Gift ideas for your bridal party, for proposal or gift ideas

Hey there! I'm a professional Portrait & Wedding photographer located in College Station, Texas that specializes in Aggie Senior/Grad Portraits and Wedding Photography. I'm sharing a list of the exact gear I own and use at every session and wedding that I photograph. I've been a photographer since 2013 and have learned so much in the last decade. If you'd like to see the beautiful image I create from using the following recommended gear, please visit my photography business website at laurylharvey.com . I hope my recommendations help you create beautiful art too!

When it comes to weddings and elopements in this era, there are so many vendors and expenses that fall into your lap. I am a huge supporter of hiring local business owners, but sometimes that's out of budget. Luck for you, I have had to put together a bouquet and boutonniere a handful of times as an elopement photographer. Here are my favorite places to find florals around the greater Portland area and all the things you'll need to put together a stunning floral arrangement for your wedding/elopement!

Wedding bridesmaid or guest outfit inspo!

Let's face it, I'm a horrible gift giver. My wife could probably get a better present from a vending machine, but somehow, these gifts actually went over well with her discerning taste. It turns out, I might not be a gift-giving genius, but I did manage to find a few gems that made her smile.

Some of my absolute favorite designs for the 2025 holiday season - family Christmas cards, newlywed cards and ornaments, trendy striped gift wrap, gift tags and more. Obsessed with this style and the fun flourishes.

With more than 200 pairs of shoes in my closet, I'd consider myself a shoe expert!! These are some of my favorites I have and a few I really want that are great for dressing up, especially for weddings.

my wedding day glam that will hold up through the sweat, tears and happy dancing! If you haven’t seen my TikTok videos about my wedding day make up and the issues leading up…go watch ! @mee_chellz Long story short I had my bridal trial two weeks before my big day and what I wanted versus what I got were two completely different things so I decided to do my own make up. That meant I had to learn how to do bridal make up from start to finish in a decent amount of time and make sure that it would last throughout the sweat the tears the dancing everything!!

These are all dresses from Amazon for formal events that I either own and have worn or bought as options anad have tried. All are good quality to last through nights of fun on the dance floor and beyond!

I have a handful of weddings coming up that are very formal and these are the dresses I’m considering!

Think midnight skies, constellations, soft metallics, candles, and a magical glow everywhere.

A roundup of the best 10 Love Island themed party supplies for bombshells on a budget! Crack on!

From your engagement party to the rehearsal dinner,and every special moment in between, these dresses are made to celebrate you. Curated by a bridal stylist, this list features looks that are flirty, elegant, and effortlessly bridal without being too “wedding day.” Whether you're going full glam or keeping it sweet and simple, there's a dress here for every pre-wedding event on your calendar. Let the countdown to “I do” be just as stylish as the big day itself!

When asking my bridesmaids to be in my bridal party, I had no idea where to start in curating the perfect box of goodies. As someone who has been on both sides of the bridesmaid proposal box - here are my top picks that are sure to be useful to your bridal party :)

Wedding gifts that blend timeless classics with modern to suit a variety of tastes and lifestyles

I’m newly engaged and here are some essentials that I’m looking into it have already bought! Most of these products you can find on Amazon.

no one wants to get caught off guard and add stress to their wedding day! here's what I'm keeping in my kit <3

These are things my fiancé and I will be adding to our wedding registry. From things we need around the house, to things that would just be special in our home 🫶🏻

Everything you might need on your big day to prevent disaster - you just never know! Here is my personal bridal emergency kit made by my bridesmaids and I.

The perfect blend of Boho and Farmhouse charm for my dream wedding with my handpicked recommendations and favorite finds, with weathered wooden signs, and vintage-inspired lace accents. Elevate your tablescape with a mix of greenery and babies breath florals. My collection includes a boho-farmhouse vibe.

Ideas for the perfect Vegas wedding!

Use this guide to plan your wedding every step of the way! I'll show you how to save money on your wedding and all the best tips and tricks!

Unique ideas for a cinematic black tie wedding with gold and black elegance. Get inspired with this curated list of decor, lighting, glassware and unique spy-inspired details to make your wedding unforgettable.

Here are some of my favorite recommendations for items I have given as gifts.

She might have everything, but your Mother-in-law still deserves to be spoiled!

These are all of the faves I've purchased for our 2026 wedding in Brazil!! Some of the items that ALMOST made the cut had to end up on this list too - they're too good to pass up!

Ever feel like you’re giving the same three things over and over? 🙄 Stop settling for basic! This list is your "secret weapon" for finding those viral, aesthetic gift boxes that look like they cost a fortune but are actually hidden gems from Alibaba. 💎

All of my wedding favorites from ETSY!

Celebrate with our Happy Mother's Day Yellow Floral and Green Leaves collection, featuring customizable photo gifts and personalized stationery you can tailor with your own messages. To help you create a coordinated look, I’ve curated this set to include matching Tableware & Dining essentials, alongside beautiful recommendations like Sunflower Fields teapots and botanical bedding. Whether you are hosting a brunch or looking for a unique gift, these hand-picked floral designs offer everything you need for a memorable Mother's Day.

If you're looking for some epic new ideas for your spy/secret agent themed wedding, you've come to the right place! Get inspired with this curated list of spy themed invitations, reception decor, wedding spy gadgets, secret agent inspired gifts and attire, and unique spy-inspired details to make your wedding unforgettable.

I just exited my bridal era with a wedding in Fall 2025 and loved every minute. Here are some of my favorite picks for anyone entering their bride era! 🤍👰‍♀️💍🕊️

Celebratory graduation goods - graduation announcements, graduation party invitations, grad party decor, thank you notes and more

Ideas and inspiration for a Love is Brewing Bachelorette party, including what to wear, party favours, DIY party products and more

If you’re planning a wedding, shopping for bachelorette, elopement or honeymoon.. then this will be the thread of good finds!!

These are items I bought and used in my 2025 wedding! They are great quality and I highly recommend them!

Planning for an upcoming 2026 graduation? Look no further! Get everything you need to plan an awesome celebration right here.

Regency-era elegance meets modern hosting. Discover Bridgerton-inspired dinner party decor, romantic table settings, pastel florals, candles, and dreamy aesthetic ideas perfect for themed soirées, birthdays, or garden parties.

If you are like me and struggle when it comes to finding a wedding guest dress that won't have too much white or break the bank, but still makes you feel good, this is the perfect list for you! I've compiled some of my favorite wedding guest dress under $100!

Have you ever thought about a wedding in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area? Even if you haven't here is your sign to DO IT! The views are amazing, there are endless options for entertainment from hiking, the Gatlinburg strip, The Island, Dollywood, etc. Here are some of the vendors in the area that we used and LOVED!

This list has so many family-friendly Halloween invites that you can send digitally by text, email, or social sharing! You don't even have to figure out Canva or any design software because all the editing is done for you in 24 hours or less! Just order, get your awesome video and share with your guests! A wide variety of Halloween designs you won't see anywhere else! They're perfect for kids, teen and adult parties, as well as church events, office parties and community gatherings! Save time and money by going digital and impress your guests with one of these memorable video invites!

A curated list of favors, decor and bridal gifts for your Last Toast on the Coast bachelorette party! From luxe splurges to budget-friendly options, there's something on this list for everyone!

A collection of Anthropologie bridal finds, perfect for engagements, bridal showers, bachelorettes, wedding day details, and newlywed life. These timeless, romantic pieces make beautiful gifts and are just as perfect for brides to treat themselves! This list contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

This playful coastal theme mixes crisp blue and white stripes with pops of red and fun lobster details for a look that’s equal parts classic and cheeky. It’s fresh, summery, and perfect for celebrating the bride in a way that feels light, festive, and a little bit nautical.

Got invited to another wedding and you're in a dilemma of what to wear for this wedding? Here's some inspiration 😊

While I am not in a long-distance relationship, I could understand the strain it puts on a relationship. If my husband had to move for work for a while, these are some things I would want to invest in while we were apart.

I put this list together because planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have all the little details in one place. These are the pieces that I think truly make a difference for a bride — from beauty and style to comfort and peace of mind. Some are practical must-haves, like an emergency kit or comfy shoes, while others are special luxuries, like bridal lingerie, jewelry, or a signature perfume, that make the day feel unforgettable. Altogether, this list reflects the mix of essentials and meaningful touches that help a bride feel prepared, beautiful, and fully present on her wedding day.

Getting ready for your big day? It can get overwhelming! Here are a few recommendations to take the overwhelm to ease and allow you to feel more settled in the decisions you make.

Spring and Summer are very busy wedding seasons - here are some wedding guest dresses that I have or would buy to wear to any upcoming weddings!

This year I got engaged, and I got really passionate about finding the perfect engagement ring… so here are some engagement rings I would say “yes” to! All these rings are under $300 🤗

Are you or someone you know getting married this year? Are you celebrating an engagement? This Amazon must have list covers everything from preplanning, bridal events all the way to the big day and after. Happy shopping my beautiful brides to be!

Prepping for you wedding is so fun but can feel super overwhelming - putting together my favorites in different categories to help you during your bridal era

Everything you need and more to throw the best pearl and Prosecco bridal shower 🤍🥂🍾

If you're like me, I sometimes find it hard to find the perfect gift for my newly married friends or even anniversary gifts for my parents and in laws. Here are a few that I would recommend that I've given before or have been given and loved.

Here is my guide to the perfect witchy event down to the cobweb 🕸️🐈‍⬛ This was the perfect party as a September Libra celebrating with an October Libra ♎️

First you find out your size 2 pants size is a size 8 dress, then you find out it’s pretty much not possible to spend less than 3 grand if you don’t want to look like everyone else. Wedding dress shopping has been crazy, so I temporarily ignored the price tags and here’s some of my favorite inspo (I did not buy these)

Here are some ideas that I love and some that I went with for my Bridesmaids gift bags! I tried to gift a mix of cute things and also useful bits that my Bridal Party could use again.

A little buzz, a lot of love—this espresso martini-themed bridesmaid proposal is the perfect blend of glam and caffeine-fueled charm. With luxe neutrals, cheeky cocktail inspo, and that just-said-yes energy, it’s the ultimate way to pop the question in style.

Look, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings—some in vineyards, some in Vegas chapels, one in a barn that smelled faintly of hay and regret. And every single time, the same question pops up: “What on earth do I wear?” This isn’t some stiff, rule-heavy manual. It’s a friendly, no-BS roundup of dresses that actually work—whether you’re dealing with a “cocktail” invite that means nothing, a destination wedding in July, or your cousin’s ultra-formal church ceremony. Plus, real photos, real price ranges, and a gentle reminder: please, for the love of all things holy, skip the white.

I got engaged on December 5th, 2021, and married on October 1st, 2022! Planning my big day was such a journey, especially finding the perfect outfits for all the special moments—engagement party, engagement shoot, bridal shower, and of course, the wedding day! For all the brides-to-be, I’ve put together a list of my favorite outfits to help make your events unforgettable! 💍👰✨

Custom gifts from Etsy to give that personal touch to any gift for any holiday or special occasion

I personally use Shutterfly every month to print my last months photos. The app has free 4x6, just pay S&H. If you love personalized gifts and photo keepsakes, these Shutterfly favorites are always a hit. I’ve used them for holidays, birthdays, and memory-making.

Set the tone for your casual ranch theme nuptials with the charming Rustic Cowboy Boots Western Floral Wedding Collection. Personalize wedding invitations, save the dates, rsvp cards, thank you notes, favor tags, wine labels and disposable paper reception products. Each custom wedding paper product features a black and white sepia tone farm style photograph of leather cowboy boots with a barn wood background and white flowers adorning the corners. I think these are perfect inspo or ideas for your informal barn party marriage ceremony and reception celebration event. Invitations are available as a printed invitation for mailing or as a digital download for easy sharing digitally online.

Finding the perfect gift for the men in your life may have you sighing in despair simply because dads and guys, in general, can be notoriously difficult to shop for.They tend to downplay their interests or simply claim they "don't need anything." Let’s take the frustration out of finding a gift for the guys, starting with the next special occasion! This well-curated gift list comes in handy for just this purpose. It’s a thoughtfully compiled guide that takes the guesswork out of the equation, by providing a range of practical, unique, and personalized options tailored specifically for the picky men. This gift list is at your disposal so you can confidently select the best gifts that are sure to delight and surprise the dads and guys in your life!

Our favorite wedding gifts we recieved and use all of the time!

Exciting news--I'm planning my wedding! I know there are a million blogs about weddings out there, but here are some recommendations from my own planning. Be sure to visit my dashboard for a list of what I'm putting on my registry, too.

Explore this collection and find the perfect way to honor your grads hard work and dedication as they embrace the next chapter of their lives.

Spring barn wedding ideas that I used for my own May wedding! We loved how the colors pulled together with our assortment of spring flowers and the outdoorsy vibe!

Wedding and Anniversary keepsakes and treasures that I love.

Because saying ‘yes’ was the easy part now let’s plan the rest! The ‘I Do’ To-Do is your go-to list for staying organized (and stress-free) on the road to ‘happily ever after.'

Find the best party planning essentials to make your next event unforgettable! From trendy decorations to fun party favors, this list has everything you need to elevate your celebration. Get ready to throw a memorable bash with these stylish picks!

Officially in my bridal era! Posting all gifts I get and things I’ve bought myself

I spent over 10 years working as a wedding photographer, and in 2024, I got to experience my own special day. Here, you'll find the wedding dress inspiration I once searched for, and I hope these stunning gowns inspire you too!

As a 2027 bride, here are some venues we toured! Located in NJ and PA Adding some prices but can provide more info for anyone looking 🤍

My top crafting companions to complete DIY designs for weddings and special occasions.

Thoughtfully curated items for your proposal or day-of gift bags. Includes gift ideas for Mum, Dad, your husband or wife-to-be, and the wedding party.

A 2025 survey by theknot.com found the average wedding cost is an eye-popping $33,000! The good news is you and your significant other can have a nice wedding for far less money. (Hey, my husband and I got married for less than $5,000.) Here are resources to help you save money and have a wonderful wedding. If you make a purchase through my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

I got engaged back June 2024. It was in beautiful Banff, specifically Emerald Lake. It was so unexpected and I was so shook because we had just seen a black momma bear with her cubs. Any who, I just recently got married and was engaged for over a year and a half. So I wanted to created a list for my engaged girlies !! This is an amazing and fun season ! Enjoy every second of it as the next chapter will be even better ❤️❤️

The 10th anniversary is traditionally tin/aluminium (strong, flexible, built to last) — so these ideas either use those materials or nod to the theme in a fun, modern way.

Everything I bought and used to plan my best friend's Camp Bachelorette themed weekend which had a few little naughty touches to it! This was great for a girl's weekend in the woods!

✨ Getting ready for the big day ✨ I’m on the journey to find the one — the dress that feels just as unforgettable as the moment itself. 💫 Here are the stunning Anthropologie bridal gowns I’ve added to my shortlist… and trust me, they’re all worth falling in love with. 💖

A peek into what's in my toolkit as a florist! Here are all the essentials a florist would need & more! Perfect for beginner and advanced florists.

Etsy gift ideas for every special person in your life! These are some of my favorite finds, and plan on shopping from this list in the upcoming months. I hope you find something here that your special someone will love!

If you’re a beach girly, ‘Last Toast on the Coast’ is totally the theme for you! Everything beach aesthetic before you say ‘I do’

Wedding planning can be managed independently by the couple, with the help of family and friends, or through the expertise of a professional wedding planner. The ultimate goal is to transform ideas and dreams into a beautifully executed celebration that reflects the couple’s love story.

Here are some of my favourite picks for this wedding season! The perfect transitional dresses for a late summer or early fall wedding

Sharing some of my favorite wedding pieces for the bride that won’t break the bank. I love classic wedding designs that can stand the test of time - but also feel individualized. These are some dresses, accessories and products that I’d pic if I was to get married (again) this year 😆

Summer is just around the corner! That means there will be plenty of summer weddings. Don't worry! I've got you covered. Here's the list of my of recommended dresses for either day or evening weddings. And anything in between!

I went to SO many weddings this past year and have a lot coming up! These are my favorite dresses and shoes that I have reworn countless times! #affordable #weddingguest #weddingattire #amazonfinds

In your Bridal Era? Check out some of these must have items 🩷

Set up the perfect candy bar table for your baby shower, birthday or wedding!

Several of the items I used at my daughter's wedding. The products are beautiful and they added some much to the decor of the event. Many of the items listed are being used at Engagement Parties, Bridal Showers, Weddings & Baby Showers. My Event/Parties Business allows me the freedom to try some many items to add to the experience.

I was a 2024 bride, here's everything we asked for on the registry and actually got! We only did an amazon registry so everything on here can be found on there :)

Different options for Father’s Day gifts ! Google shows the same gifts constantly so these are out of the ordinary from that.

Brides on a budget! Sharing my GREAT finds that I actually used in my 2025 Valentines wedding! I hope this saves you time in your searching and also saves you money! When you’re planning a wedding, every penny counts! :)