Bridal Buzz

Perfect for your ‘maids to wear during or after the ceremony, these pretty sandals are not only affordable but will definitely be worn again (and again and again). Get all the details in Raya’s post on ShopTalk here.

Some of the hardest gift to find are those for shower hostesses and bridesmaids. And don’t even get me started on favors. So when Raya wrote about the candles from Ignite Candle Company on ShopTalk, a light bulb went off. These locally made soy candles would be perfect for any of the above. And the price is right too. They even have a special wedding collection which includes scents called Beautiful, which smells like the popular perfume, Gardenia, White Cake, Heaven Scent,  and Love Spell. Get all the details in Raya’s post here.

It seems one of the most difficult tasks for a bride is finding just the right gift for her ‘maids. You want to thank them for not only supporting you through the wedding process but for buying a dress they will probably never wear again. Why not make up for it by getting them something they’ll wear all the time – an outstanding, totally comfortable, environmentally friendly, perfect-fitting pair of jeans? And where to find said jeans? I’ll let you read Raya’s blog about our fantastic experience last night at the new store, REUSE Jeans. Every word she says is true and what’s funny is that all of us who were there and got a pair are wearing them today. We just couldn’t wait and, I must say, they are living up to our expectations. The boutique offers gift cards and were I a bridesmaid, I’d love one. They’ll be reminded of your big day as well as your treasured friendship every time they put them on (which will be often).

We’ve all heard the Alanis Morrisette song “Ironic” and the superstition that it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day, so why not treat your bridesmaids to a lucky gift. Zoubaby rain boots are a great way to say thank you to your besties. We’re not saying they should walk down the aisle in them, but the knitted nylon lining makes them ideal for April showers or the occasional Dallas snow. Plus, they’re black patent so they’ll look chic with just about anything and can be monogrammed in one of four font styles and eight thread colors. The best part? They’re under $100 ($98 to be exact). – Meg Jones

While most pre-wedding boot camps will have you busting your bridal bum, Riviera Spa’s version of boot camp is a bit more, shall we say, enticing. For six months, brides will stick to a strict wellness and beauty regimen to help make them relaxed, radiant and picture perfect! The bridal package includes:

• 9 facials
• 6 body exfoliations and body wraps
• 1 wax package
• 1 massage,
• 1 airbrush tan
• 1 spa manicure/spa pedicure
• 2 makeup applications (1 rehearsal application)
• 1 dry hair sculpting
• 2 wedding day styles (1 rehearsal style)

I recently got to experience the spa firsthand (and meet the new owners) for their organic fall facial and aromatherapy massage, and I can say without a doubt that they have some of the most comfortable robes of all time. Their couples room is tucked away in the back with a grand fireplace acting as the cozy centerpiece. Although they only have about three slots for pedicures, this would be a great place to treat your closest friends for some pre-wedding pampering. Oh, and if you purchase a bridal package you can choose from add-on services like dance lessons or makeup lessons (they’re the only spa in town to sell Jane Iredale cosmetics!). Don’t forget to ask about their groom’s package too! When booking a package, make sure to mention BridalBuzz for a 15 percent discount! —Kristy Alpert

If you’re looking to get primped, primed and polished before your wedding then you are in for a treat with The Woodhouse Day Spa’s new bridal packages. The Radiant Bride features a Woodhouse Escape treatment sampler (sea salt body polish, massage, reflexology, etc.), a hydrating and rejuvenating facial a month before your nuptials, use of one of the spa’s rooms for a bridal shower or bachelorette celebration, an aroma bath and brightening facial a week before the big day, as well as a manicure, pedicure, and mineral makeup application the day before your wedding. If you’d like to swap out the cosmetic application for a hot stone massage, then the Bridal Bliss package is for you.

If you want your man looking good for the big day, and to help him relax from all the wedding planning he has (or hasn’t) helped with, treat him to the Groom the Groom package, which includes two hot towel facials, a deep tissue massage, and a manicure. Or, the bride and groom can indulge together in the Spa Together, Stay Together package, featuring a duet massage, facials for him and her, and tandem manicures. (Chocolate covered strawberries and wine will be served!) Why not consider Woodhouse for a bridesmaid outing—treat your BFF’s to a mani or pedi with their Polished to Perfection package. Or, get each of your girls a gift card as their bridesmaid gift. -Meg Jones

Catherine Thoms is new in town and lucky for us she brought with her a great sense of design as well as a desire to accessorize her new city-mates. You can see Thoms many styles here on her Facebook page but I fell in love with these charming bird necklaces. They can be customized to match your wedding colors, or the bridesmaid dresses, or really, whatever you want. Prices for all of Thoms’ styles are totally do-able; whether pre-made or custom-made they range from $30 to $120 with discounts for bulk orders. Your ‘maids will definitely wear these long after the big day. For questions or orders email catherinethomsvintage@gmail.com.

It’s a difficult balance to achieve: a bride doesn’t want the bridesmaids to outshine her, but she does want them to look good enough to make beautiful wedding photos. Rest assured there’s no way even the most gorgeous bridesmaid dresses could outshine the girl in white. Now that we’ve got that dilemma solved, why not give them a bridesmaid gift they will not only help them look fantastic for your wedding but that they can use forever? Show your girls a little love by giving them each a copy of Victoria Snee’s The Beauty Buzz: No More Beauty B.S.! In the book by the former Dallas radio personality, your attendees will find tips on how to flawlessly apply their makeup, pluck their brows, and cover dark circles—all tips they can use to look good (but not too good) for your big day. But don’t stop there. Make each of them a gift basket that contains not only the book but several of the products Snee recommends. Your besties will go crazy trying all the fabulous products and you won’t have to worry about any of them showing up looking less than stellar on your big day.

I have admired local designer Rory Ashton’s earrings and rings for a long time. Every time I see them on other people I fall in love all over again. The reason I haven’t purchased any is because I’m on a major budget (darn recession!) but yesterday the clouds opened up and the angels sang when I saw that she was offering $60 worth of jewelry for $38 on Funkey Deals. I bought three of them so I could get a couple of gifts in addition to something for myself. Then I thought about what great hostess and bridesmaid gifts they would make. Duh. Don’t wait though because the discount ends today. And even if you’re reading this after the deal is over, check out her pieces anyway. The regular prices are very reasonable (around $60 for earrings and $40 for rings) and you can choose between gold- or silver-plated hoops. Ready? Set. Go!

Need a thank you gift for your shower hostess? Looking for a cute way to ask your besties to be bridesmaids?  Why not send them these gorgeous blooms? Every woman loves getting flowers – no matter who they are from. I’ve seen these in person and they’re big, fragrant and full of life. Raya’s got all the details here.

NOTE: Delivery is not available for this deal. But, who cares? Delivering them yourself makes it even more personal and meaningful.