First off in my bride-to-be basket, I included a few magazines. Barnes and Nobles had the best selection, but you have to go into one of their stores - looking at the magazines online doesn't cut it. They have a plethora of bridal magazines including local, national and international ones. I made my decisions based on my bride-to-be and what I thought she might need at this stage of the game: overall wedding ideas and themes.
Next, I wanted to get her something coffee related (motivation) and some wine (relaxation). I opted for these neat coffee pods that you pour brewed coffee and then freeze to make your own iced drink. For the wine, I chose a four pack of red wine - they're the perfect size when you just need to relax a little bit, but don't need the whole bottle. :)
One thing brides-to-be overlook (myself included!) is a ring holder for your new shiny hardware. My father-in-law works for a national jeweler and told me that I needed to make sure to take my ring off at night so the ring wouldn't be damaged by snagging on the sheets. Once I learned that, I have been diligent in taking my ring off at night, but I didn't think to get a neat ring holder for it. I think it's a must-have for any bride-to-be.
Lastly, I wanted to make something personal for my friend, that was also wedding informative. I created a wedding planning timeline bookmark with things that should happen during the planning process leading up to the wedding day. Here are the things I included:
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9+ Months Prior
Select date for your happy day!
Create a wedding board on Pinterest - if you haven't already.
Set budget - the average cost for a wedding in 2012 is $26,951.
Begin your guest list.
Select your wedding party.
Decide type of ceremony and venue.
Find reception venue - the # of guests may determine the venue.
Hire planner or day-of coordinator, if you want one.
6-9 Months Prior
Find caterer for reception - yay for taste testing!
Find florist, photographer and DJ or band.
Take engagement pics.
Choose wedding colors/theme.
Choose bridesmaid's attire.
Register for gifts - {insert fiance's name here}'s favorite part since he'll get to use the scan gun.
Order THE dress.
Create a {insert bride's name} and {insert fiance's name} wedding website.
4-6 Months Prior
Finalize guest list.
Send save the dates.
Decide on wedding invites.
Decide on location, date and time for rehearsal dinner.
Arrange hotel room blocks, if necessary.
Meet with your officiant.
Begin planning your honeymoon.
2-4 Months Prior
Mail invites - the number of invites you send out is about the # of people to RSVP.
Shop for wedding rings.
Test and order wedding and Groom's cakes - more taste testing!
Decide on day-of makeup and hairstyle.
Decide on and order wedding favors.
Get your marriage license - {insert info on the marriage license rules in the state your friend is getting hitched}
6-8 Weeks Prior
Mail rehearsal dinner invites.
Reserve groomsmen's tuxedos or suits.
Finalize the reception menu and flowers.
2-6 Weeks Prior
Create seating plan and wedding weekend timeline.
Have your final dress fitting.
Write vows.
Confirm details with all vendors - your planner/bridesmaids can do this.
0-2 Weeks Prior
Print seating cards, table cards and programs.
Give Best Man checks and tips to give to vendors.
Confirm arrival times of vendors - your planner/bridesmaid can do this.
Delegate tasks to wedding party - that's what friends and family are for!
Set aside time for yourselves - go on date with {insert fiance's name}, your last as a "single woman."
Created Especially for the Future Mrs. {insert bride's first name} {insert fiance's last name}
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There are a lot of things that can be added to the basket, or the personalize wedding timeline, that can make your basket even more special for your bride-to-be!
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