Meet & Greet: Jeana Lee and Charlotte, owners of Birmingham

Jeana Lee (left) and Charlotte
on her wedding day in a
LulaKate custom gown

Through thick and thin (and even tornadoes!) sisters Jeana Lee and Charlotte have stuck together and made Birmingham’s Bella Bridesmaid a total success. Since opening their store in March of 2007, these southern sisters have collected many exciting stories and experiences that we were dying to hear about. We were lucky enough to catch up with these lovely ladies and get the scoop…


BB: What did each of you do before owning Bella?

JL: I did sales and service for State Farm Insurance.

C: I did marketing for SunTrust Bank.

Sisters pictured with their father at a fundraiser

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

JL&C: We wanted to become part of the Bella franchise because we saw a great need for a Bella Bridesmaid in our city. Birmingham had nothing that even compared to a Bella Bridesmaid from the utmost excellence in customer service to the chic and modern dress selections. It was a no brainer for us. We immediately jumped at the opportunity and never looked back!

BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in your boutique?

JL: The day that Charlotte and I loaded up EVERY single dress that was awaiting a pick up into her vehicle amidst a tornado. It was April 27th, 2011 and on this particular morning we woke up to news reports that early morning tornados had destroyed several large areas in Birmingham. It really hit close to home because one of our dearest friends, Heidi Elnora, a bridal gown designer, sustained a significant amount of damage from one of the twisters. It really made Charlotte and I think about what we would do if all of the dresses that were awaiting pick-ups by bridesmaids for weddings taking place in the next few weeks were damaged, destroyed or better yet found in someone’s front yard in another state. The meteorologist adamantly warned that the worst was yet to come. The weather conditions were ideal for that of extremely violent tornados. The entire city was a ghost town as everyone was at home in their safe place heeding to the tornado warnings having seen the destruction that the early morning twisters had caused. After a few minutes of convincing Charlotte that yes we do have insurance but that State Farm would not be able to magically reproduce the missing dresses needed in the next few weeks she finally gave in to my action plan of packing ALL of the dresses into her vehicle. Being that it was April 27th we were busting at the seams with dresses that were awaiting pick-ups for all of our May and June weddings. The weather was getting nasty and we were racing against the clock as we loaded Charlottes vehicle to the absolute brim with dresses and then of course all of our important documents. We just kept looking at each other in passing with arms full of dresses saying, "Can you believe that we are doing this?" From there we parked her vehicle in our parents basement. Thankfully Bella Bridesmaid was not in the direct path of destruction for the deadly tornados that wreaked havoc throughout our state that day. Although the loading and unloading was quite the undertaking we agreed that we would do it over and over again if it meant avoiding the nightmare of something happening to those darn dresses!


BB: What are your favorite bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in your personal closets?

JL&C: Having been in a combined 27 weddings (Seriously...Charlotte has been in 16 and Jeana Lee 11), we have quite the combined collection of bridesmaid dresses. Our personal favorites are Lula Kate and Amsale. We have SO many short Lula Kate dresses in our closets because they fit so well and they are so adorable.

Charlotte & Jeana Lee pictured with their mom
in their fave Amsale gowns

JL: My absolute favorite is the Lula Kate "Zoe". I own it in 5 different colors and it's my "old faithful, go-to dress".  My black and white Zoe (white bodice and black waistband and skirt) is nicknamed the "sisterhood of the traveling pants" dress. It has been so many places and to so many events and it fits every single person that borrows it.

C: My favorite Lula Kate is "Maggie". No joke, we could possibly open a Lula Kate freestanding store with just the Lula Kate dresses that are in our closets at home.





JL: On the flip side we adore our Amsale chiffon dresses because they are so elegant. My favorite is G425C but I just ordered G660C for an upcoming event in December.

C: My favorite Amsale gown is G462C. The Amsale chiffon dresses are great because they can be paired with a fabulous pair of statement earrings, pearls and heels for a black tie event, or you can pair it with gold hoop earrings, gold bangles and a great pair of gladiator sandals for a more casual feel.

Dylan Lauren via VOGUE

BB: What is your fave celebrity wedding dresses?

JL&C: One that stands out in our mind is the dress that Ralph Lauren designed for his daughter Dylan Lauren. It was simple yet effortlessly chic.

BB: What are your go to dresses in the store?

JL&C: It really all depends on the bride and what her specifications are for her bridal party. What kinds of body types she is trying to flatter and if she is open to the option of different necklines and any other special request that she may have. Lula Kate almost always ends up being the go to because what girl doesn't like to have options of getting exactly what she wants plus an added bonus is that you can add a ruffle to any Lula Kate dress. Birmingham gals love their ruffles! Amsale is the go to for the brides that want long, flowy dresses.

BB: What is the best wedding trend you've seen recently?

JL&C: When the bride chooses one neckline for her bridesmaids and then allows each bridesmaid to choose the skirt for the dress. Simply reversing the trend of choosing your own neckline. We have done this with several weddings and it is great because the bride still gets the uniformity of all one neckline while still adding that individual touch of getting to choose the skirt that is most flattering for each bridesmaids body type.

Sisters photographed with girls in Bella dresses!

BB: We heard you both recently went to South Africa. Could you tell us a little about your experience and what you did there?

JL: Charlotte and I worked with a township of about 60,000 people in South Africa called Kayamundi. They all live in aluminum sheet houses that have literally been thrown together, no indoor plumbing, no indoor water. There is a program there that works to get the children motivated in their educations and furthering themselves to be better all around. It teaches them dance, sports and a number of things that keep the occupied after school and out of trouble. Even though they live in the slums there are still a number of normal things that they do such as have proms and dances at their schools.

Jeana Lee & Charlotte photographed
with children in South Africa

Charlotte and I helped to orchestrate a "lending library" for all the girls in the program for proms, dances, etc. What they do is look through the catalog of dresses. Decide which they would like and then a town seamstress fits it to them. After the event the dress is returned to the dress library. We took 200 lbs of discontinued dresses that we had been saving up not knowing what exactly for but knew they would one day come in handy. We got to go to the township and help them pick out the ones they wanted for their prom which takes place at the end of this month, as they attend school year round and it is now South Africa's spring season. It was an awesome and humbling experience.


Thank you both!

Our Interview with Lindsie Jones of Haute Bride

Image by Hellybee Photography, Los Gatos

Most gals can’t help but be distracted by sparkly things. Lindsie Jones, of Haute Bride, knows this all too well. Lindsie founded Haute Bride in 2002 where she began selling bridal accessories that made our hearts melt with pure shimmering joy! Now selling nationwide in over 130 bridal salons, including our very own, Lindsie has made brides and their bridal parties perfectly accessorized from bracelets, earrings, custom veils, and headpieces to couture bridal footwear. Lindsie has you covered from head to toe! We took a moment away from gazing at those gorg accessories to chat with Lindsie…

Image by Hellybee Photography, Los Gatos

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

L: I have such a passion for accessories and creating fashion forward pieces- that can be worn again. I worked very hard (and still do!) in the first 5 years of my business, trying to create great quality bridal accessories and develop a national brand name at the same time. I believe the number one factor is good quality, handmade pieces, followed by excellent customer service. I believe we provide both. 


BB: When designing your gorgeous bridal accessories, what are your inspirations?

L: I am constantly buzzing with inspiration. It may be a pattern that I see on a dress in a window, when Swarovski launches a new color or shape of a rhinestone, or when one of our material vendors launches a new product that we can build with! Inspiration is everywhere, from nature to the red carpet. I seem to make designs mentally when I am sleeping, there’s never a dull moment in my brain! 


Image by Hellybee Photography, Los Gatos

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing?

L: I made my own accessories for my wedding (just celebrated my 10 year on 8/25 with my wonderful husband!). I was in search of a specific look for my hair and couldn't find it, so I set out to make it. After my wedding, I started selling my hairpins on EBay and became totally overwhelmed by the response and sales! It was during the dot com phase when I was working as an HR manager in the tech industry and my company was laid off. I took a few months off and started creating more and more accessories for EBay, local boutiques and friends. In 2004 I attended my first bridal market in Chicago with our Haute Bride line.





B: What recently married or currently engaged celebrity would you love to accessorize for their big day? And what accessories would you pick for her?

Kim K. Image by Michael Simon via Style News

L: I would probably want to style Kim Kardashian. Although the headpiece that she wore was a compliment to her Armenian roots, I felt that it took away from her beauty and her dress. I think just a diamond or rhinestone comb tucked into a side low chignon would have been perfect.

BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

L: Big white metal hoops, heavy ones. Thanks to those hoops, I'm unable to wear the kind of earrings I want to wear!

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

L: I really enjoy photography, web design and graphic design. I do quite a bit if the work for my company, as I just can't let go! I tend to be a bit of a control freak. ;) 


Image by Hellybee Photography, Los Gatos

BB: What's your favorite accessory in your collection?

L: I love my chunky necklaces! I hardly ever wear earrings- unless they are studs. Because the Haute Bride line is so versatile, I find myself wearing cuffs and necklaces every time I go out.


BB: Any hints to what in store for your new collection?

L: Not just yet, you will have to wait until October! 


Image by Hellybee Photography, Los Gatos

BB: Do you have any accessory rules to live by?

L: I honestly don't believe in over –accessorizing. I also love that you can wear amazing accessories with a $29.99 dress from H&M and your outfit looks like a million bucks!

BB: What's in your purse?

L: My must haves: iPhone, raw almonds, Superhero figurines (gotta have 'em- twin, 4 year old boys), Chanel lip-gloss, and a little notepad for taking inspiration notes!



Thank you Lindsie!

Meet and Greet: Trinh, owner of Orange County

Trinh Chu

We love nothing more than having a happy Bella customer. But we love even more when they become part of the Bella family! In September 2010, Trinh Chu, a previous Bella customer, decided to open her very own Bella in her hometown of Orange County, CA. After having such a wonderful experience planning her own wedding and discovering her new found love of the wedding industry it seemed only natural that Trinh become a Bella Bridesmaid franchisee! We caught up with Trinh in sunny SoCal and got to ask her a few questions…

BB: What did you do before owning Bella?

T: Prior to opening Bella, I spent ten years working in advertising at a few different agencies in Los Angeles. Most recently, I was an Account Director at Team One overseeing advertising, strategic and branding efforts for Lexus vehicles.

Trinh on her wedding day

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

T: I had such an amazing time planning my own wedding that I knew I wanted to do something in the wedding industry. I had visited the LA store when I was looking for bridesmaid dresses and from the moment I stepped into the store, I knew the concept was great, one of a kind and the absolute perfect fit for my personality. When I found out Bella was a franchise and there was an opportunity to open one in my hometown, I leapt at the opportunity!

BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in your boutique?

T: Without a doubt, it would have to be my first sale, which happened to be my very first appointment! WOW! It's coming up on one year since we opened our doors.

BB: What are your favorite bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in your personal closet?

T: I'm starting to build my collection, but so far, I'm loving my Coren Moore Skylar, Simple Silhouettes Reed and my Two Birds Long Flutter gown.

Trinh in her fav TwoBirds dress

BB: Tell us about a favorite recent bride that has an interesting story/wedding

T: One bride that I absolutely adored, came to us pretty distraught and had given up hope finding flattering dresses for her plus size maids. I introduced her to Two Birds and she loved them so much. Not only did her girls don the dresses, she outfitted her mom and soon to be mother-in-law in them too and of course, ordered one for herself for her rehearsal dinner. The best part was through the process we became friends and she ended up inviting me to her wedding!



BB: Fave celebrity wedding dress?

Kate Moss, Image by Film Magic via Brides

T: I absolutely love Kate Moss's wedding dress. It was so delicate and ethereal. The silhouette kind of reminded me of mine (minus the sparkles and the fact that it probably cost 100 times more.......) but otherwise it was very similar. :)



BB: What's your go to dress for a busy Saturday in the shop?

T: I like the classic styles from Simple Silhouettes and their Reed dress is probably my go to dress when working. It's the perfect dress for any occasion. You can dress it up with jewelry and heels, but for work, I like pairing it with a cardigan and some flats.

Trinh(center, in Sapphire Joanna August dress) at
 grand opening for OC Bella Bridesmaid

BB: Best wedding trend you've seen recently?

T: I LOVE it when brides let their girls select their own dresses that reflect their personal style and work with their body type. Whether it be different dresses in the same fabric/color or different dresses but in a particular color palette, it's so nice to see girls feel great in their dresses. We just got in dresses for a bride that let her girls select any short purple dress in the store. We're so excited to see how it all comes together!

                                  Thank you Trinh!

Our Interview with Yoo Lee of Saja

Yoo Lee

Simplicity and beauty are two words that come to mind when eyeing the gorgeousness that is Saja. The wonderfully talented Yoo Lee founded Saja in the year 2000 and her amazing creations quickly became loved by all... especially by the Bella fam! After wearing a Saja dress you can’t help but wonder what other lovely designs does Yoo have up her sleeve? And how did she become such a genius of pretty? So we decided to ask Yoo to share some of her secrets…

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

Y: Focus and persistency. Also, learning from experiences.

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

Y: I imagine a beautiful person wearing our dress on one of their most significant days. I imagine them to be excited, giddy, COMFORTABLE, but also effortlessly chic and confident. Oh yes, and I imagine them to be good people.

Saja, BP6252

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridal and bridesmaid dresses?

Y: I always knew I was going to become a fashion designer since I was 10 and seeing Yves Saint Laurent retrospective collection at the Met. And I knew I wanted to own my company since I wasn't lucky enough to find the company that suited my aesthetic. So I started Saja. I owned Saja for 8 years designing the contemporary collection instead of the bridal collection. Then the economy took a nosedive in 2008 and it was really way for me to survive and keep the brand going by switching over to designing bridal dresses. As it turned out in hindsight, best thing that could have happened to me. I love what I do.







BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would she be and how would you style them?

Y: Princess Diana on her wedding day: Less puff and more simple to make her young beauty transcend easily and make her the focus instead of the dress.

Princess Diana
Image by PA Archive/Press Association Images
via Daily Mail

BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

Y: I lived through '80's in high school. Blue mascara, bang, legwarmers... you name it, I've done it all.

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

Y: A lawyer or a chef. I like clarity and seeing the end result.

BB: What's your favorite dress in your collection?

Y: I don't really have a favorite; they all serve different purposes for me. Also, whenever I do a new season, my liking changes as well.


BB: Any hints to what is in store for this Fall?


Y: I am actually done with all the designs for Fall and in the process of getting the fit right which takes long time to perfect for me. I am using heavier silk to give more form fitting without compromising on comfort. Also, there just might be some sleeves popping up, of course it will be done Saja way so it will still be light and ethereal.

Inside the Saja boutique in NYC

BB: Any advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

Y: Own and know your body: be comfortable in your own skin!  Also, when dress shopping be open-minded.


BB: What's in your purse?

Y: Cell phone, a wallet, keys and a book for the commute. I am a simple being.

                                             Thank you Yoo Lee!

Meet & Greet: Allison, owner of Indianapolis

What happens when an analyst for a wine distributor meets Bella Bridesmaid? Well, she becomes a Bella franchisee, of course! Allison Rechter of Indianapolis opened her Bella boutique in January of 2009 and has loved every second of it. Recently engaged, Allison has kept quite busy running the Indianapolis boutique and wedding planning but we were able to get some time with her so she could fill us in on all the excitement…





BB: What did you do before owning Bella?

A: I worked for a wine, liquor and Red Bull distributor as an analyst. I was a Computer Science major in college - not the most popular major for girls. But hey, I can make killer spreadsheets for Bella now!

BB: Why did you want to become part of the Bella franchise?

A: I had been in ten weddings and three of them had used Bella Bridesmaid. I saw the need in Indianapolis and had always wanted to open my own store - it was a perfect fit. Plus, I didn't have the nerve to start something on my own, I loved that Bella had a successful business model and 40+ other stores. The last two years have been the most fulfilling years of my life.

BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in your boutique?

A: There have been many memorable moments from my first client to helping with a themed wedding but I have to say - one of my most memorable moments was when I accidentally locked my dog Penny in my office during an appointment with my keys and phone. Penny is extremely agile and that's putting it lightly. The girl has major hops. I figured I'd keep my cool, wait for my appointment to leave then attempt to get Penny to open the door or worst case scenario - call a locksmith from the salon downstairs. Not knowing Penny was locked in the office, my appointment asks if they can meet Penny and I had to tell them my dilemma. The Mother of the Bride jumps off the couch and comes over to the glass door and tries to coax Penny to stand up by dangling things in front of the glass with hopes that she'll hit the handle and open the door. Forget about dresses, the goal now was to get Penny out of the office. After about 10 minutes of trying and several promising attempts by Penny - EUREKA - she opened the door!

Allison(Left) wearing her Swoon Barbados dress

BB: What are your favorite bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in your personal closet?

A: Gosh! That is a hard question. I love my TwoBirds rosette mini – it’s my go to little black dress. My Swoon Barbados dress for more formal events, Amsale G425C for summer events and Senna by Simple Silhouettes in polka dot for work and bridal events!

Brian Marcus/Fred Marcus photography via Style News 

BB: Tell us about a favorite recent bride that has an interesting story/wedding.

A: I recently met with a 13-maid wedding with bridesmaids from all over the globe so we did TwoBirds ballgowns since those dresses don't require measurements. It was an all white wedding with the girls in ivory. The wedding was in Trinidad and I can't wait to see pictures!

BB: What is your fave celebrity wedding dress?

A: Ivanka Trump. Her dress is one of my faves because of its' modern elegance. The slit in the back of the lace makes it less stuffy but maintains the timeless Grace Kelly look. Plus, you will never look at her wedding picture and be able to tell what year it was. Classic. I love it.

BB: We know you recently got engaged, could you tell us your story of the engagement?

A: In June, Dan and our friends led me to believe that we were going on a houseboat trip but at the last minute it was "cancelled due to boat problems." So with a Saturday out of the store already planned, Dan suggested we take our two dogs to his family’s farm to romp and swim. 

When we got to the farm we were walking the property when all of sudden the clouds opened up and it started to DOWNPOUR. We were soaked! Despite the rain, we continued our walk, dripping wet. By the time we reached the big meadow (Dan's favorite place) the sun had come out so we took a short break. This part is where it becomes a real blur. From what I do remember - Dan gave me a hug and I realized his heart was racing and then he said some really thoughtful things about us and his feelings for me and got down on one knee and proposed. I think the first thing I said was "Are you serious?" followed by "Is this happening?" True words of a girl in total shock, right?! After lots of tears, hugs and a YES we started our walk back.

Allison and Dan(center) with friends and family

On our way back, bows started to line the path so I knew someone was there. As if I wasn’t in shock enough, when we got to the top of the hill my entire family, Dan's entire family and two of my closest friends were waiting for us. From New York to California, family and friends had flown in to celebrate our engagement. It was so incredibly surprising and special to share this moment with each of them. Oh! And Dan hired a photographer to capture the entire day!





BB: Any idea of what gown and bridesmaid dresses you would love to use for your wedding?

A: My girls are going to wear long Amsale black chiffons of their choice to the wedding then at the reception they are changing into LulaKate party dresses in shades of silver/gold for dancing.

BB: What's your go to dress for a busy Saturday in the shop?

A: I absolutely love my seersucker dresses from LulaKate that are comfy and casual - fantastic for summer. Plus, they have a great color selection in seersucker.



BB: What is the best wedding trend you've seen recently?

A: I love when girls pick different shades of a color. I recently had a 6 bridesmaid wedding where the bride picked shades of purple from varying designers in long chiffons. Gorgeous! The array of colors spanned from Violet to Aubergine. It is going to be stunning!

                                                                                              
                                                                                                           Thank you Allison and congrats!

Our Interview with Jessica Brown of Ivy & Aster

When we daydream of fairytale weddings and maids outfitted in only the most romantic of dresses it makes us think of our beloved Ivy & Aster. In 2010 Jessica Brown, the owner and designer of Ivy & Aster, began her beautiful creations. The fanciful draping, chiffon flowers and gorgeous color palette makes us want to wear these beauties every day! We wanted to hear more about Jessica’s beginnings and inspirations for these sweet dresses…

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

J: I'm really proud that we've been so successful from the start of the business. I think we really understand our customer and what she wants as well as how to market to that customer. I am also thankful for the great stores that picked up the line the first season including many of the Bella stores!

Jessica in her design space

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

J: As we all know women and bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes, so we try to offer styles that will be flattering on a variety of girls. Our look is youthful and fun and our dresses are made so you could wear them to other social events, they don't scream bridesmaid when you first see them.

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

J: I've been in bridal for a while and really wanted to try to branch into maids just for a change of pace and color! It is similar to ready to wear in a bridal environment so I thought it would be fun. Also I was hearing there was a need for an under $300 silk look so that is where we landed.



BB: Could you tell us a little more about your bridal background?

J: I started working in a bridal store in Atlanta when I was in high school. I just fell in love with the whole experience. Bridal gowns are the closest thing to couture that most people will ever wear as they are usually made to order. I went on to study fashion design and also worked for Saks bridal in college. Upon graduation I was hired by Anne Barge and was there for almost 11 years where I also got to work with Badgley Mischka on their bridal collection.

Olivia Thirlby
 Image by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images via Style Bistro

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

J: That's a hard one! I'd love to dress an up and coming actress like Olivia Thirlby or Elle Fanning that could really take our dresses and make them their own. I'd love to see how they would style them! That is what I think is great about I&A is that you can really let your own personality show!


BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

J: I'm actually not too embarrassed by my style in high school- I guess I found my style then. Middle school is another story- I guess the "multiples" trend with socks in matching colors was pretty dreadful! Also the way-high bangs were pretty bad.


BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

J: I would be a painter/artist if I thought I could survive off doing it for a living- I still love to paint in my free time

BB: What's your favorite dress in your collection?

J: I love our new prints- they are so fun and flirty! I'm dying for a bridal party to use them or at least one for the maid of honor.

BB: Any hints to what is in store for this Fall?

J: We are introducing some great new colors that our 'fans' have requested along with some different necklines and sleeve options, which are also in demand. We are also continuing with our prints to further the idea that our dresses can be for other social occasions.

Ivy & Aster, Coming Up Roses

BB: Advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

J: We've sold all shapes and sizes- I think interest or draping/rouching on the bodice can both enhance and minimize depending on what is needed. Our gently gathered skirts are fun and forgiving on the hips! An empire waist is always good on a larger size or if you have an expectant attendant. Most girls look good in strapless since it shows off the shoulders.

BB: What's in your purse?

J: It is a little scary right now- I have the usual wallet, lots of receipts from travel and purchases, my favorite Laura Mercier lip gloss, a Jo Malone cologne, my Banana Republic sunglasses, a Clif bar and a diaper- I have a 16 month old and don't always like to carry a diaper bag!


Thank you Jessica!

Ask Bridget... Bridesmaid Gifts

Us Bella's are often asked by our brides for advice and tips on the perfect bridesmaid gift. The gals (and guys) who are standing with you on your wedding day are usually your most important support team... and you rely on them heavily during the wedding planning process. From addressing envelopes at 1am and endless email's with photos of wedding dresses attached with the subject line 'Thoughts?',  they have signed up for whatever comes along with the title of "bridesmaid". Which let's be honest, sometimes involves a bit of abuse on the shoulder-to cry-on front. So, how to honor these patient and tongue-biting souls? Here's my list of a few useful, not-so-useful but fun, and thoughtful gifts.








1) Ok, I've said it before... but the number one comment we hear from bridesmaids when the bride's not in earshot is "I wish she'd contribute towards the cost of the dress instead of giving me a (insert here: sterling silver key chain, crystal picture frame, etc). ". So consider chipping in for the dress, especially because you chose a modern, chic, totally and completely re-wearable bridesmaid dress... right? I especially love this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings for a "bridesmaid fashion card" that contains everything they need to know about their attire and all-over look for the day of the wedding. Not only is it informative AND thoughtful, but you could also include a note that thanks them for being in the wedding and that you have contributed $__ to the cost of the fab dress. Cute, no?




2) Purchase the accessories that you'd like them to wear as their gift. Ok, maybe this is a bit self-serving, but hey...it's the look and feel you had in mind for your wedding, and as long as you're footing the bill, they'll be happy to oblige in wearing the tulle and feather headdress.

A few of our favorite accessories:


The "Elize" shoe by Nina



"Just Bowtiful" clutch from Nelle



The "Gwen" earring from Kendra Scott



What gal wouldn't be thrilled to add any of these lovelies to her wardrobe?




3) Contribute to her favorite charity.
(Maybe not as fun as a pair of shoes, but meaningful and charitable.)

4) Host a bridesmaid luncheon, cocktail party, dinner, etc and take the time to say a few words about each bridesmaid and why they are important in your life and why you have asked them to be in your wedding. I find that a lot of times, especially in a large wedding party, it's not always the case that everyone knows each other and your history with them. This is a nice way to recognize those relationships.

and lastly....

5) Pay for their hair and makeup on the day of the wedding. Yes, it's an added expense, but everyone loves the pampering and it's a fun way to relax on the wedding day. And if they look and feel great, this will reflect in their overall demeanor and attitude. Happy Bridesmaids = Happy Bride!


xo,
Bridget