For the Girls
By Erica Corsano, Senior Curator, Gilt City Boston
I’ve never been one of those girls who spends her teenagehood flipping through bridal magazines while dreaming about her future Prince Charming. In fact, most things bridal make me cringe. Having said that, I do plan on being a bride someday (hint, hint, BF reading this) and when that magical day finally arrives, I hope to find ways to make it unique, counter-culture and truly special. Here are my quick picks for bridesmaid outings and gifting options that will help those of you who already have a ring on your finger do just that.
Boston Bridal Lounge
This is one of Boston’s only true spaces dedicated to all things bridal. Have your bridesmaids gather there to meet your makeup artist, dress designer and jeweler— all in one place. Part concierge service, part showroom, the space was designed to make it easier for brides (and their bridesmaids) meet with the various vendors involved in planning the perfect wedding.
Exhale at the Fairmont Battery Wharf
The newest Exhale in the area is at the beautiful waterfront Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel. This branch of the national spa/fitness chain, has a special room meant for entertaining with scenic views of the harbor. Gather with your bridesmaids to nibble, drink, chat, and relax after your day if pampering at Exhale’s spa.
Salon Jean Pierre
This is a one-stop-beauty and accessorizing shop right on Newbury street. Sit back, sip, nibble, and get beautified. From cuts and colors, to treatments, extensions, blow-outs, nails and makeup, have your best friends around you for your bridal hair test—and let them join in on the beautification action. The icing on the cake? Their’s a built-in accessories pop-up boutique called Elisha Daniels, where you can pick out pieces to gift your gals or just shop for fun.
Boston Duck Tours
Yes, I said it, duck tours. Be a tourist in your own town. Here’s why: you can actually rent your own duck tour bus/boat for a few hundred dollars and customize the tour. End at your favorite restaurant for a champagne reception. There’s nothing cheesy or touristy about that, darling.
M. Flynn
Started a few years back by two local sisters, this South End boutique sells adorable, preppy-chic jewelry and small gift items. They’ve worked with brides across the country to create bridesmaids gifts that will be worn long after your special day. If you’re looking for custom jewelry design, hit up their adjacent showroom, which also features bridal jewelry and accessories.
Diseno
This South American-inspired home goods and gift shop is right on the edge of Boston’s South End. Find ethnic goods from around the world including housewares, music and accessories. This is the perfect place for the world-traveling, hippie-chic bride to find unique gifts for her bridesmaids (or decorate her new post-marital digs).
Good
Good is a true, modern-day curiosity shop with a perfectly-edited selection of jewelry, artwork, scarves, home items, unisex goodies and so much more. Most of the merchandise is unique or one-of-a-kind, making it perfect for gifting gals and guys alike.
Twilight
This award-winning boutique sells the best party dresses in town. Agree on a color and have the girls pick out a dress that suits their style and shape—a non-traditional route to bridesmaids dresses. Or, have the stylish gals that work there plan a shopping night for you and your nearest and dearest, which includes drinks, nibbles and major discounts.
Portobello Road
A fashion boutique-meets-florist shop, this Chestnut Hill gem is filled with an array of fabulous clothing, jewelry and home items. The overall look and vibe is hippie-glam, that’s somehow more “Boston” than “L.A.”. Favorites include: vintage-inspired glassware, bohemian-chic baubles and ultra-cool plant terrariums—all perfect for gifting.
And there you have it! A go-to-guide for your and bridesmaids for the ultimate days of pampering, sight seeing and shopping!