
• Stand in the receiving line, if requested by the bride.
• Run last-minute errands if needed. On the day of the wedding, help with confirming catering and flower delivery times, meet and greet the ceremony officiant, satisfying last minute cravings, and seeing to it that everything is going smoothly.
• Be a second host at the reception; see that the guestbook is signed and that guests are dancing.
• Help the bride when she has to use the bathroom-typically bridal gowns are difficult to maneuver in small spaces.
• Give a toast at the reception.

The checklist is a starting off point. Many brides are different. Some will ask you to go to food tastings and help them register-others don't want a bridal shower, bachelorette party, and just want you to show up at the wedding.

Bachelorette Party Planning Checklist

Excited but nervous about planning the bachelorette party? Have no fear-our checklist will keep you on track and help the party go smoothly.

3+ Months Before

• Decide what type of bachelorette party the bride wants. Completely X-rated? A weekend at the Bellagio in Vegas? A day at the Spa at Four Seasons? A lingerie shower in the bridesmaid's living room?
• Set the date-usually bachelorette parties are held on a weekend one to two weeks before the wedding. Keep in mind though that destination bachelorette parties are often held earlier (to ease the financial pain for most guests) and likewise if lots of the guests are from out-of-town then the party might have to be the day before the wedding.
  
• Create the guest list. Bridal party gets invited as do other close friends of the bride. Don't invite those who aren't invited to the wedding.
  

2 Months Before

• Start seeing if there's any conflicts with the party date. Easiest way-send e-mails or make phone calls. During wedding season, weekend dates book up so expect that many guests will say they have another wedding and other parties to go to.
• Start putting together a list of possible party games-keep it a surprise for the bride.
• Make reservations, order tickets, and start putting together all of the lodging and party transportation details.
  

1 Month Before

• Send invitations. Emailing and calling are acceptable too. Make sure your invitation lets guests know how much they will be paying for the party.
• Put together an itinerary of the night's festivities. Example, manicures at 5, followed by dinner at Buddakan, then drinks at Swanky Bubbles.
  
• Figure out transportation. Drinking and driving are a no-no. Decide who will be the designated driver or arrange for a limo or taxicabs to transport the group around.
  

1 Week Before

• Confirm all arrangements-all RSVPS, transportation, entertainment.
• Pick up the accessories like the veil or tiara or the other props your group wants.
• Finalize the list of the games and activities throughout the night.
  

1 Day Before

• Remind guests of the meeting places and times.
  
• Get ready to have fun.

Keep in mind-this checklist is a starting off point.

• If you're planning on a weekend (or week) in Napa Valley or Cancun, then allot for more planning time to allow everyone to save up money, take vacation time from work, etc.
• In certain cities, allow extra time for reservations. Even two months ahead of the date might not be enough time to get a table for 12 on a Saturday night.
  
• Same with transportation arrangements. Limos and party buses fill up quickly during prom and wedding season.
• Before planning, it's a good idea to get an idea of how much people are willing to spend. Many potential guests might only be assuming that the night will be just dinner-or only have the funds to pay for a nice dinner. Before doing all the planning, ask the guests what they expect or take your cue from your group's last bachelorette parties.
• Get money ahead of time. Trying to get cash that night is hectic plus some guests won't have all of the money.
  

DIY: Bridal Shower Banner

(Image via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Martha Stewart has a great FREE DIY template to make hanging banners. Designed for "Just Married" signs, the template works well for banners for bridal showers. The template has the old-fashioned look of being typed by vintage typewriter keys. Hang ones at the shower that say "Congrats Michelle" or "Sarah's Bridal Shower." To hang weave a 1/4-inch ribbon throughout. You can also use the template for Alphabet Showers-sprinkle the letters throughout.

FREE: Bridal Shower Bingo

Snazzle Craft has a great printable available for FREE: Bridal Shower Bingo Cards. Bridal Shower Bingo is probably the most common bridal shower game because it's easy, fun, and gets guests involved in the gift-opening.

How to Play:
Every guest writes in what gifts they think the bride will receive. They can be specific or fairly general Ex. Cuisinart 4-Cup Coffee Maker or coffee-maker Then when the bride is opening her gifts, the guests cross off the ones that she received to make Bingo. Everytime a guest gets Bingo, they get a prize.

Bachelorette Party-French Lingerie Brunch

What an exciting bachelorette party. We love the idea of lingerie showers and lingerie bachelorette parties. Here's the happy bride proudly standing by all the goodies she got at the shower. Displaying them like this is a great idea-it works for lingerie showers and baby showers too!
Invites-It definitely sets the tone for the entire event. I'm sure the guests were super excited about it after seeing these.
Favors- little hankies by Design Design-they were packages of 10 pretty tissues that say "I See London, I See France, I Travel the World in Frilly Underpants!" How cute. (The host found them at Hobby Lobby stores.)
The Food-It looks delicious and had a French theme. The menu:

• Mimosas, of course!
• Croissants, danishes, and muffins from the local Memphis bakery: La Baguette
  
• Mini Quiches
• Fruit and a simple fruit dip
• Petit Fours
• Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole

Decorations-A bust decorated with lingerie. Cute decoration or a nice way to display the frilly gifts.

A fun game they played-When the bride opens up each lingerie gift, all of the party attendees have to give the item a name. They then wrote tags with the names down and attached to each outfit with ribbon. On the bride's honeymoon, the groom gets to pick out her outfit each night based on the name alone. Some are cute, silly, sexy, and everybody gets a good laugh!

The idea of a brunch for a bachelorette party is also a great one. It's a nice alternative if you're looking for something to do thats not alcohol-filled and it can be a great way to start off a day of partying.

The rest of the bachelorette party can be found at Keeping up with the Jones's. Thanks so much Kendall for allowing us to feature it.

Flower Girl: Ella Rae Wahlberg's Affordable Dress

(Image via Alfred Angelo)

Actor Mark Wahlberg's adorable daughter walked down the aisle in a surprisingly affordable flower girl outfit. Turns out Ella wore a satin and tulle flower girl dress by Alfred Angelo with a lavender sash to match the rest of the wedding decor. The sash is actually available in 55 colors and the dress comes in white and ivory. Best of all its reasonably priced since its from Alfred Angelo. Check out the pictures of Ella Rae Wahlberg here.

DIY: Bridal Shower Photo Invitation

Take a look at this DIY contest finalist over at The Bride's Cafe. An adorable photo of the bride holding an umbrella with the groom next to her holding a sign that states "please join us for a bridal shower honoring" with a finger pointed at the bride. The photo is too cute and Hillary then turned around and put the photo, along with details, on a postcard using Snapfish. The end result-an original bridal shower invite that came out to be $30 for 35 of them.

Bridal Shower Theme: Baseball Shower

(Image via Wilton.com Learn how to make the cake here!)

We were so inspired by our Real Bridal Shower of the week that we decided to do a post on how to throw a baseball themed shower. Not only is this a great idea for a hard-core baseball fan but its also a great theme for co-ed showers.

Inspiration
Take a look at Elizabeth's vow renewal. With details like vintage Braves caps as decor, a Smoltz jersey for her guest book, a baseball diamond seating chart, and dessert being ice cream sundaes served out of mini Braves helmets, this party was for a baseball fan. To top it off, the party was at the 755 Club at Turner Field and featured a tour of the stadium.

Invitations
A DIY project. A contributor to Elizabeth Anne Designs made rehearsal dinner invitations that looked like baseball tickets. We loved them plus they would set the tone for the entire shower.

Food
-Keep it basebally. Think hot dogs, soft pretzels with mustard and cheese, nachos & cheese, and movie-style popcorn.
-Try the baseball shaped cookies available for every MLB team at Cooperstown Cookie Company.
-Buy your team's M&M's at M&M's. You can get your team's logo and colors.

Cake
-Take a look at this incredible cake created by using baseball bats cut to become pillars between the tiers with fondant designed to look like baseballs.
-Top off the culinary masterpiece with a custom baseball cake topper with the bride with baseball bat & groom pitching from Etsy seller EnchantedYou54449. For a slightly cheaper cake topper try JW Cake Tops where you can a bride and groom holding sports pennants of your team.

Favors
-Make custom baseball cards with pictures of the happy couple and their "stats." Try My Trading Cards.
-Try beer mugs filled with peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
-Create custom baseballs with the couple's name at Mini Sports Balls.

Guestbook
-Have guests sign a base plate, a jersey, a mitt, or a bat.

Venue
Last but not least is where to have this incredible shower. The MLB stadiums all have areas where weddings and other special events can take place. For example at Citizens Bank Park, you can rent out The Diamond Club, Hall of Fame Club, Left Field Plaza, Harry the K's, Ashburn Alley, Bull's BBQ, and Phillies Clubhouse with a variety of menu options and add-ons available like behind the scene tours and appearances by Phanatic.

You can also try minor league stadiums and colleges for rooms and facilities in their parks. Or host the shower at a local park by a baseball diamond.

Hopefully this gives you a great starting-off point for a fantastic shower. Feel free to add your tips below.

Real Bridal Shower: Mer's Baseball Bridal Shower

Ah, we are so excited to have our FIRST Real Bridal Shower. And what a cool theme it is. For this huge Red Sox fan, her twin sister (also her maid of honor) decided to throw her a baseball themed bridal shower. And judging by the photos, it looks like it was a great time. We think the baseball cakes above are a nice touch.


The happy couple showing off their MLB tumblers. Is this a rival marriage-meaning she's a Red Sox fan and he's a Yankees fan?
Even the drinks kept up the baseball theme. Love the cooler!
Possibly the highlight of the party-the cupcakes! These look too cute to eat. I can't believe the detail given to them-look at the red socks.

Thanks so much Mer for sharing your photos and your shower. It looked like so much fun.

We are loving this theme, even though we are Phillies fans. World Series 2008! Look for another post on how to do a baseball themed bridal shower for your bride.

Bridal Shower Theme: Mexican Bridal Shower

Tina from Carrots N Cake went to her sister's Mexican themed bridal shower over the weekend and from the photos it looks like it was a blast. Take a look.

Want to do it yourself? Here's a few of the things we loved:

• the beverage bar featuring sangria, margaritas, beer, lemonade, iced coffee, and water.
• the decor-pinatas, sombreros-think fiesta meets backyard chic.
  
• the favors-a “frosty” margarita glass with a nip of tequila, a lime, a couple of candies, and customized margarita mix.
• the food was Mexican inspired-think make your own taco bar, taco salad.
• Super creative idea-Each of the bride's college friends and her bridesmaids decorated a wine bottle for the couple to drink together at a significant event during their married life. For instance, the first Christmas they spend together, their first anniversary, and when they buy their first home. What a great idea!

It looks like a great time. I'm sure the bride loved it.

Monogram Your Food

If you're anything like us, you love monograms-and monograms are natural decorations for bridal showers. Well just when we began to think that there was nowhere else to put a monogram (besides the top of a cake) we stumbled across Rachael Ray. Lo and behold, this maven has come up with some creative ways to add the monogram to dinner.

Her ideas include:

• brushing corn syrup onto a pear in the shape of a letter and pressing granulated sugar on top
• placing a letter stencil on a brownie square and dust with confectioners' sugar
• drawing the initial with chocolate syrup on the plate
• cutting toasted bread with a letter cookie cutter.

Best of all, each of these ideas seems super easy to do. You don't have to be Julia Childs to do each of them.

Bridal Shower Game: She Says, He Says

Michelle from Made Sweet has a great take on a bridal shower game. The game-guessing if the quotes on the page were said by the bride or groom. Sure to start lots of stories and provide plenty of laughs, the game is a great way to get the guests talking. Although we do have to admit that one of the best things about Michelle's game was the too cute way she designed the game sheets-just look at the silhouette faces for the answers. And Michelle even made cute pencils to go along with it. Take a look.

Wearing your bridesmaid dress again...

Ah, the legendary bridesmaid dress. Now, it seems as though every bride loves to tell us-"oh don't worry. You can definitely wear it again. The $400 will completely seem worth it after the 3rd wedding." And as nice as the dress is, how many times are we going to wear that chiffon full-length dress in Jade. Chances are-zero!

And of course this problem is not limited to bridesmaids-the brides often have a difficult time deciding what to do with their once beloved gown. Sherry from Young House Love decided to forgo popular advice and came up with a solution-dying her wedding gown black. You can read all about her adventure here.

After reading her story, dying a bridesmaid gown could be a good idea. Our advice:

• Don't try it on a gown that you really want to wear again. If the dress gets ruined, chances are there's no way of salvaging it.
• Read up on dying at All about hand dyeing and Rit Dye.
  
• All the online advice says not to try to dye a polyester dress.

Consider a professional dying service like DyePro Services.The prices start from $45 to dye an unlined dress while lined dresses start at $75. Others include Spectrum.

Our warning-we are not legally liable for any damage that results to our dress. Attempt and DO at your own risk.

We just might try it. After all, we weren't going to wear this dress ever again anyway.

Etsy Find: Nature Favors Bird Seed Favors

(Image via Etsy-Naturefavor)

Another great Etsy find. We love Etsy and our latest find is no exception. Take a look at the store of Nature Favors. The line of eco-friendly creative favors is incredible.

Like the favor shown above-the Heart Shaped Birdseed Wedding Favors. Aren't they just the cutest? Plus, they're eco-friendly, and hand-made exclusively from all natural ingredients. A loop is made from hemp twine and is formed at the top of each heart, allowing you to display them as a yard decoration in the location of your choice. The price is also easy to swallow too-just $24.95 for 25 or 50 for $49.95. Nature Favors also makes FREE custom tags to go along with the favors.

Their suggestion for a centerpiece: use flower pots to hold tree branches and then hang these bird seed hearts on them for decorations. Place a note at each centerpiece to tell your guests to take one home to feed the birds. Use them to decorate individual place settings, put them in handmade baskets to hand out as favors, or even use as napkin holders.

These would be so perfect for every bridal shower but especially a cute garden party. Of course they would also be great for a wedding. Nature Favors also makes duckie bird seed favors for baby showers and earthbloom favors in a variety of shapes for bridal showers and weddings, too. I could see myself using these as favors for everything-they're that cute!

Guestbook Idea-Sign the Wine!

(Image via Myownlabels)

Miss Sunbeam from Weddingbee has an unique guestbook idea-have guests sign a 1.5 Liter bottle of wine! They're planning on having guests sign it at their wedding and then opening it for their anniversary.

While the Sunbeams are planning on using this for their wedding guestbook, we think it's a great idea for a bridal shower (or bachelorette party) guestbook. Not only is it creative and different, but its also practical-the bride gets a great bottle of wine to drink. This would be a great way to complement a wine tasting, a stock the bar shower, or any shower for the gal who loves her vino.

Our suggestions:
-Use a paint pen to write on the label. Try a sample label first to make sure the writing stays on the label.

-Customize the wine. No need to have a boring label-if this is a bottle they'll be keeping then make it one they'd want to keep. Try customizing the label-we love MyOwnLabels where you can choose from a variety of label styles and colors.

-It doesn't have to be wine. Try beer or other liquors like large bottles of vodka or rum.

GIVEAWAY: $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card

Yeah for giveaways! It gets tough being a good friend-you end up spending so much money on gifts for everyone else-the weddings, the bridal showers, the graduation parties, the baby showers, the housewarmings. Sometimes, especially now that times are tough, it feels like the only person you're not spending money on is yourself.

Which is why we are proud to have our FIRST giveaway:

A $25 gift card to Restaurant.com!

Good at more than 10,000 participating restaurants nationwide-including some of the hottest names in dining as well as premium online partners like LobsterGram, Mrs. Field's, deLaFlowers, and many others.

How to Enter:
Tell us the following-what was the best bridal shower game that you've ever played at a shower or what was the most memorable bridal shower you've ever been to (and why?)

For more entries:
Be sure to leave a comment for EACH additional entry that you complete.
1 extra entry-Add The Perfect Bridesmaid to your blogroll, if you have a blog (Leave me the address of your blog so we can verify)
1 extra entry-Subscribe to our feed
1 extra entry-Follow us on Blogger or through Google Friend Connect
1 extra entry-Leave a comment on one of our posts. Please don't say-"I'm leaving a comment." Instead say something like" love this idea." Leave us a link to the comment.


The Legal:

• Contest begins July 30, 2009 and ends August 15, 2009 at midnight. All entries must be posted by midnight to qualify.
  
• You must include your email address or your entries will not be counted. (Or check to see if your e-mail is included in your blogger profile.)
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Bachelorette Party Dilemmas

Miss Mary Jane from WeddingBee had a dilemma: she went to a bachelorette party where, although she was younger than the bride in actual age, she felt out of place. Meaning the bride had a bouquet made of Blow-Pops and was encouraged by her friends to sell the lollipops to strangers with the line: “Suck for a buck?” And of course the bride was downing shot after shot all night. Needless to say, Miss Mary Jane ended up leaving with the older folks like the bride's aunts and mom by 11:30. Now Miss Mary Jane was questioning-did she do the right thing? Did she end up ruining the bride's good time by being a fly on the wall? Should she have stayed home?

These questions led us to thinking about the bachelorette parties all of you are planning: What should you do if one of the guest at the bachelorette party is obviously not having a good time.

Our suggestions:

• Make sure guests know ahead of time how raunchy or naughty the party will be. Put it on the invitation or spread the word-you'd be surprised how people's definitions of parties or girls night can vary and you want the guests to know ahead of time how raunchy the party will be.
• If you know that some of the females who will be going to the bachelorette party (or who the bride would like to be there) aren't the type to enjoy shot after shot of tequila or a strip show by Ivan the firefighter, then plan a different type of party. A bachelorette party does not have to involve hangovers.
  
• At the party, try to get all of the guests involved. It's possible that some of the guests don't know each other or need ice-breakers.
• Planning a two-part party is a great idea. Have something like drinks and dinner and save the clubbing part for later on in the night.
  

Mindy Weiss's Celebrity Bridal Shower Favor-Hankies!

Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss had a great idea for the wedding of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-vintage hankies for the woman to use to dry their tears of joy. This can easily be used for bridal showers though-wrap a handful of pastel mints or Jordan almonds in a hankie and tie with with silk ribbon or place by every guest's table setting.

Vintage handkerchiefs are gorgeous plus they're easy to find-check Ebay or local vintage shops for plenty of options.

DIY: Drunken Watermelon Keg

(Image via Evite)

What a great idea for any outdoor party but especially for a bridal shower or a BBQ-a watermelon keg. It's sure to have the guests talking about how creative it is-and think no punch bowl to clean up when the guests leave.

What you'll need:
• 10-pound seedless watermelon
• Sharp knife
• Big spoon
• Big bowl
• Drill with a 1/2-inch drill bit
• 3/4-inch ball-valve faucet with a handle that's easy to turn with one hand
• PVC-to-faucet adapter that will screw into the back of the faucet
• Rubber O-ring that fits the back of the faucet
• Blender
• Sieve
• Pitcher
• 1 1/2 cups rum
• 4 limes
• About 90 minutes of your time

For the rest of the tutorial click here!

Make Your Own Tart Bar

(Image via Thepartydress and Rachael Ray)

The Party Dress has a great idea-make your own tart bar. What a great way to serve dessert at a party, especially a shower. It lets guests mix and mingle while creating their own food.

We suggest:

• Tart Shells (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon Curd
• Whipped Cream
• Sliced Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Caramel sauce
• Strawberry jam
• Peach filling
• Plum filling
  
• Cherry filling
• Nectarine filling
  

DIY: Tissue Paper Pom Poms

(Image via Casasugar)

We love the tissue paper pom poms. Not only are they cute, but they are perfect for everything. You can use them for centerpieces, as hanging decorations, as chandeliers, tons of uses. And of course you can easily change the colors to match any theme-just use different tissue paper.

So of course we were SO excited to see that Casasugar had this easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make the tissue paper Pom Poms. The best part-the only supplies you need are tissue paper, scissors, monofilament, and floral wire. It's very easy to do and looks really good.

Bridal Shower Inspiration: PINK

(Image via Eclatante Design)

Ecclante Event Design has an incredible bridal shower to get inspiration from. The color: PINK! And best of all, its full of great ideas that can easily be used for bridal showers and other parties. Everything we saw about this shower we loved.

What we loved:

• The paper flowers that were strung from strands of peach and white pearls over the tables-so gorgeous. (Want to make the tissue pom poms yourself? Check out our tutorial here.)
• The centerpieces- filled apothecary jars with layers of rose petals, hydrangea petals, light pink cut glass, white sand, dried ivory roses and pearls. Easily recreated yet looks fantastic!
• Candy favors. Yum!
• Cosmos and pink champagne-we love when the food and drink matches the decor. And both of them are so girly-perfect for a girls night out or a bridal shower.

Take a look at this shower. You won't be disappointed. :)

Bridal Shower Game Idea: Playing DDR & Game Hero

Geeksugar has a unique bridal shower idea. Instead of the normal bridal shower games, if the bride and her friends are more into games, why not play video games instead? After all, many of us spend our Saturday nights playing Guitar Hero or Wii Bowling-shouldn't our showers reflect what the bride likes.

Of course playing video games at showers is not for everyone. You might want to stick with games that are easy to play and understand if inviting the bride's Great-Aunt. Playing video games is also a great way of having the guests mix and mingle at co-ed bridal showers.

Freebie: Bridal Shower Invitation Template

Vintage Glam Weddings has a great freebie-a downloadable template for bridal shower invitations!

Bridal Shower Favor: Cupcake in a Jar Favor

Okay we're obsessed with cupcakes. But, have you seen cupcakes in a jar? It's incredible-a cupcake baked in a mason glass or jar. Follow this tutorial which gives you instructions on how to make it. Honestly, this is the best of both worlds-since the cupcake bakes in the jar, there's less mess to clean up and the jars transport easily. As a result, guests can take them home without worrying about getting the frosting all over.

Here's another tutorial on how to do it. In this one Joy baked the cupcakes and then put them in jars.

Either way, cupcakes in a jar ends up being a great favor for bridal showers or any sort of party.

Guestbook Idea-Shower Curtain?

Tired of the same old guestbook ideas for bridal showers? I don't know how many times you can sign your name on a piece of paper. After awhile, it gets bor-ing.

It's a Jaime Thing has come up with a creative idea. Using a shower curtain for a guestbook. Get it? A shower curtain because its a shower?

It's definitely original but would the bride use it. It's probably just as unpractical as a book but at least its a lot more fun.

DIY: Free Bridal Shower Invitation Templates from IdoSugar

IdoSugar has put together some FREE bridal shower invitation templates. The invites are free, all you have to do is download, print, and fill them in. They're pretty, sophisticated, and come in three popular bridal shower colors-blue, green, and pink. Our suggestion: print them on cardstock or go to a printing place like Kinko's to print them at.

Bridal Shower Etiquette: Out-of-Town Bridesmaid Still Pay for Bridal Shower?

Q: I live out of town while the other bridesmaids all live near the bride. They're planning a bridal shower for her, which I won't be able to attend. (I can't afford the plane ticket for just a weekend.) As an out-of-town bridesmaid, should I still pay for the bridal shower?

A: Ah, tough questions. When we become bridesmaids, we know that we are expected to throw a bridal shower and bachelorette party. Most of us figure on the cost when we agree to be bridesmaids. That being said, its a great gesture if you voluntarily agree to help the other bridesmaids pay for the shower. Think of it this way, it isn't fair that the other bridesmaids should have to contribute additional money to compensate for you not being there.

Of course, you might want to help with some of the planning still if this makes you feel as though you are involved. Most of us don't like paying for something that we don't have a hand in. Ask the other bridesmaids if you can help pick out invites, food, decorations, etc if this helps you feel as though you are now a host too.