You Can Never Have Too Many Aprons

Still haven't found the best idea for your bridesmaids, mothers, or shower gifts? I have a thought for you! A few weeks ago, I went to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, TX to see the Apron Chronicles exhibit. I was really excited, because I've started quite the collection of my own. The exhibit is very unique and interesting, a great way to spend time with my mother and aunt. Hung across the ceilings are countless vintage aprons. Along the walls are stories from men and women, young and old, sharing American tales of aprons and the people who wore them. We even got to try on a few beautiful aprons ourselves...

Anyway, maybe it was the fact that I received a sewing machine the night before, maybe there were too many adorable combinations, but an idea popped into my head! Make each of your bridesmaids their very own, personalized aprons. Use their favorite colors, concepts, or trimmings.

For your eco-friendly mate, use recycled fabrics. If you have a girly girl for a friend, cover hers with lace and frills. They are bound to be something that the women in your life will love for years to come.f.

If you live in Fort Worth, this weekend the museum is having a soiree to celebrate the end of the exhibit. Bring the women in your life, grandmothers, cousins, and best friends, and go check out some incredible American history.

Brilliant Bridesmaid Dresses

Let's face it, finding flattering and attractive bridesmaid dresses is a nightmare. It's difficult to ask your friends to spend their hard earned money on shapeless, satin bags. After a lot of looking, I've come across some beautiful dresses.

I am dying for one of Amanda Archer's dresses. They are unbelievably cute, and custom made. I love this dress in cotton for a more casual spring wedding, but the same design is also offered in silk.

And here is another one of her designs in a real wedding

Watters, Wtoo Bridesmaid collections are always fabulous. They are beautifully constructed, and come in great fabrics. If you're looking for sleek and simple, I think style 854 is an understated and classic look.

After working with Bari Jay multiple times, and even meeting their designer, I can't say enough good things about this line. They seem to do their best work with chiffon, and I've yet to see someone look unattractive in style 103

If you want superb style, but low prices, look into Pretty Maids by House of Wu. They have so many color options, you can make most dresses short, tea-length, or long for a small fee, and you can change the fabric. What's not to love? Catch site of this darling dress, style 22384.

Frills and ruffles and pockets, oh my! Jordan has made a fun and flirty halter that would look great on any size!

Jim Hjelm is always a great option, especially if price isn't an issue. JH5056 is a knock-out look, and would be splendid for a retro wedding.

What to do for those lovely 'maids?

I have had a hard time deciding exactly where to start, I just have too many ideas swirling in my head. I figured one thing was easy to tackle-- bridesmaid gifts.

How many strands of plastic pearls do you own, from a well meaning bride that wanted all of her bridesmaids to have matching jewelry? Do you have a flask engraved with the wedding date of your best friend? How about a cheesy picture frame with an etched quote about friendship?

Let's face it, nearly all of the presents from your bride-to-be are a waste of money. You may keep them for a year (or more if you are a bit of a hoarder like myself) and eventually they end up in the trash. If you want to spend your hard earned cash on a gift for them, make it something they will actually appreciate!

For example, you can find inexpensive REAL pearls on the internet. Now, they may be freshwater or baroque pearls as opposed to those Tahitian and Akoya stunners, but at least they're the real thing. I recommend ebay vendor Pearllunar to get natural pearls at a fantastic price. They do custom orders, so you can get your girls whatever color, size, and length you want! You can still have a cohesive and classic look without feeling like you cheated your girls.

These days being green is something we all need to be thinking about. I bet your friends would really enjoy personalized, reusable totes for grocery trips and excursions to the mall. Sure, you can easily buy monogrammed bags online, but it would be even more special if you made them yourself. I adore this idea from Ashleyannphotography.

For instructions, go to her blog here. I love that a doily and paint can make something so adorable. Paint it in her favorite color, or maybe that lovely shade of lilac she'll be wearing on your special day.

Another idea to knock their socks off-- gemstone pendants. I know, they sound pricey, but, they don't have to be! My favorite vendor is a jeweler on etsy, Daniel M Jewelry. Daniel and his wife Caren are a dream to work with. They do all kinds of custom projects from rings, to cufflinks. His Rainbow Bezel Pendants are truly gorgeous and you have so many color options. You could either do them all the same shape and color, or switch things up. Pick colors each individual would like and then choose what cut they might wear most. It would show your best friends that while you may have been crazy in the months leading up to the wedding, you are still thinking about them. These necklaces are something any girl would absolutely cherish for years to come.

If all of those options are a little too girly-girl for your tom-boy sister, look for a nice, hardback version of her favorite book. Write her a meaningful note on the inside cover, so she can always think of you when she re-reads "The Great Gatsby" for the 10th time. Buy her a fancy bottle of wine or get her a years subscription to her favorite magazine. The possibilities are endless!

Just think a little outside of the box and get your bridesmaids a gift they will treasure. It doesn't have to be difficult or contrived! And please, don't forget to include a heartfelt card detailing how much her involvement in this special day means to you.