With Newport’s intrinsic romance and gorgeous vistas, America’s First Resort is home to many weddings. The relaxed ocean breezes, surrounding water views, stunning sunsets, unparalleled venues, and old-world charm lure couples to venture from far and wide.
Premiere wedding web site, The Knot, calls Newport one of the best wedding destinations in the country, “Newport offers the perfect mix of New England charm and old-fashioned glamour… huge mansions on Newport’s cliffs make gorgeous venues, built to rival the castles of Europe.”
Since February kicks off wedding planning season (the Newport Bridal Show festivities and fashion show are on February 20 at Rosecliff and Oceancliff), I have devoted today’s entry to gorgeous bridesmaids gifts. Even though I’m not planning a wedding, I can’t help but be swept up in the creativity and fun of it all.
Please enjoy and note that many of the items are locally sourced, and though they were selected as bridal gifts, you may find them completely irresistible — even if you have nothing to do with planning a wedding!
PRE-WEDDING BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS
What a festive idea! A lucky bridal party recently received champagne themed goodies as a thank-you for accepting the invitation to be a part of the wedding. The special treats were the inspiration of Newport-based wedding planner, Christine Bevilacqua of Metta Events. Quite a lovely precursor of things to come at this October Newport wedding. (Custom order approximately $35 each.)
BRIDESMAIDS-ON-THE-GO
Mark and Graham’s leather tassel key ring fobs come in a wonderful assortment of colors. The foil-debossed monogramming is included and makes for a great way to personalize these très chic gifts. ($49.)
Perfection for a destination wedding, this monogrammed weekender canvas duffle travel bag with leather accents can be found on Esty.com. ($59.)
JEWELRY, JEWELRY, JEWELRY!
Spied on Newport Stylephile’s blogger-in-chief at polo this summer, a Julie Vos designed charm bracelet is substantial, yet feminine (Vos’s collections include bangles, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all with an elegant yet do-able flair for everyday wear; prices from $30 to $395.)
I love flowers and I love pearls! This beauty has it all. To be found at Newport’s Pink Pineapple, in-person on Thames Street or online. The shop is often asked to put together bridesmaid gifts in special colors or materials that suit the wedding theme. ($38.)
Fringe earrings from Newport-based Haarstick have made quite a splash in Newport recently; a modern take on The Great Gatsby era, perhaps. These single tassel earrings come in cream (and also black) with a gold cap. (Single tier $35, Triple tier $90.)
BOOK ‘EM
While visiting Dallas a couple of weeks ago for a party, I had to swing by Madison, one of my all-time favorite shops, where I spied these beautiful custom crocodile leather 3″x 6” note pads. What makes these fab for bridesmaids’ gifts is that the leather can be stamped with gold, silver, or a blind stamp to personalize the gift. Don’t you love the colors! ($56 with an additional $15 for monogramming.)
For a thoughtful thank you and a Newport memento, my book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style provides lush images of private Newport sites as well as showcasing both the heirs of the old guard and the “new” Newport social set; tastemakers all. How does private Newport entertain, decorate, party, garden, dress? In elegant settings worthy of Masterpiece Theater, social pastimes, rituals and well-earned traditions play out in this fabled town.
One chapter even features a breathtakingly gorgeous wedding. Amusing tales and lively personal anecdotes capture the fresh twist to this distinctive lifestyle. $65
If you wish to have my book autographed and personalized for each bridesmaid, please order directly through PrivateNewport.com
AT HOME
What could be a more gracious reminder of your wedding than a generously-sized (50″x70″) thick faux cashmere throw, in our favorite shade of soft hydrangea blue, monogrammed with each bridesmaid’s initials. Call A Bientot at (713) 658-6814. $98 plus $24 for the monogram.
CUSTOM CERAMICS
Rhode Island based studio, Wanderlust Ceramics’ inspiration comes from English Delftware of the 1700’s and garden favorites, with a specialty in custom work. Here, each bridesmaid’s initials take centerpiece on an oval plate; at a recent summer wedding where hydrangeas were the theme, Wanderlust created plates with this Newport favorite flower for the 100 guests. Note: All pieces are made to order, so allow 2-4 weeks. (Prices range from $14 to $100 for large platters.)
EMOTIVE VOTIVE
An option to show your bridesmaids how they light up your life, these votives from the aforementioned Madison are just the ticket. They come in the amber (pictured), amethyst and clear; I have the amber color and love it! ( Two sizes: small 3″ is $55, large 6″ is $100.)
IT’S A WRAP!
These hand-crafted-in-Rhode Island-letterpress-printed “enjoy!” gift tags from Empire Delicious are that perfect mix of elegant, substantial, and well-crafted. Plus they come in red, gold or silver color options with a lovely pre-cut ribbon, ready to wrap. And please note, for an upcharge, these crafty tags can be personalized… House Beautiful and Southern Living love them too! (30 for $37.50.)
Feature image of lovely Newport brides and bridesmaids courtesy of Maaike Bernstrom Photography.
Best wishes and happy gifting!
