Wedding expert Abby Larson, editor and founder of Style Me Pretty, knows the ins and outs of what makes a fabulous big day. And she's sharing her expertise with us with tips and tricks for tying the knot. She helped us out with advice on recycling your wedding and gave us ideas for wedding favors that give back. Now Abby shares projects to get your bridesmaids in on the DIY fun minus the stress. "Tedious tasks give being a bridesmaid a bad rap, so I thought of a few ways to make those to-dos a bit more fabulous," says Abby. "Think bubbly, PJs, and lots of inside jokes — with a few DIYs that will dazzle on the side." Check out her bonding project ideas now!
Show Her How You Really Feel: 15 Gifts For Bridesmaids
Whether you've been a blissful bride-to-be or raged through a few bridezilla moments, there's a good chance you've had a group of bridesmaids standing by to help, advise, or pick up the pieces. Show your appreciation with a token that both belies how grateful you are and can serve as a souvenir for the entire experience.
Thoughtful Gifts For Every Type of Bridesmaid
If you're trying to find the perfect presents for your bridesmaids, don't be afraid to think outside the jewelry box. Sure, a simple necklace or bracelet can be a great way to show your thanks, but there are plenty of other options, too. Why not pick different gifts for each girl based on her favorite interests? Whether she's a die-hard design nut or a total foodie, we've come up with some thoughtful, creative ideas to suit all sorts of personalities. Click through to see 24 picks that are sure to please your closest pals.
Bridal Friday Link Time: Flower Power Bachelorette Party Ideas
- Feel Spring-y with this Mad Men-esque inspiration shoot — 100 Layer Cake
- A wedding shoot inspired by Downton Abbey — Style Me Pretty
- 5 marriage equality-themed cocktails — Equally Wed
- Check out a chic, modern wedding with pink ombre details — Green Wedding Shoes
- Watch this woman propose to her girlfriend at a hockey game! — Glamour
- A creative way to make an entrance at an outdoor wedding — The Bride's Guide
- How to throw a barn wedding — The Wedding Chicks
- See the world's first all-diamond ring! — Huffington Post
- A comic book-inspired wedding — GeekSugar

- Feel Spring-y with this Mad Men-esque inspiration shoot — 100 Layer Cake
- A wedding shoot inspired by Downton Abbey — Style Me Pretty
- 5 marriage equality-themed cocktails — Equally Wed
- Check out a chic, modern wedding with pink ombre details — Green Wedding Shoes
- Watch this woman propose to her girlfriend at a hockey game! — Glamour
- A creative way to make an entrance at an outdoor wedding — The Bride's Guide
- How to throw a barn wedding — The Wedding Chicks
- See the world's first all-diamond ring! — Huffington Post
- A comic book-inspired wedding — GeekSugar
A Bride's Guide to Bridesmaids
Have you noticed? It's wedding season here at Sugar. If you're tying the knot soon, you might ask close friends or family to be in your wedding. And while you probably know how to be a good friend, sister, cousin, or whatever, when it comes to wedding planning, your relationships, and the potential drama, can quickly shoot to the next level. I've identified some common areas of concern with bridesmaids and offered some commonsense ways to approach them. Check it out and add your advice at the end!
Photo by Jenna Walker Photography via Style Me Pretty
7 Reasons to Let Your Bridesmaids Choose Their Dresses

Bridesmaids and twins under the age of 10 must be some of the only people expected to dress alike on special occasions. Maybe it's time to kick the matching-satin habit and let your attendants choose their own attire for your big day. Here are seven reasons to at least consider it for your wedding.
- They're paying. Typically bridesmaids shill out for the dresses, so letting them find something in their budget will reduce a lot of the stress and chance for uncomfortable situations.
- They can pick a flattering dress. Unless you've found the sisterhood of the traveling bridesmaid dress, no one gown looks amazing on every woman. Let each bridesmaid choose something she knows she can shine in.
- One less thing on your plate. It's hard enough to find "the one" perfect wedding dress, so leave the bridesmaid shopping to your friends, and focus on your dress and other planning details.
- They can wear it again. Forgetting any past bridesmaid experience, it seems like most brides genuinely believe they've chosen a dress their attendants can wear again. But that's hardly ever the case. There's a greater chance your bridesmaids will pick a repeat winner though, if you let them choose something they really love.
- Adds an original twist to your weeding. A variety of dresses is visually stimulating and will give your big day, and the pictures to follow, a refreshing feel.
- No resentment. Your good friends won't be holding even an unconscious grudge at your wedding, knowing you trusted them enough to pick out a special dress.
- Good karma. Who knows? Maybe they'll let you do the same when they ask you to be in their weddings!
Photo by Julie Afflerbaugh Photography via Style Me Pretty



