Tag: bridesmaid dress ideas
courtesy of mywedding.com
Everyone knows that a wedding day is all about the bride ((insert groom to be polite)), but of all the brides I’ve ever known, not a single one of them has ever been dead set on leaving everyone else out in order to achieve her grand status. Sure, there will always be the boo-tastic bridezilla exceptions, but generally speaking, most brides want their big day to be a big day for everyone else too.
Brides ((okay, and grooms)) want their guests to laugh and enjoy. They want their bridal party to dance and cheer. But most of all, they want their family and friends to leave feeling with a feeling of exhaustion from all the fun and excitement… it’s simply how they roll. After all, what bride wants the day that’s “all about them” to be one everyone else marks with distain and ill repute? Um, I’d hope none!
Which is precisely why I love Love LOVE the idea of statement bridesmaid dresses! I mean, helllloooo!?!? Your bridesmaids are not cookie cutter friend prototypes; so, why would you ever want them in cookie cutter dresses? You wouldn’t!
Hence, why so many brides are turning to retro patterns, colorful pallets, hand-me-down favorites and vintage accessories, in order to create the perfect look for their big day. More and more, today’s modern bride is pairing similar colors with different shapes and patterns in order to create a unique, fun ensemble that suits both the bodies of her bridesmaids, as well as her overall aesthetic… truly, making it a win / win for all involved!
Don’t believe me?? Check out below, and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) weddingchicks.com, greenweddingshoes.com, marthastewartweddings.com, bridalbook.ph, snippetandink.blogspot.com, weddingobsession.com and greatexpectationsky.com
This kind of look can be achieved in a number of ways. You can find a dozen or so dresses that you enjoy and let them select personal favorites or for you braver brides, you send some of your most trusted ladies out to raid closets and find what works best for those on TIGHT budgets. One of my personal favorite solutions: hit up your local paint store, pick out and pair up your favorite color swatches. Then, provide your ‘maids with a base color pallet they can use to find their dress.
It’s really up to you, but the conclusion will no doubt be the same… unique dresses for unique girls for a unique day! Whoop, whoop!
September 27, 2011
It’s no secret that a wedding day is all about the bride (and groom… I guess… hehe), but that doesn’t mean wedding guests should feel the need to take liberties on their appearences simply out of spite. In fact, unless instructed otherwise by the bride, there are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing for a wedding, and it’s important that those in attendence are aware.
Why? You may ask.
Well, we all know that fashion – to oh so many people – is a form of expressive art. Everyone from the goth gurus and boho chic chickies to the prep-tastic pretties and casual cuties knows a thing or two about showing the world who they are through clothing. Fashion, after all, can be a truly powerful thing.
But with great power, comes great responsibility, which is precisely why I’ve assembled the following photographic collage (shown below) to assist you in using that power. You may think all eyes are on the bride… but not when heinously clad guests choose to use their powers for evil, instead of good. So, unless given the direct go-ahead from the future Mr. and Mrs. themselves, it’s safe to say the following DON’Ts should be advised and executed accrdingly:
1. DON’T (try to) Upstage the Bride. You could end up looking like an idiot. Just ask Fergie’s daughters. Yikes.
Whatever you do, don’t try to pull off what the daughters of Prince Andrew and Fergie did during their "look-at-me" arrival for the Royal Wedding. I mean, really?!? What I can’t understand is they are both girls; so, why didn't at least one of them think to ask, "How do I look?" before leaving the safety of their homes? Not good, ladies, not good at all. (photo courtesy of people.com)
2. DON’T Wear White. Because “pure” will be the last thing anyone thinks of you… unless that pure is followed by an evil. Just saying.
Let the bride have her day, and stray away from white. Don’t see how it could be a distraction? Well, just ask Jane Fonda when she looked all kinds of ridiculous as JLo’s mother in law in 2005’s ‘Monster in Law.’ 5 syllables: In-uh-pro-pre-ate. (photo courtesy of wwwcinemastyle.blogspot.com)
3. DON’T Sport Wardrobes that may Malfunction. Because I don’t care how HAWT-to-trot you are (or think you are), no one needs it trotting in their faces.
Chances are there will be some down and dirty, reception dancing, and regardless of how down or dirty you’re planning on getting, you don’t need to wear something that would reveal either. Nobody wants to be caught on Facebook or YouTube pulling off their best Janet Jackson impression – eek! (photo courtesy of bizofshowbiz.com)
4. DON’T do anything Lady Gaga would Do. Trust me. She’s the only one who could pull it off, and sometimes – just sometimes – I’m not 100% convinced even she can…
Back! Get back, evil doer! Between the Kermit the Frog get up and the one you could literally ‘pop’ to this ^^ disaster, I think it's pretty safe to say that "statement" fashion should be left to Lady Gaga and the red carpet... Not your cousin's wedding. (photo courtesy of deepbottle.com)
And last, but ceratinly not least — in fact, this beaut should be the #1 don’t…
5. DON’T get too Drunk & think You’re ‘Somebody’. Over intoxication looks good on no one, no matter what outfit its accessorizing.
I mean, who wants to be the person talked about in past tense? ‘And to think I USED to have a crush on her… My, my, my, wasn’t she like the cutest thing ONCE?’ I’m all for having a good time, but outta control, hot mess should never be the way one goes about it. Right, Linds? (photo courtesy of picpiggy.com)
June 16, 2011
Rent the Runway is an online store that allows customers to rent designer clothing – worth thousands in paper cheddar - for mere pennies on the dollar. Born out of New York City, Rent the Runway gives solution to the age old anomaly: “closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear,” and I have to admit, I’m rather impressed :)
Created by two Harvard Business School Jennifers - known to their friends affectionately as Jenn and Jenny – Rent the Runway houses countless name brands that you can rent out and wear on special occasions without the dramatic depletion to your checking account. With over 95 designers to choose from, they will gladly send you two sizes of the dress (or accessories) of your choosing at up to 90% off the retail cost… they even take care of the return shipping!
My girlfriend Rachel – holler, Rachie! – did this for our friend’s Lauren’s NYE wedding, and she looked absolutely fabulous! Already a b.e.a.uuuutiful girl, she rocked the reception in a Milly Kimono-me dress which retails at $445 for the low, low price of $50. See below:
Rent Here:
Wear Here:
Showin' off the duds at an NYE wedding!
With the newlywed, Lauren Lou, and yours truly! (my dress was from the 75% off rack @ JCP - boo yeah!)
**Work it out, Rach!** Rent the Runway has been featured in just about every fashion magazine, television program and most recently, they expanded their line into weddings! Whoo hoo! Now, brides have the opportunity to rent from the BEST designers the wedding world has to offer for themselves and/or their bridesmaids! Love this idea, not only for brides on a budget, but any ladies lookin’ to feel fabulous and retain savings! Check it out below:
January 21, 2011
photo courtesy of snippetandink.blogspot.com
Every bride always says it, and every bridesmaid always dreads it: “Really, girls, the best part about this dress is you could shorten it and wear it again!”
…
Um, no… no, you can’t. Nine times out of ten (at least!), a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaids dress. I made no qualms to my ladies-in-waiting; while they were able to select the dress they liked best, it was still going to ’maid-tastic :)
But alas, there is a solution! Bridesmaid beauts and please conscious brides, may you find solace in the exception that proves the rule. For the one in ten times dresses can be worn again… say it with me… PRINTS!
While prints or patterned dresses may come off seemingly less formal, really are a fantastic way to incorporate vintage glam and retro chic style into even the most mod of wedding settings. And because of their universal appeal, they can easily be re-worn for other weddings, formal gatherings or simply putting on your Sunday best!
Check out some of my favorite printed princesses:
photo courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
photo courtesy of google.com
photo courtesy of greatexpectationsky.com
photo courtesy of onestylishbride.com
photo courtesy of jesslehry.com
photo courtesy of wedding-for-two.com
August 16, 2010
Picture this to infinity and beyond! (photo courtesy of smh.com.au)
Move over, Katherine Heigl; there’s a new bridesmaid beaut in town!
Jill Stapleton has set the new bridesmaid bar, but my question is… who will break it? According to the Huffington Post, Jill Stapleton – an Ohio dance instructor – broke the Guinness World Record for most bridesmaids in a single wedding. 110 to be exact.
I have to admit, when I first heard about this story, I was like, “Really, Jill? Really??” Who has a 110 close friends? Let alone 110 close friends they’d want in their wedding photos?? However, after hearing the story in full, it’s actually pretty cute.
Stapleton’s 110 bridesmaids were actually 110 of her dance students. Ranging from tiny tots to tween queens, these world record breaking bridesmaids were all dolled up in various shades of aqua blues, royal purples and sea greens in order to march down the aisle all in the name of love! According to Jill, it was a “fairytale” wedding for all!
**Side Note: The former World Record for most bridesmaids was 90, but you can be darn sure I’ll be waiting on pins and needles to see who can top 110. Challenge noted and extended. I look forward to seeing who accepts :)
June 16, 2010
It’s time we just put all the cards out on the table… While we may never admit it to their faces, we’ve all been involved in a wedding where being a bridesmaid felt more like a punishment. Namely, because of the ill fitting, unflattering, over-the-top uncomfortable torture chambers we were forced to wear. Yes, ladies, I’m referring to the ever (in)famous (dun dun dun!) bridesmaid dress.
While bridesmaids’ dresses have come a long way from their 1980 counterparts – eek!!!
photo courtesy of somethingbluedesignscalgary.blogspot.com
There are still quite a few in the mix that are downright dreadful. Sure, there may not be as many metallic fabrics, ruffled sleeves or giant bows available, but even with all the 2010 trendsetting options, there are still ones that simply should be left on the shelf.
Yet, I digress. We can’t blame a bride entirely for making us prance around like “What Not to Wear” victims. In fact, she’s merely the messenger. She may have found the dress and made you wear it, but she sure as heck didn’t design it. Therefore, I say we blame the designers of these dresses by demolishing their epic fails and turning them into something we can love (and never have too many of)… throw pillows!
While researching different ways to salvage old dresses, I came across an article Samantha Baldwin wrote for the Examiner.com where she provided step by step instructions on how to turn drab bridesmaid dresses into fab home décor!
Being an avid fan of anything artsy fartsy and creating throw pillows myself, I was all over this idea like white on rice! Making pillows is SUPER easy – truuuuuust me, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it – and can save you a boat load of money. It doesn’t take much time at all, and since the material is already provided, the cost will be next to nothing! Below are some of Baldwin’s examples, as well as Marilyn’s Keepsakes step by step instructions on how to create decorative pillows of your own!
From drab to fab! Turn old bridesmaid's dresses into warm home accessories! (photo courtesy of examiner.com)
Step by Step Instructions to Create your own Pillows!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Bridesmaid Dress for Destroying
- Scissors
- Sewing Needles
- Color-coordinating Thread
- Straight Pins
- Sewing Machine
- Iron + Ironing Board
- Pillow Stuffing
Instructions:
- Find it. Find the old bridesmaid dress debacle(s) and lay them out flat on the floor.
- May it pay. Take out your anger on the dress (and all the tragic pictures it caused) by cutting away any zippers, seams, necklines or hems; so, you’re only left with non-stitched, raw material.
- Shape it up. Consider the shape you want to create. Be mindful of the amount of material you have, as you will need to create to equal halves of the same shape. Of course, it’s easiest for beginners to stick to simpler geometric shapes (ie squares or rectangles) before working their way up to, let’s say, a 12 pointed star.
- Cut it out. Next, cut two identical shapes out of the raw fabric, allowing at least a 1/2″ for the inseam. If you notice the fabric frays easily, be sure to add stitching to the edges to prevent any extra wear and tear.
- Pin it up. With the material flipped inside out, place a pair of matching sides together and pin them neatly into place.
- Stitch it up. Begin stitching the two identical shapes together, leaving space for your inseam and a small opening at the end. **For the more sewing savvy divas creating rounder shapes, don’t forget to cut small, equidistant slits along the outer edges of any curves you may have. This will ensure your pillow has a smoother shape.
- Turn it out. After stitching the two shapes together – while still leaving a small opening at the end for stuffing – turn the casing right side out and iron it flat.
- Let it breathe. Then, prepare your small opening by tucking a half inch of fabric inside the pillow and ironing it flat.
- Stuff it full. Once the casing has been ironed flat, stuff it to your desired fluffiness. **Pillow filler works great and is available at most local craft stores, but you can use whatever you want to fill it up – beans, Styrofoam balls, feathers, cut up t-shirts, etc.
- Close it up. Finally, stitch your pillow closed and enjoy it!!! (Perhaps for the first time ever!)
April 12, 2010
This past weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my girlfriend Corrie’s wedding, and in a word… it was a delight. I have had the honor of knowing the now Mrs. Laker since Freshman year of high school, and she has been nothing short of an extraordinary friend, and more notably, an extraordinary person. She knows one speed: unstoppable and has had more adventures in 25 years, than most will have in a lifetime. She’s unique, daring, fabulous and absolutely hilarious and her abundant kindness could only possibly be topped by her incredible sense of style … so, you can imagine… I was pumped to see what she had planned for her big day!
And surprise-sa-freakin-surprise, it was brilliant. The whole day – well, at least to the uninvolved eye – went off without a hitch! Everything was beautiful, and one thing I particularly lllllllloved (please note the emphasis on love) was her choice of bridesmaids dresses. In complete Corrie fashion, she gave all of her bridesmaids only one restriction in purchasing their dresses: make sure it’s black.
There was no hullabaloo about length, cut, material or design. She just wanted all the bridesmaid dresses to be black, and even though every girl had on a completely different look, they coordinated seamlessly through the timeless look only black can achieve and the breezy confidence that came from each girl of wearing something she loved. It was executed on a coolness level I’m convinced only Corrie could achieve, and I would gladly encourage any bride to be out there struggling with finding the “perfect bridesmaid dress” (*hint: this doesn’t exist - hehe) to seriously consider this as an option.
It cuts the risk on finding a dress that “will work” for every girl in your wedding party and gives an opportunity for every girl to “work it!” Even if you’re worried about the formality of the color black for a less formal, afternoon wedding, don’t be. Black is the one shade that will always be in style and can be coordinated with any color you’ve already planned, imagined or even invented. It’s something different and REALLY works well for a bridal party that consists of several different shapes, sizes and personalities!
And for the perfect “little black dress,” visit shopstyle.com, which can narrow your ideal by size, color, cut and price!
A few of the bridesmaids showing off their "little black dresses."
Gathered around the bride!
Corrie, the bride with a million genius ideas, posing with her gorgeous Mama! (For cereal, TWINS!)
January 4, 2010
