Summer is almost here, and we’re sea-riously excited. To shell-ebrate, we’re sharing 10 beachy keen bridesmaid gifts. Fun, unique and perfect for summer, these gifts are sure to delight your besties!

Can you say gorgeous? Your girls will swoon over these amazing Bahia floral mules from Soludos, and will love them even more when they swap them for their 4-inch heels at your reception.

‘Tis the sea-sun for bold beach towels! Your bride squad will be positively beaming when they receive these Sunkissed beach towels from Anthropologie. 

Having a Palm Springs wedding? Maybe your venue is the retro-hip Riviera? These Maggie pajamas from Piyama are perfect for your desert wedding!

Made with raspberry, pomegranate, honey and french rose clay, this natural face mask from SkinFoodByAB can help to reverse sun damage, as well as heal and nourish dry skin, making it a summer must-have. Bath and body bridesmaid gifts FTW!

The second you see the signature copper mug, you know that summer has finally begun! This Moscow Mule cocktail set from charlieandcogifts is a ~refreshingly~ unique bridesmaid gift option.

Three silky floral robes for under $50? Keep on budget without sparing an ounce of luxury with this set of robes from ASweetWedding.

For a gift that packs a (fruit) punch, opt for these face masks from TONYMOLY. At just $3 each, you might as well try all 13 of them! 

This lemon-shaped cooler bag from Bando is very… Appeeling. Sorry (not sorry)- couldn’t resist the fruit pun.

Give your girls the gift of aromatherapy with these 100% natural bourbon rose-scented Secret Garden soy candles from My Weekend is Booked.

These succulent planters from JasmineSupply are unbeleafably cute!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Lauren and Caleb had only six months to plan their wedding. From the get-go the couple knew that they wanted to keep things small.

“We wanted only our closest family and friends to be there to share in our special day so we could enjoy every single person without feeling the burden of ‘making our rounds’,” explains Lauren.

The couple chose Dobson Orchards in Fredericktown, MO as their venue.

“The venue was incredibly all-inclusive. The food, the decorations, and both venues onsite, including a bridal cottage + groom’s room were included,” says Lauren.

Kudos to Mikaela Wendel Photography for capturing this intimate rustic wedding so beautifully!

Lauren, 23 & Caleb, 22

Location: Fredericktown, MO

Wedding Date: October 29, 2017

Number of Guests: 35

Wedding Cost: <$7500.00

Wedding Ceremony Location: Dodson Orchards llc

Wedding Reception Location: Dodson Orchards llc

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

When we sat down to plan our wedding, (in our short 6 month engagement) we had only one rule: no obligatory invites. We wanted only our closest family and friends to be there to share in our special day so we could enjoy every single person without feeling the burden of “making our rounds.” This way, we all sat together at a massive U-shaped table and could spend it with everyone all at once. It was lovely, cozy, and much more memorable.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The time crunch; we were engaged late April and decided we didn’t want to wait a full year for the next fall, so we began researching venues that still had availability in October. This is the reason our wedding was on a Sunday- that was the last date Dodson had available! It didn’t matter to us, as we intended on a “dry” wedding and everyone would have to work the next day anyhow! We knew this would also limit the amount of people who could come, which in truth, excited us because we really wanted the smallest, more intimate gathering we could put together.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

It was actually very easy for us. We have very close family members, and a small group of friends we consider our family. It felt right to us to spend that special time with our most special people, I (Lauren) was very determined to keep it small and focus on those people, over that guilty feeling some people have to invite those “long lost” relatives that would otherwise be upset without an invite. But, it wasn’t their day. It was ours and this decision meant a lot to me.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Some folks were mentioned that they should be invited as they were our extended family. However, Lauren didn’t feel it was appropriate to be meeting new people at our wedding. There were a few of Caleb’s family members that live out of state that Lauren hadn’t met yet and she didn’t want the focus to be taken away from our new commitment to play the 20 questions that often come with meeting strangers. That may sound harsh, but we did amend we would be willing to road trip after the wedding to meet up with those not so close to us!

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

We aren’t sure if it should be called a “highlight” but our best friend (whom married us), had forgotten the ceremony notes we had prepared beforehand. We had to fly by the seat of our pants! In the moment, it wasn’t so fun, but looking back it made it more memorable that we had to speak from the heart rather than a sheet of paper we created.

What were the highlights of the reception?

The FOOD! But also, we had secretly had our pianist + singer friends rehearse the songs we planned to dance with our parents to. We surprised my dad by having our friend sing “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. Then, we surprised Caleb’s mom but having that same friend sing, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” from Toy Story! Everyone giggled but those became some of our favorite moments to look back on for sure!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Getting to spend our entire wedding with EVERYONE. No one was left out. We weren’t monopolized by a certain group, and we got to hang out with all of our favorite people at once. We were still allotted much one on one time as well, which was equally as important to us as having such a small, close-knit group around us in the first place.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Gut-check yourself. Your ceremony is yours. These are not moments you can get back and the people that are there should be important! Don’t feel obligated to invite those who aren’t a part of your everyday lives. Ask yourselves: “Am I inviting them for me, or for them? Will they be just as happy to be there as I am to have them there?” If your immediate answer isn’t “Yes, definitely!”, then put them on the “maybe” list to return to after you’ve created your ‘definitely invited’ list. Yes, we made one, and it helped us. Be willing to stand your ground. It’s YOUR day and it should be YOUR way. It only comes once!

Vendors:

Venue: Dodson Orchards llc

Photographer: Mikaela Wendel Photography

Silk Flowers: Etsy’s Shayna’sHobbyFlowers.

Bridesmaids are the unsung heroes of any wedding, and should no doubt be rewarded for their efforts. Last-minute DIY decor, hair and makeup checks, emotional support… What don’t they do? From elegant jewelry pieces to oh-so lovely self-care kits, these bridesmaid gifts are equal parts chic, on-trend and luxurious.

What do you get for the girl who gets everything? These earrings. Dainty and sophisticated with a subtle bohemian flair, these delicate hoops from Delicora* will complement any outfit. As if these beauties couldn’t get any better, 20% of of the proceeds are donated to charity. Yay for gifts that give back!

*Intimate Weddings Vendor Guide member.

With its stunning visual appeal and subtle Harry Potter-inspired theme, this Books and Coffee OTP gift box from My Weekend is Booked is a brew-tiful option. 

Whether your bridesmaids are Leos, Virgos, Scorpios, or have no clue what their astrology signs are TBH, they’ll love these vintage style medallion astrology pendants from willowedinburgh.

You and your bride squad will love lounging around in these sophisticated boyfriend-style bridesmaid shirts from SweetThoughtBoutique.

Give your girls the gift of aromatherapy with these 100% natural bourbon rose-scented Secret Garden soy candles from My Weekend is Booked.

These lovely, simple robes from LeRoseGifts can be worn after the wedding, while reading, lounging or getting ready in the morning.

All natural, rich, moisturizing whipped body butter infused with essential oil. ‘Nuff said. 

A bridesmaid gift that’s practical and oh-so pretty? Count us in! While you’re at in, add an extra one of these vanity trays from keephousestudio to your cart for yourself. You can thank us later.

You don’t have to be Danish to appreciate all things hygge. This handmade ceramic teapot from RebeccaWCeramics is the ultimate gift for the girl who’s livin’ that cozy Danish lifestyle.

These floral sleep masks from ohhhlulu will help your bridesmaids get some much-needed post-wedding shut-eye.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Nothing says romance like lace- aside from engagement rings, red roses, boxes of chocolates… anyway, you get the idea. Whether you’re bridal style is vintage, modern or bohemian, there’s sure to be a lace wedding dress that’s perfect for your bridal look.

We’ve searched through Etsy’s best wedding dress designers’ collections and found 10 of the most gorgeous lace wedding dresses that you will ever see. Who knows… you may just find the dress on this list.

This light, airy tulle and lace wedding dress from AmeliaWeddingDesigns would be perfect for a beach wedding.

Channel your inner Anne Shirley in this beautiful vintage-inspired number from DaciGowns.

For a truly ethereal look, pair this stunning lace wedding dress from DaciGowns with delicate a loose, wavy hairstyle adorned with flowers.

Sexy, dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful, this lace wedding dress from WeAreReclamation will make jaws drop!

The appropriately named Sunset Dreams dress from WeAreReclamation will give you that effortless bohemian glow when paired with a beautiful bridal headpiece and, of course, the hot desert sun!

Photo by Whitney Coogan Photography 

Handmade with reclaimed vintage lace, this one-of-a-kind dress from WeAreReclamation is a boho bride’s dream come true!

Hesitant about ordering a wedding dress online? This backless beauty from DreamersandLovers is made to order, ensuring a perfect fit.

Planning an adventurous nature elopement? You need this lace wedding dress from WeAreReclamation.

Photo by Missie Lafrenz Photography

Retro flower power style gets a modern revamp with this two-piece wedding dress from DameandMaiden.

Featuring a satin bodice, structured corset and golden lace, this luxury princess wedding gown from KurajeWeddingDresses is a show-stopper!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of Liza and Ryan, who chose the rugged BC coastline as the backdrop of their intimate wedding. The couple said their heartfelt ‘I do’s surrounded by 16 of their nearest and dearest. Here’s what Heather Stone from Tulle & Tweed Photography had to say about the wedding:

Liza and Ryan met on good old Tinder while Liza was attending Veterinary school in Saskatchewan. They went for a drink and hit it off immediately. After living in a few cities, they have since settled in Sooke, BC and they couldn’t be happier. Liza has even turned Ryan into a sea-life loving west-coast aficionado. Ryan popped the question in East Sooke Park while they were enjoying a wine and cheese adventure with their cocker spaniel (who happily took part in their wedding day as well!).

It was just natural that their wedding day take place on the beautiful Pacific Ocean close to home. Their intimate wedding took place with 16 of their family members at Craidelonna Oceanedge Resort in Shirley, BC just past Sooke, BC. The resort, which overlooks the ocean below, also boasts Olympic Mountain views on a clear day. They had the run of the venue, which made for such a relaxed and family oriented atmosphere. Their ceremony was emotionally driven, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the group by the time Ryan read his heartfelt vows to Liza, who had to wipe her tears mid ceremony. His excitement for having her as his wife showed, and they topped their civil ceremony off with a popping of the champagne cork and mingled with friends and family before the rain began. We braved torrential rain for their portraits, looked for some whales, and went on a beach adventure together. They were ecstatic that the day provided them with unique photos and showed their relaxed and adventurous personalities. Through rain and shine, nothing mattered as they were in it together.

Liza, 30 & Ryan, 38

Location: Shirley, BC (near Sooke, BC)

Wedding Date: Sept 15, 2018

Number of Guests: 16

Wedding Cost: $8,000 (CAD)

Wedding Ceremony Location: Craidelonna Oceanfront Resort

Wedding Reception Location: Craidelonna Oceanfront Resort

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Our initial idea was to have an elopement, something really low-key for just the two of us. Neither of us are big ‘planners’ nor are we traditionalists. Having a large wedding just didn’t feel like the right fit for us, not to mention that it would also cost a lot. This, however, was pretty displeasing to both of our mothers! They practically begged us to at least have some sort of small gathering to celebrate our nuptials. After some discussion we decided to have an intimate gathering for just our immediate families. Looking back now, we are so glad our mothers intervened because our wedding was absolutely perfect!

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Finding the right venue proved difficult. We wanted our wedding to be on the West Coast and surrounded by nature– a reflection of our lifestyle. Accommodations were also a point of consideration because our families would have to travel from all over to get here, some of them from out of province. We found that most traditional wedding venues were either too large or totally cost prohibitive for us. And then we found Craidelonna! Once we toured the property we knew it was perfect for what we wanted. We rented the location for the entire weekend so we could all be together and no one had to worry about logistics. The end result was not just an intimate wedding but a really unique West Coast experience for us to share with our families.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Since only immediate family was invited it wasn’t too much of a problem. It would have been so much more difficult if we had decided to invited extended family and friends. We didn’t have to play the game of “if we invite _________ then we have to invite __________” that we often hear about from others who have planned weddings. This simplified everything.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

For the most part everyone was pretty respectful and supportive of our choice to go this route. There weren’t any major were issues, but we are lucky enough to have a lot of people who care about us and they wanted a chance to celebrate our wedding somehow too. We ended up having a couple of small informal parties for them in different locations– one as an engagement party and another as a honeymoon send off. It was the perfect compromise. Everyone walked away happy (and tipsy)!

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Our vows were really special. It was an amazing experience to exchange our own written vows surrounded by family in such a beautiful location. It was stunning! We had grey whales spouting off in the distance all day leading up to the ceremony. You can’t get any more West Coast than that.

What were the highlights of the reception?

We wanted everything to be natural and happen organically. Our family members ended up sharing off-the-cuff speeches and memories which was so fun to hear. We also had an amazing meal from a local caterer, lots of wine, and an impromptu dance party! Everyone had a wonderful time.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We could really spend quality time with everyone and live in the moment. Having an intimate wedding meant we didn’t have to worry all those ‘large wedding’ details: guest lists, table placements, centrepieces, flower arrangements, ushers, MC’s, speeches, venue requirements, audio/visual equipment, DJ’s, and on and on. This allowed us to focus on ‘us’ and really take it all in without any distractions.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

DO IT! We do not regret a thing about it. It was a truly unique and special experience for everyone.

Vendors:

Culinary: Toque Catering

Floral Designer: A Sea of Bloom Floral Designs

Location: Craidelonna Lodge

Photographer: Tulle & Tweed Photography