Getty ImagesI knew I wanted to present gifts to those who'll be in my wedding ever since I saw a "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" favor on Pinterest. And what better setting to do it than at my engagement party? It's thoughtful, creative and creates lasting memories with close friends. Plus, it's a great way to butter them up before I go all "bridezilla" on them.
After being overwhelmed by the hundreds of ideas online, my fiancé and I decided to just wing it. Our main objectives were to get stuff that resembled our wedding location (the Florida Keys) and that our friends would actually use and enjoy.
So for the girls, I shopped and shopped and shopped… I started out choosing the cutest sun hats I could find. I can already picture a photo of us posing on a beach, donning our stylish Nine West toppers. So cute! I also included a bridesmaid must-have—a bottle of Body Drench spray-tan! Of course, I needed something cheesy in there. Got it. How about vintage key (get it?) bottle openers for all those ice cold beers we'll be enjoying? And at last, the ever-so-adorbs matching bridesmaid sunglasses from Icing to keep our eyes protected from the intense Florida sun.
But let's not forget the "junior bridesmaids," my beautiful, 10-year-old Goddaughters. They each got a fun tween-size sun hat from Old Navy, a sweet pair of rainbow, blinged-out sunglasses from Justice, bright flip-flops and, instead of spray tan, a bottle of spray-on sunscreen.
Our groomsmen weren't left out of the offerings—although I should note Shanon was completely in charge of his side of the bridal party. Not going to lie, he impressed me. Each were given a pair of hipster, beach-style H&M shorts, individualized shades and beaded bracelets. We also threw in colored flip-flops, and because my fiancé is such a hopeless romantic (yeah, right!), he added a fake rose for everyone. Oddly, the flower got the biggest reaction. His note was also a little more direct than mine. Instead of asking his friends to be part of our special day, he just informed them that they will, in fact, be a groomsman.
We gathered everyone shoulder-to-shoulder within a nook of my parent's kitchen. We then handed out the presents and asked our dearest friends and family for their acceptance before heading off to celebrate at our engagement party. Luckily, everyone liked their surprise and most importantly, agreed to be a part of our wedding. Unfortunately, not all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen were able to attend, but we made sure they got their special gifts.
Our friends and family mean the world to us. So it was nice to give them something to represent that sentiment. Now, how many do you think will actually remember to bring these presents with them to the Florida Keys?