New Jersey Bride Blog

Here’s a fun idea for gifts for your bridesmaids or an alternative shower or bachelorette-party event: Host a private trunk show at your house where your maids—and friends and relatives—can create their own custom bags to carry at your wedding. Freddy & Ma (freddyandma.com) will come to New Jersey with all the tools needed to design these really fun bags—everyone will get to sort through various handbag styles, fabrics, hardware, and more. The bags can be customized to wear the day of the wedding or can be created for each bridesmaid as a gift. You can let them choose their own design all from the same fabric, or let them pick matching fabrics in the same color scheme to result in a unique look. The bags pictured here are the perfect coordinate to green bridemaid gowns, while still reflecting the personality of each bridesmaid. Anyone who loves bags will love the process—and even more importantly, the results!

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Here’s a really fun way to jazz up your shower or add a bit of class to your bachelorette party. Let Swirl Events (swirlevents.com) throw a wine-tasting party for you. Based on a quick consultation, they’ll create the perfect custom package of wines, cheeses, and chocolates to fit your taste, personality, and style. Guests can then enjoy the wines in a fun social atmosphere. One option is the “Celebrity Pairing,” in which wines are compared to their celebrity counterparts. Party-goers can have lively debates whether a wine is closer to a George Clooney (smooth, suave, and surprisingly complex) or a Britney Spears (starts off great, but ends in disaster). During each event, the Swirl experts (a.k.a. the “Swirlettes”) guide guests with a fun yet educational approach to wine, while seamlessly managing every aspect of the event. You get expert information and a fun way to entertain without lifting a finger. Tastings can be held for groups of 6 or more, and there are different packages offered. They’re based in Manhattan, but will gladly plan your New Jersey shower. Sounds like a fun party alternative to me.