Would you be...oh could you be...

...my bridesmaid?

There are a number of wonderful women in my life, both family and friends, who I wanted to be part of our wedding. However, with them spread up and down the East Coast, I didn't want to simply make a phone call or wait until our next visit. Being a bridesmaid isn't all sunshines and rainbows, so I wanted to illustrate how much I appreciated everything they would do as a member of our wedding party...and show them how special they were to me!

I started by practicing my calligraphy on the shiny envelopes.

It looks better when you can see the full name!

Inside each card, I wrote a special note to each of them, outlining why our friendship was so special.

I made the written color the opposite of the border color for each card

Each card ended mid-sentence, leading into the main question!

I have to keep working on my calligraphy

I was so incredibly in love with these cards - there were glued on jewels and textured fabric in the skirt. The designer made each of the dresses a little different for me.

Thank you, Etsy (shop)

If you're not a paper lover like me...the next photos show the "fun stuff". Vera Bradley was having a sale (and had free shipping), so I stocked up on some makeup bags and notecards.

Are you starting to see a trend in the colors?

I filled the makeup bag with a fun bookmark and some little notebooks (Moleskin, of course).

I love me some Moleskin

 Then I found a favorite photo with each of them and sent the picture in a unique frame.

Frames purchased from various Etsy sellers (PM me if interested in a specific one)

Finally, I wrote a note that pulled together why they received each of the gifts (yes, there was a method to my madness).

These personalized cards I had purchased some time ago from Etsy (source)

Finally, everything was stuffed placed into a wine tote. I have a larger version of this tote myself - it's great material and I love the simple design.

Philly streets wine tote from we heart Philly

When each of the 6 women received their bag o' goodies, they called and, much to my excitement, all accepted a role in our wedding as bridesmaids! Yes, it took a bit of time to put everything together, but for all that's required to be a bridesmaid (time, money, etc), I thought it was the least I could do. I was so happy to hear how much they loved the gifts, but, most importantly, to have them as part of the wedding.

Did you do anything special to ask your wedding party?