Two Birds Bridesmaids dresses have been creating a stir in the US for the last few years. Ariane Goldsmith created the world’s most versatile bridesmaid dress.

Available in thirteen colours (including an option to have a custom colour made) and two lengths, the dress comes in only two sizes 6-16 and 18-24! The style of the dress means you can turn the one garment into over thirteen different styles- and they’ll even work on a pregnant bridesmaid.

I’m so pleased that as of this month Two Birds Bridesmaids will be operating in Australia! Based out of a studio in Surrey Hills, Sydney, you will be able to visit with your maids and try on the styles with expert help at adjusting them to be different.

For out of states brides, Two Birds Bridesmaids can send you a sample dress to try on and will then send your gowns to you.

There are matching bandeaus for extra coverage available and if you want to match the ties for the boys, Two Birds have a range that match the dress shades. Two Birds have also created matching pashminas.

The best part? The Australian arm of Two Birds Bridesmaids will have all their gowns made in Australia. Gown prices start at $320.

Visit the Two Birds Bridesmaid Australian website for to enquire about booking an appointment at their Sydney studio.

A little reminder about the competitions Polka Dot Bride is running this week!

You can of course still enter the Rock Your Frock competition- if you’ve made your entry why not get your bridesmaids to have a go? Four entries for your wedding! Check out the entry for more details

The BonitaJ giveaway shuts on the 9th of April at 5pm AEST- up for grabs is a crystal and pearl jewellery set worth $80. The set has a necklace, earrings and a bracelet which can all be customised to your colours. Check out the entry for more details

I’m throwing an extra post up today for a good cause. Incentive House is donating $100 a blog post for 10 bloggers to Opportunity Australia to create a tribute to the entrepreneurial poor. Get Out Of Town then chipped in another $300 so here I am!

The funds go into a micro finance project taking place in the Philippines – the money of which setup a trust bank enabling 15-30 women the funds to start businesses of their very own.

Jasmin of A Women’s Investment has been raising funds for quite awhile for this. You can donate more funds through the various ways Jasmin has set up (including greeting cards) here

As for weddings? Well there are a number of ways you can incorporate giving into your wedding day.

Check out my previous posts Karma Currency and Vows To End Poverty for more ideas.

Entrepreneurs have a certain spirit- I have been so lucky to meet so many and to be one myself with Polka Dot Bride. There’s a tenacity, a drive, an imagination and a certain sparkle that comes along with it. I love organisations like Kiva (who i have supported for quite awhile) who enable those in poverty stricken countries to live their own dreams.

By writing this post, I’m hoping it can help Jasmin get her project off the ground and that many women will be able to experience the joy of running a business and escape the poverty cycle.

Photo from Treasure Trove Antiques

Ruby glass is a beautiful coloured glass available from antique shops or if you are really lucky – from collectable markets.

Photo from K & M Antiques

Used as a really special touch as part of your reception it invokes an air of the gentility of days gone by. Perhaps it brings back happy memories of your grandparents or other older relatives and could be used as a nod to these special people.

Photo from Aileen Manor

Available in decanters, compotes, cake stands, glass vases with frilly edges, pitchers and many other containers, they would look really pretty grouped together on your tables filled with voluptuous red or white roses or peonies, or with dainty old fashioned bouquets. A variety of bowls and cake stands would look beautiful on a dessert table filled with luxurious sweet treats.

Photo from K & M Antiques

Tall banquet lamps on tables with their glass shades graduating from ruby through to clear or white glass would cast a soft glow. One word of warning – put these special pieces away from the dancing action. It would be a shame to have these old pieces break on your special day.