Holy smokes, you guys: you’ve been blowing up our Ask Emmaline inbox! Your wedding questions are awesome, our readers are the best on the planet, and we can’t wait to answer them all. Bride-to-be, Nicky, asks us, “I just bought cosmetic pouches for my bridesmaids, but I have no idea what to put in them. Do you give them as-is or are you supposed to put other gifts inside? Help!” Fantastic question, and an easy one at that! For starters, no, you don’t have to fill bridesmaid bags with any extra gifts, unless you want to (and your budget allows). If you do decide to add gifts, we’ve rounded up ten fun ideas for what to put in bridesmaid bags below. PLUS, we’ve teamed up with Almquist Design Studio to give away a set of bridesmaid bags to one lucky reader. Now you’ll have ideas for what to put in bridesmaid bags (and a set of cute handmade bags to give!) Enjoy!

What to Put in Bridesmaid Bags

1. Pretty Nail Polishes

Yesterday’s post about the best monthly boxes was so well-received that I have over two dozen emails about Julep alone! Seems you all love it just as much as I! Therefore, I know for a fact that your bridesmaids would love pretty nail color in pre-packed set or delivered every month straight to her doorstep. There are also some fantastic tried-and-true products from their website (like the Julep Plié Wand™ that I’ve been dying to try). They have such pretty combos, this this one:

2. Favorite Makeup Products

What are your favorite makeup products? A bridesmaid bag is a great place to stow a few of your faves to give as gifts to your girls. For instance, I took to Twitter recently to find out about a new foundation (I needed something with more coverage than a sheer tinted moisturizer, you feel me?) and realized how fun it is to try NEW products, specifically when people recommend their favorites. So, think about your favorite mascara, lip balm or lipstick, blush, and eye shadow. Pick specific ones for each bridesmaid and put ’em in a cute bridesmaid bag. They don’t have to be expensive, either: I love me some drugstore cosmetics, like this new mascara I recently bought after seeing the commercial on TV and settled on this foundation because it was on clearance at Target. LOVE THEM BOTH. Will buy again.

3. A Compact Mirror

A compact mirror is one perfect gift idea she’ll use again and again. Personalize it for an even more memorable gift. These custom compact mirrors by Spotlight Mirrors are cute!

4. An Emergency Kit

Include some wedding-day essentials she won’t want to go without, such as clear nail polish (for hosiery runs), eye makeup remover wipes (to get rid of mascara runs), aspirin, a small can of hairspray, mints or chewing gum… you get the idea. Or, get one that’s already been pre-made.

5. A Gift Card

Who doesn’t love a gift card, the gift of being able to splurge on any thing your little heart desires? Some of my faves: Target (obviously, since it has EVERYTHING), Amazon (again, everything), Groupon, salon, movie theater, or a spa package experiences so she can relax pre or post-wedding. A gift card to her favorite clothing store is always a perfect gift, too.

6. A Piece of Jewelry

This one is a popular option, for good reason: there are so many beautiful jewelry pieces out there! Be sure to check this out for handmade finds. Pick a piece that is personalized with her name, birthstone, or something that’s entirely her style.

Peridot for fellow August birthdays!

Pick something like a classic pearl bracelet with a splash of color…

… or a piece with a charm that’s totally her. This is so much my style.

7. Foldable Flats

Foldable flats are a gift she’ll use again and again. Also, they’re extremely well-received: your bridesmaids feet are likely going to hurt at some point in the evening and these will keep ’em dancing!

8. A Heartfelt Note

Stick a heartfelt note or card inside the bag. She’ll love the sentiment and it doesn’t cost a thing.

9. Perfume

A small bottle of perfume makes a great gift. One surprising place to find inexpensive perfume? Kohls, especially when you use their 20% or 30% off coupons and you’re in business. :) Or try Amazon, since they always have pretty decent deals… like this adorable bottle.

10. Cell Phone Case

Custom phone cases are 1000x more fun than the boring case that comes with the phone. Plus, now there are so many affordable + custom-designed options, like this…

… and this!

xo
-E.

P.S. What would you add to the list?

Are you planning a Celtic or Irish wedding theme? Want to tie in some traditional Celtic wedding ideas into your ceremony and reception? If so, you’ve come to the right place! It’s many moons until St. Patrick’s Day and all things irish wedding theme related, but that’s precisely why we’re sharing them now: you need time to gather it all up if you’re planning an Irish wedding theme in March (or any time of the year). In this feature, you’ll find charming Irish wedding theme ideas including wedding invitations, wedding programs, a garter, wedding ring, locket, Irish cuff links, and more. Plus, a groom in a kilt, which is pretty much a requirement, no? Enjoy!

Irish Wedding Theme Ideas

A themed wedding favor, like these Celtic knot coasters, is a must-have for this theme. We spotted them at My Little Chickadee Creations.

For an Irish wedding theme, skip a veil and wear a celtic knot headpiece instead! This headband is one of our favorite sparkly finds (from Ivory and Lace Bridal). Add a charming Celtic inspired engagement ring and this theme starts off on the right track (from Moonkist Designs.

Can you imagine an Irish wedding theme complete with tying the knot in a Scottish CASTLE? The Drumtochty Castle is an amazing, one-of-a-kind wedding venue.

For any wedding theme, handmade details make your day more memorable. For groomsmen, give these custom Celtic beer mugs from Brad Goodell Weddings, a Claddagh ring (from Ascheron), a Celtic knot locket from Plasticouture for your bridesmaids, Ireland cuff links from White Truffle Studio, a Celtic knot ring pillow from Laura Stark, and an Irish wedding garter from Natalie Briggs. A boutonniere like the one shown below by Meadowbelle is perfect for this theme. For paper goods, wedding programs from Echo Letter Press feature a Celtic knot, while Irish wedding theme invitations from Mallory Hope Design set the tone and theme of your big day. Claddagh place cards are another charming touch (via Laura’s Paper Creations). See all of these below along with some Real Wedding ideas.

sources (full sources above in text) //
irish wedding – groom in kilt (two photos) | via style me pretty
handfasting ceremony | photo: one and only paris photography via style me pretty
soul mate necklace | piccola custom jewelry
celtic wedding band | lamoredesign
celtic wedding cake, escort card inspiration | via elizabeth anne designs, photo: love is a big deal

Are you planning an Irish wedding theme? Dreaming of a Celtic wedding?

Tell us about it or share your favorite find above.