And now for my second vendor…

B.poetic, (www.etsy.com/shop/bpoetic) an Etsy-based company, is also comprised of hand-constructed and hand-stitched goodies. Made with vintage fabrics, the company is best known for its fashion-forward shoe clips. They’re made to match any color palette and make a to-die-for and reasonable bridesmaid gift. Take a look at these cuties.

The company also sells/customizes super cute flower corsages that could accompany any wedding wardrobe.

And to wrap up, I’ll leave you with an undoubtedly fabulous “Just Married” banner (also by b.poetic).

If you’re looking for casual/chic/adorable ways to personalize and glamorize your big day, look no further than these two vendors.

EmersonMade (www.emersonmade.com) specializes in hand-dyed and hand-stitched accessories that are a 45 on a 1 to 10 scale of wonderful. Known for fabric flower corsages and vibrant clutches, EmersonMade is the perfect one-stop-shop for bridesmaids gifts and wedding favors. Take a look at these ridiculously cute flower favors. Leave them in the middle of tables or in a cute pail for guests to grab. Easy and stunning… score!

And what about this “something blue” ring pillow? A-amazing.

And lastly, some potential bridesmaids gift ideas:

YAY EmersonMade!!

As many of you know, cupcakes have recently become one of the most popular wedding trends. Some say they’re cheaper. Some say they’re cuter. Some say they’re more modern. I say it’s all about personal preference.

Many times, cupcakes aren’t the cheaper way to go. Most run anywhere between $2 and $6 at bakeries and even more if you want different flavors, icing options and/or customized baby cakes in an order. Of course if you have someone in your family/bridal party/etc. willing and able to make these little guys for you, by all means take advantage of the option and generosity. It will most definitely save you some dinero.

Delicious Looking Cakes (4 Eyes Photography)

Another way to do cupcakes is a DIY cupcake bar where guests pick between two to three cupcake flavors, frostings and toppings and design their own masterpiece. This option brings some creativity and fun into dessert… and the options for designing the DIY area are endlessly adorable.

DIY Cupcakes (Jen Huang)

The last option I’ll share is the mini cupcake route. These are often cheaper and in my opinion, much easier to eat than regular-sized cupcakes. People don’t feel like they’re stuffing their faces. The only drawback is many bakeries don’t offer minis in bulk. But if you find one that does, I guarantee guests will love them (the minis and the bakery).

Mini Cakes (Jose Villa)

So you’ve been asked to be in a wedding. And if you’re as unexperienced as I am, you may be a little unsure about what’s expected of you. You’ve read some blogs, poked around a few Internet sites and maybe even browsed through a bridesmaid etiquette book.

I’m here to fill you in on my research. And as far as I’m concerned, bridesmaids are in charge of three things.

Putting on the bridal shower. Collectively, the bridesmaids are to come up with a theme (if one is desired), a budget and a guest list. You don’t have to invite the entire world. Most brides have more than one shower and depending on who puts it on, entirely different groups of people are invited to each. Your job as a bridesmaid is to put on one… not three. One definite must: both mothers are to be invited.

Planning the bachelorette party. This is the perfect opportunity for the bride to get a little crazy and let off some wedding steam. It’s your job as a bridesmaid to make sure she has a great time. This means helping her complete her dares and making sure everything is photographed. She’ll definitely want to see (and maybe delete) the evidence the next morning.

All sorts of support. Above anything else, your job as a bridesmaid is to be the best friend you can be to the bride. If that means wearing a dress you hate, suck it up and wear it. If you have to reduce her stress level by running some errands the morning of the wedding, by all means do it. You’ll want the same support on your wedding day, so make sure everything runs as smooth as possible on hers.

- Stephanie