Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Fashion NOW!

Pic From Wedding Blurb

 We are seeing a decline in the same dress, same shoe, same hair, same jewelry, same same same bridesmaid looks. 

Brides are beginning to get very creative with the options they give their maids and we just love the creativity and visual interest it provides. 










There are lots of fabulous combos and options out there which still provide an element of unity:
                                                                                                                                                                               

Pic from theknot.com


- Same dress with personalized jewelry

- Each bridesmaid can wear a unique fascinator (yep - we are still loving them and would love to see more of them)

- Each can wear a different style of dress in the same color and texture of fabric

- Each bridesmaid can simply wear purple (or pink or yellow or coral or whatever you like).

- Each can wear a totally different dresses with one common element (like length,lace detail, or one-shouldered). 






One of favorite favorite favorite bridal party ensembles EVER was all 9 maids in completely different sequined party dresses.   Adorable (and fun!).

This trend (we hope it stays for a long time) is so refreshing.  Remember, your bridesmaids are individuals first, your maids second.  Matching their dresses to your sash exactly and providing a PMS color for shoes and jewelry is a thing of the past.   Your gals will appreciate it, too.  But remember to be specific and send ideas, especially to your maids who may be less fashion-forward or interested in baubles, fabrics, feathers and all things girly. 

Tip:  Instead of giving your maids jewelry as their gift, change it up and give them a vintage brooch affixed to their bouquets.  They can then remove the brooch and wear it during the reception for a little added party flair!  

Haute Bride has a great collection of brooches (available locally at two of our fave bridal shops Big Rock Little Rooster and La Jeune Mariee) if you don't have time to comb the vintage shops.

Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Dresses They Will Wear Again!

Picking out bridesmaid dresses can be challenging and VERY time-consuming.  There are so many factors to consider: 
Does this dress match the overall look of my wedding?
Will it look good on all of my girls?
Does this material work with the material of my dress?
How much is too much to spend? 
And the million dollar question:  WOULD THEY WEAR IT AGAIN?

The good news is that whenever you have multiple ladies in the same dress, you will have immediate continuity, which is great for pictures and also making them stand out as your chosen ones.  Also good news, your bridesmaids just want you to be happy, ultimately, they will wear a potato sack if you ask them to!  So don't fret too terribly much.  Whatever you choose will be great. 

Ordering traditional bridesmaid dresses (they have come a looooooong way) from the traditional outlets can be relatively headache free, however, if you are looking for that uber chic fashion-forward dress, you may want to consider some "out of the box" options. 

For the savvy bride who truly wants to give her maids a gift, think about considering a dress off the rack at your favorite boutique or department store or finding one online.  Not only will your girls thank you (wow!  A Milly dress!  I love it!), but you may be able to find a GREAT deal out there. 

Here are a few options we recommend:

This powder blue ABS by Allen Schwartz dress can be found at Bloomingdales.com for $330.00.  There are TONS of great party frocks out there right now because it's Spring (wedding season!) and also Prom is right around the corner.   

This light pink LM by Mignon Tiered Pink Tulle dress can also be found at bloomingdales.com for the NICE price of $141.00.

The options are endless on bloomie's.  They have a great return policy and you can usually find  promotional codes to save a bit.   If you can't find all the sizes you need online, don't fret!  The stores will have what online may not.  Simply call customer service and ask them to locate them for you.  It may take a bit of elbow grease, but your gals will sure thank you for it!

Bluefly.com is another favorite option of ours.  You can search by price and by color which makes narrowing down the plethora of choices easier.  One downfall is that what they have available is all there is, so don't get your heart set on a dress before determining that the sizes you need are available.  The prices are so incredibly reasonable that alterations costs shouldn't be an issue for your maids if you can't find exactly their size. 

This vibrant blue Alexia Admor is a super flattering cut and the price is the most flattering of all.   At just $91 (down from $225) your maids pocket-books AND wardrobes will thank you!  Also comes in jade.  Sizes XS-L.  

Absolutely ADORE this Mikael Aghal turquoise taffeta number.  It also comes in a stunning rose color.  Retail value is $330.00 and you can get it for the lovely price of $142.30 on Blue Fly. 

Also considering searching for your bridesmaid dress at your favorite local boutique.  If you love to outfit yourself from there, chances are, you will find something that you would love to outfit your girls in!  Our favorite local boutique, Rowe, has a great selection of fabulous dresses that are fashion-forward and unique.  The best part about purchasing bridesmaid dresses from your favorite boutique is that the store can probably order for you any sizes that they don't have in stock and help you with any alterations.  Not to mention, you will be supporting a local business and that's always chic (and appreciated).  

How fun is this yellow Jay Godfrey frock at Rowe?   Boutique shopping will also allow for easy accessorizing.  Let the experts help you decide what will look best with the dress. Retails for $390 at Rowe.  contact Rowe for sizing. 

And last but not least, we LOVE this adorable Ali Ro dress at Rowe.   It has a great shape and would look amazing on just about any figure.  This fun and flirty dress will look great on your maids on your wedding day and at any affair they attend after.  Retails for $368 at Rowe.  Contact Rowe for sizing. 

Good luck!  It's a big, bright, fashionable world out there.  Need help?  Contact us!