As some of you may remember, John and I traveled home for an engagement party back in September. We were lucky enough to have five hostesses for our party — my three best friends from childhood, and two of their three moms. We were so grateful to them for throwing us a wonderful party, and I really wanted to do something for them as a thank you.

However, buying “good” gifts for five hostesses was looking a little challenging to my budget. I also was hoping to get them all something similar, despite the 20+ year difference in age between moms and daughters :) I’m pretty happy with the solution I came up with, and thought some of you might be able to use it for future hostess gifts, too!

Basically, I went wild on Shop Sweet Lulu. SSL is an amazing source for pretty party supplies, and I happily indulged my love for colorful goods by packing an assortment of chevron bags, tiny pastel candles, cupcake wrappers, nut cups, and fringy garlands into my shopping cart. It was so exciting to finally have a legitimate reason to do so! :)

Once my box arrived…

I split everything up evenly between the five hostesses and added in a few goodies I already had in my supplies (including striped paper straws, of course!). I loved that I could include a large sample of pretties for each person, which would have been cost-prohibitive if I had been shopping for just one gift. Being able to mix and match made it possible to design a custom mix for each gal!

I packed each gal’s goods into one of my favorite metallic + kraft bags, and added a matching handmade tag marked “for your next party.” :)

They seemed to be a hit!

Happy Wednesday! Recently, we’ve started to think seriously about save the dates. One thing we’ve been debating is the best time to send them out. I don’t want them to get lost in the Christmas letter shuffle, but November seems too early — that would be ten months out — and January seems too late — eight months out. Thoughts? When is too early (or late) to send save the dates, in your opinion?

One thing I have decided is where our save the dates will come from: Minted! As you all know, I love Minted. (I’ve previously posted about them here, here, and here!) I love that their products all come from independent designers, I love the quality and price combination, and I love that they are very open to customization.

Some of you might be surprised that I’m not making our save the dates myself (especially considering I designed a set for my sister), but I’ve decided to take the easy route this time and save my energy and creative ideas for the invite suite :) Plus, I honestly do love Minted, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to use some of their pieces!

Now, which design to send? There are a few we’re considering, and I’d love your input.

A. “Fireflies” save the date ($209 for 100)
This is such a sweet design, but I think it might not be formal enough for the celebration we’re planning.

B. “Charming Go Lightly” save the dates ($190 for 100)
Simple, classic, and beautiful. Plus, I love that this one is designed by Cheree Berry, one of my very favorite stationers!

C. “Midnight Vineyard” save the dates ($190 for 100)
Simple and striking. I think this design fits well with the style of our wedding.

D. “Fling” save the dates ($163 for 100)
Lighthearted and lovely. This one reads a little more “spring” than “late summer” to me, though.

E. “Winter Flourish” save the dates ($190 for 100)
Love the swooshy font! That blue is a gorgeous shade, too.

What do you think, ladies? Share your pick below, por favor!

We made the long trip to Ikea this weekend, and came back with a bookshelf! And why yes, I did color coordinate our books, inspired by my future sister in law :) Between our new sofa, my side chair project, and the shelf, this room is finally starting to come together — can’t wait to share!

Something I’ve always wanted to do, for as long as I’ve known I wanted to get married in a church, is ring the steeple bell at the end of the ceremony.

Photo by Samm Blake via Style Me Pretty

I think pealing church bells are one of the most beautiful, celebratory sounds in the world, and I always smile when I hear them in the middle of a Saturday afternoon, because it probably means a wedding is taking place nearby!

Photo by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty

Though I’d be happy to have the sound of bells at all, I think it would be extra fun to be able to ring it ourselves. Pulling the rope to ring the bell was one of my absolute favorite things to do as a child, both at church on Sunday mornings and on vacation in Maine for the Sunday evening service.

Photos by Bryan Johnson

Plus, it makes for some pretty cute photos :)

P.S. Though I know our chapel has a bell, I have not yet looked into the logistics of personally ringing it :) I am pretty sure that the bell is rung for weddings, however, so there’s a start!