Keepsake Boxes: Why they’re so special and important!

bridal party exchanging keepsake gift hampers on the morning of a wedding

The Importance of Keepsake Boxes

Keepsake boxes have been used for centuries to store cherished items and mementos. From ancient times to the present day, people have recognized the importance of holding onto memories and treasured possessions. In this post, we’ll explore the history of keepsake boxes and the importance of keepsake boxes for saving mementos!

A bride and her mother exchanging a keepsake gift hamper on her wedding day

The history of keepsake boxes can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where small containers made of wood, stone, and precious metals were used to store valuable objects. These containers were often decorated with intricate designs and symbols that held special meaning for the owner. In medieval Europe, keepsake boxes were used to hold love letters and other personal items and were often given as gifts to loved ones.

Bridesmaid's gathering together to present a gift to their Bride to Be

In the Victorian era, the popularity of keepsake boxes reached its peak. Queen Victoria herself kept her most treasured mementos in keepsake boxes. These included her wedding items like a slice of her cake (which is still around today!), letters from loved ones wishing well and her wedding stationary. The queen also kept baby keepsake boxes, keeping safe the tiniest, but most important memories of her little ones, including those that passed away.

A silvered box with a glass top containing a piece of cake from Queen Victoria’s wedding party.Credit...Fred R. Conrad for The New York Times
A silvered box with a glass top containing a piece of cake from Queen Victoria’s wedding party. Credit: Fred R. Conrad for The New York Times

Ladies at the time, saw the practise of treasuring keepsakes as a sign of nobility and copied Queen Victoria to appear sophisticated. It soon caught on, however, that keepsake boxes were simply a beautiful and important way to save memories. These boxes were often made of wood or metal and were decorated with ornate designs and sentimental messages. They were used to hold a wide variety of mementos, from locks of hair to jewellery to letters and photographs.

Bridesmaids in gold dresses, gifting a wooden keepsake gift box to a bride on her wedding day

Today, keepsake boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made of a variety of materials, from wood and metal to fabric and plastic. They can be used to store anything from baby teeth to wedding mementos to treasured family heirlooms. Our keepsake gift boxes are made from wood sourced from plantations with a strong focus on sustainability. Some of our products are even made from recycled wood, to reduce our footprint on the planet. They’re also made by hand here, in Australia, in the hills of Byron Bay. So there’s no transport or machinery pollution – just keepsake boxes made with love from the very first step! They’re sturdy, so they’ll last for years to come and keep your most fragile keepsakes safe. We have gift boxes in a range of sizes too, so you can find the perfect keepsake box for your occasion.

But what is the importance of keepsake boxes?

The importance of keepsake boxes for keeping mementos safe cannot be overstated. These items are a tangible connection to the past, and can help us remember special moments, people, and events in our lives. They can provide comfort and solace during difficult times, and can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation during times of change.

Bride gifting her bridesmaids in pink cotton bridal robes, their keepsake gift hampers on her wedding day

Furthermore, keepsake boxes and mementos can be passed down through the generations, providing a sense of continuity and connection to our family history. They can help us understand our place in the world, and provide a link to our ancestors and the past.

bride to be gifting her maid of honour a keepsake gift hamper at her bridal shower

Keepsake boxes and mementos have a long and rich history, and are an important way to hold onto memories and treasures that are meaningful to us. By cherishing these items and passing them down to future generations, we can create a sense of continuity and connection that will last for years to come.

Browse our selection of Keepsake boxes, or design your own Custom Keepsake Box in our Gift Emporium!

Bride Advice: DIY Bride Tribe Survival Kit

Bridesmaid Survival Kits

“This kit is my way of letting you know, Your support means the world and I love you so!”

Your Bride Tribe have been with you through all your wedding planning- the dress-hunting, the Hen’s party planning and being there to lend their strength and shoulders to cry on when things have not gone to plan. Now we’ve finally made it to their main role – standing beside you on your big day! To make sure they survive to the finish line, a Bridesmaid Survival Kit can get them through the day!

bride tribe wedding celebrations
Image: The Bridal Box Co

Things to include in your Survival Kit:

For Fashion Disasters

If it’s going to happen, Murphy’s Law says a fashion mishap will happen just before your Tribe is ready to walk down the aisle! Make sure you’re covered with a few items to save you from a mini fashion disaster: a mini sewing kit, spare hair ties and bobby pins, fashion tape, a nail file and clear nail polish.

While perhaps not a fashion disaster, bad breath or odour can strike and leave the Tribe feeling self-conscious. Including some mints and mini-perfume (or gorgeously scented hand cream!) in your survival kit is a great solution!

Survival Kit must haves
Image: Little Things Favours
To Keep Them Going

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bubbles and celebratory drinks are never too far away on your big day, but making sure everyone keeps hydrated enough to make it through the day (and ease that hangover tomorrow!) is super important! So make sure to include a bottle of water in your survival kit!

But you gotta keep up those sugar levels too! While we love to watch wedding bloopers online, the last thing we ever want is one of our Tribe passing out on the big day! Include some little chocolates or treats like jelly beans or protein balls.

keeping hydrated on your big day
Image: Pintrest
For the Tears

Their bestie is finally getting married – you betcha there will be some happy tears along the way! Include a little stash of tissues for your Tribe for those teary moments throughout the day.

But not all tears could be happy tears. New shoes, broken nails, headaches and heat can all bring a serious case of the ouch! Remember to pack some band-aids and some pain relief!

happy tears wedding tissues
Image: Cricut
Ready for their Close Up!

You’ve spent the morning getting hair and makeup and looking fabulous and now the HMUA have left you to your own vices. As the day goes on, don’t let unwanted shine or smudged lippy ruin your look! Pack some blotting paper and mini-touch-up essentials like a spare lip stick or balm to hold you over for those post-professional pic selfies!

make up essentials wedding day
Image: Pexels

Real Weddings: Courtney and Aaron

Courtney and Aaron real wedding

Where do we even start with Courtney and Aaron’s gorgeous wedding! These two are absolutely stunning and every little detail of their wedding was too! We are so honoured to share this little piece of their love story with you as these two are practically a part of The Bridal Box Co. family.

Courtney and Aaron chose a gorgeous Autumn day the stunning surrounds of the Gold Coast, Australia for their wedding day. The weather could not have been more perfect, providing a beautiful backdrop for their wedding at Braeside Chapel in the hinterlands.

braeside chapel wedding venue wedding inspiration

The couple stuck to tradition and prepared for the big day separately, with Courtney taking the opportunity to thank her gorgeous bridesmaids and Mum for all their love and support with our custom gift boxes! Courtney selected her personalised gifts for her leading ladies, who also surprised her back with her own Bride keepsake gift box.

Courtney wore Katrin, by Rosa Clara – a stunning fitted dress with intricate beaded detailing from White Lily Couture. The ceremony look was completed with an added tulle overskirt, creating a soft, dreamy feel. This addition meant Courtney could easily transform the look and feel of her dress to a backless evening gown for the reception. Ready to get this party started!

Our amazingly talented florist, Bumble and Bloom created bouquets and boutonnieres of roses, blue gum and pink peonies – perfectly complementing the bridal party, chapel and breath-taking reception venue, Poorinda.

Courtney and Aaron celebrated their perfect day surrounding by family and friends but could not forget their furry loved ones! Dressed to impress, their doggy attendants wore a bow-tie and flower collar.

The pair celebrated a second reception with Aaron’s family in London, then set off on their honeymoon, exploring Italy, Croatia and Greece in the spring.

courtney and aaron wedding braeside chapel wedding inspiration

Reception Venue: Poorinda
Ceremony: Braeside Chapel
Photographer: Figtree Pictures
Videographer: Myfilm
Florist: Bumble & Bloom
Dress:  White Lily Couture
Cake: Made by Courtney’s sister Ashleigh!
Caterer: VGC Catering
Hire: Hampton Event Hire & Superb Party Hire
Hair: Carlie Anne Hair Design
Makeup: Jessica Peacock Makeup
Suiting: MJ Bale
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy 
Rings: H&S Jewellers & Browns Jewellers (UK)
Transportation: Kombi Celebrations 
Bridal Gift Boxes: The Bridal Box Co. 

Real Weddings: Katie & Tyler

Bridal Party in matching pjs

Katie and Tyler were married on the 17th of March at Tamburlaine Organic Wines in the gorgeous surrounds of the Hunter Valley Vineyards – a special place for the two of them, where they celebrated anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions. Katie had been dreaming and gathering inspiration for her wedding for as long as she could remember, so planning went into full swing after Tyler proposed! The theme was “Whimsical, Natural Beauty” – a crisp colour palette with greenery and nature featuring exceptionally. The white King Protea is Katie’s favourite flower, which featured in large floral pieces around the ceremony and reception and also in the bouquets, which appearances from white tulips and roses too.

The Dress

The wedding location was classic and romantic, so the wedding dress had to suit – with a little modern boho mixed in too! Katie found the perfect figure-hugging, lace wedding dress with all the detail she loved in a style by Maggie Sottero’s Sottero and Midgley collection. With stunning crochet lace and elegant detailing down the back, it was everything Katie could’ve wished for and more!

The Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids were dressed in a mix-n-match of styles from Shona Joy in ivory to complement the colour palette of the day. To add that boho touch, the bridesmaids were gifted darling tassel earrings to wear. These were gifted to the girls on the morning of the wedding in our very own custom gift boxes!

“The Bridal Box Co. created me some incredible personalised boxes to place all my bridesmaid’s gifts in. It was so special.”
The Reception

Katie and Tyler know how to throw a party! They had a four-piece band to keep each of their 150 guests on the dance floor and an amazing evening filled with love and joy. As the couple cut their cake by the deck with views across the dam, a magnificent fireworks display lit up the sky and had everyone in awe.

These fireworks almost shone as brightly as the love we can see shining from these two! Congratulations Katie & Tyler!

Photographer: Samuel Jacob Photography
Cinematographer: Amico Films
Styling: The Wedding Designer
Bride’s Dress: Sottero and Midgley
Bride’s Accessories: Belles and Beaux, Siren, Samantha Wills
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy
Pyjamas: Jasmine & Will
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Tarocash
Hairstylist: Blanc Hair
Makeup Artist: Sophie Cate Makeup
Flowers: The Wedding Designer
Venue & Fireworks: Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Cake: Hello Naomi
Musicians: Elise Clare Music, Kylie Jane Music

Bride Advice: Choosing Your Make Up Artist

“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.”  Calvin Klein

You’ve found the perfect dress and definitely got that Pintrest board sorted for all the other finer wedding details, but how do you choose a make-up artist!? It’s definitely an important consideration in your wedding planning, because you want to be confident that your make-up artist is skilled to create the radiant bridal look that you’re after!

We needed the low-down on all things wedding make up, so we caught up with Rebecca Evans from Facescape Make Up Artistry. Rebecca has nearly 20 years experience in the industry and was happy to share her tips with our Brides to Be.

Q: How long should I book my Makeup Artist in advance for my wedding day?

Rebecca: You need to book your artist at least 6 months before your wedding. If you’re wanting a particular Makeup Artist, you should book as soon as your day is confirmed.

Q: What should I look for when picking a Makeup Artist for my wedding day?

Rebecca: When looking for the right makeup artist for you, you should make sure you firstly check out all their photos of past brides. Make sure they are real everyday people and not all edited models. Read their reviews. Lots of years in the Industry doesn’t necessarily mean they are better than someone with little experience. I know lots of amazing Makeup Artists that have only been in the biz for a few years.

Q: Should I have a trial before my wedding day and if so how long before?

Rebecca: Definitely get a trial if you can! Then you can feel at ease knowing how beautiful you will look on your wedding day. I recommend to have your trial around the same time of day as on the wedding day and keep it on for as long as you can so you can see how well it lasts. Take heaps of selfies too so you can see how it is on the camera. (Don’t waste it and go out!) I also recommend to get your trial about 2 months before the wedding (or more) just in case the Makeup Artist you have chosen is not right for you and you frantically need to find a new one.

Q: How much time should I allow for each bridesmaid? And for the Bride?

Rebecca: Makeup generally takes an hour each. I like to come with an extra hour up my sleeve for set ups and a relaxed morning. I don’t like to rush.

Q: Should I limit the amount of people/Friends/family getting their makeup done by my makeup artist on the day?

Rebecca: Most Makeup Artists can book up to 7 makeups on their own. But that means a very early wake up and no time for unforeseen hick-ups. If I get booked for 5 or more I bring a fellow makeup artist to share some of the load. It means a later start and more of a relaxed morning for everyone.

Q: What should I expect to pay for wedding make up, is it dearer than normal event makeup and if so why?

Rebecca: ‘Wedding’ makeup should not be more expensive than ‘event’ makeup. It takes the same time, same products and same perfection. And the bride makeup shouldn’t be more expensive either in my opinion. But many do charge more for the Bride’s Makeup.

Q: When should I pay for the make up? Before the wedding day or on the day?

Rebecca: Most of my brides have their invoice paid a week before their wedding. I also take a deposit to lock in the booking. It’s very common for Makeup Artists to be requested for the same date, so a deposit is very important. Some brides pay the balance in cash on the day. I prefer transfer so it’s done and no one needs to worry.

Q: What are some tips to keeping our make up looking fresh all day?

Rebecca: It’s all in the products used (and application). All Makeup Artists are always searching for the most amazing, flawless & long lasting makeup. I use a matte moisturiser, the strongest hd primer ever, and lots of setting power and press powder. If the foundation is set correctly and your primer/moisturiser is correct for your skin type, your face should not be creating excess oil that will affect your base. Also you should check that your makeup artist primes your eyelids. If they are not primed you could end up with creases and worn off eyeshadow. Using a cream/paste like eye primer will ensure your eye makeup lasts (and into the next day if you’re careful).

Q: Any other tips or recommendations for our Brides?

Rebecca: It’s a good idea to purchase a touch up lip stick. The MUA will sometimes supply a little bit of lippy in a container or card. But I think it’s best to just pop into a store and purchase one.

Image from: http://everafterdays.com/services/bridal-beauty-hair-make-up/

https://www.facebook.com/facescapemakeup/

Bride Advice: with Chanel

Chanel and Allen became engaged in November and the gorgeous couple caught our eye when they won a LOOP Giveaway that The Bridal Box Co. was participating in. Chanel is ALL about the details, has great taste and a totally swoon-worthy instagram @chanelngarcia. 

These love birds have tied the knot now, but we had a sit down when Chanel was still a blushing Bride-to-be to talk all things wedding!

The Bridal Box Co: Tell us about the proposal? Did you see it coming, or were you super surprised?

Chanel: No I didn’t! He caught me by complete surprised and kept the ring with my Maid of Honour. We went glamping in Glenworth Valley for our 10 year dating anniversary and he popped the questioned by the fireplace. It was very secluded and romantic!

The Bridal Box Co: When is your wedding and how long is your engagement?

Chanel: Our wedding is in November, we would have then had a 2 year engagement. We’re thinking of having a cute little garden ceremony and reception in Camden, Moss Vale or Byron Bay.

The Bridal Box Co: How many people are invited?

Chanel: We’re planning on having a small intimate wedding with about 60-70 people.

The Bridal Box Co: What is the theme/colours of your wedding?

Chanel: Blush pink, white and gold.

The Bridal Box Co.: Let’s talk Bridesmaids. How many are you having, how’d you choose and how’d you propose?

Chanel: I have three bridesmaids, I surprised all of them individually. My best friend is my Maid of Honour because she’s been there through thick and thin. We tell each other everything! Bridesmaids are my sister who’s always been supportive and my cousin who I share my fondest childhood memories with.

Maid of Honour- We were playing the game “speak out” with the mouth pieces. I pretended to read a card asking her “Will you be my maid of honour?” She understood what I said but didn’t realise I was actually asking her!

Cousin- I made a “Will you be my bridesmaid” mug and dropped it off to the barrister before we met up for coffee. I waited for her to receive her order in her mug. She was so surprised and excited!

Sister- I came out with a card and a “Will you be my bridesmaid” candle in a gown at my first wedding dress fitting.

The Bridal Box Co: What did you fill your Bridal Box Co boxes with?

Chanel: A candle, nail polish, beautiful soap, customised shot glass, customised hair tie and a DIY inspo booklet (with photos and details about our big day, their dresses and their roles).

The Bridal Box Co: Do you have any advice for other Bride-to-be’s planning their own wedding?

Chanel: Keep an eye out for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. Keep a little planner to note down ideas and plans. Involve your fiancé and your bridal party! My fiancé and KIKKI K wedding planner have made everything easier!

Inspo: Bridesmaid Proposal

Your besties have been by your side through thick and thin; to celebrate your wins and bring you ice cream when you’re down. When you want to ask them to stand by your side on your special day, you want to find a way to let them know they are special and just how much they mean to you!

Sometimes your closest friends live on the other side of the world and the question will have to be asked over the phone or Skype. But if you’re lucky enough to have your tribe close by – then why not spoil them with a Bridesmaid proposal picnic!

Pop-up picnics are definitely trending at the moment, which means there’s probably a service near you that lets you host a gorgeous picnic – without all the hassle! Just like Glamping (which we also love!) all the cooking, packing, set-up and cleaning is done for you. If you’re more organised and DIY, here’s a little inspo we put together with a few of our very talented Gold Coast vendors.

As you grow up, you truly realise how important having your best friends in your life is. Even though you may not see them every day or even week, you love knowing that when you are together again, it’s like it was yesterday that you last spent time together!

We also (of course) recommend our gorgeous, “I can’t say ‘I do’ without You” gift boxes to accompany you on your Bridesmaid Proposal Picnic!

Styled Shoot Team:
Coordination & Bridal Boxes @thebridalboxco
Event Stylist @lovenwishesstyledevents
Florist @franklyandtheflowers
Photographer @atomicbutterfly_photography
Videographer @nsiproductions
Clothing @the_bohemian_club
Sweet Treats @two_little_cupcakes
Jackets @hideandrose
Platter @conkandco
Hair @hsk_hair
Makeup @majormakupandhair
Signage @bearartdesign
Candles @drifttradingco
Models @conkandco @jessicatonkin1 @gold_coast_musings @bruna_bidoia