If you’re fully involved in wedding preparations, you already know there are a few choices you must make that are so critical to you, they push the needle into the red on the wedding-planning Stress-O-Meter—finding the most flattering gown, picking the best caterer, and selecting bridesmaid gifts that will wow each and every one of them. Let’s focus on the last nerve-wracking task.

Grooms have it easy when it comes to attendants’ gifts. They pick something they’d like for themselves, buy enough for the best man and groomsmen, probably give them to you to gift-wrap, hand them out and life is good.

Brides typically spend a lot more time on the process—thinking about style, color and usefulness as they relate to each individual girl, her personality, her taste, her lifestyle, and on and on and on. Time to turn off the Stress-O-Meter. Bridesmaid bliss is in the bag!

You just have to decide which bag. No, no, no! Don’t turn that meter back on! With Kate Aspen’s amazing selection of bags, the one you choose is sure to be welcomed with open arms. If you love it, they’ll love it.

But take a look at these tote bags, cosmetic bags, cosmetic travel bags and lunch totes—all masterfully designed to maintain their chic forever! And did we mention they can all be personalized?

We’ll start with Kate’s latest collection—“The Kensington.” First up, “The Kensington” Personalized Tote. The black-and-ivory damask design is what we like to call playful elegance—it’s the right look, no matter where you go! And check out these value-added features: 1) It’s reversible—one bag, two different looks! 2) The durable canvas bag has one pocket for things you need to find in a hurry. 3) It comes with a detachable wristlet change-purse. You can mix and match with “The Kensington” Cosmetic Travel Bag, a roomy make-up holder with two large, zippered plastic compartments, two smaller zippered plastic compartments and a handy metal hanger. It gives “looking good” a whole new meaning!

Just as chic and practical are two eye-catching bags from “The Cosmopolitan” collection. More make-up than any woman would ever need will fit easily in the roomy cosmetic travel bag. And how often do you find a safe and smart way to take your jewelry on trips? “The Cosmopolitan” Jewelry Pouch is as dashing as it is different. It’s also large enough for a big batch of baubles!

And the best part of all Kate Aspen’s “bags”? You don’t need an overflowing money bag to treat your girls to super-sophisticated, totally adored bridesmaid gifts! How’s that for a stress-buster?

Happy Planning!

It seems like everybody is snowed in this week.  Minus 30 degrees in Montana.  Two feet of snow in Chicago.  The city of New York shut down.  No doubt about it, there’ll be lots of people that will be staying in the cozy comfort of their homes for a few days.  My advice?  Take advantage of the “stay-cation.”  It’s a great time to read a book, catch up on chores or watch TV until it watches you.  But, for brides, it’s the perfect time for a do it yourself project like assembling wedding favors.  So, go ahead and pull out those favor boxes and get busy.  Here are a few of our favorites:

Pick a Pail

You’ve seen these petite pails before filled with all sorts of goodies.  But, now it’s easier than ever to personalize them for your special day.  Custom labels are available in dozens of designs.  Choose the one that enhances your wedding theme, and add your names and wedding date as the perfect finishing touch.  Easy to apply to the tin, simply include your favorite candy, and wrap it all up for a sweet surprise for your guests.

Delightful Daisies

It’s amazing what you can do with a 2” x 2” box.  Personalize it with a custom stamp, add imprinted ribbon, or wrap a colorful band around the box.  We’ve made ours a veritable summer fest by placing darling Gerbera daisies on top.  Guaranteed to put anyone in a cheery mood, the bright orange and pink flowers are sure to capture everyone’s attention.  And, if you’re snowed in like the rest of the world, it reminds you that sunnier days are just around the corner.

Headed for the Shore

“Shore-ly” you’ll love this idea.  Perfect for beach and destination weddings, they’ll have everyone thinking of the sunny tropics no matter what treat you place inside.  Adding a splash of fun to your table décor, no one will be able to “leave” these trees on the table.

Drink it Up

Your guests will certainly drink in the gratitude when they enjoy these beverage favors. Delightfully packaged for a fun presentation, it shows that you have an attention to detail—and so do we!  We’ve decked out the boxes with vibrant colors, unique shapes, hand-tied ribbon and a die-cut fruit slice as the finishing touch.  Although some assembly is required, they come together in a jiffy and will be the favor everyone will want to take home.

Well, there you have it.  Four winter-day projects that are not only a great way to spend the day but can help you save money any day of the week.

Happy planning!