Color Day: Always a Bridesmaid

Color always comes to mind when you think weddings! Typically the first things people ask are "have you set a date?" and "what are your colors?".  Bridesmaids dresses come in all colors and can help pull your look or theme together. So, in light of our Bridal Market Week recaps, here is a sample of some of the beautiful dresses and colors we can expect to see for Fall 2012. Click the links below the photos to see the full collections:

Images from Brides.com

1. Wtoo | 2. Watters | 3. Alfred Angelo for Disney | 4. Noir by Lazaro |

5. Ivy & Aster | 6. Jenny Yoo | 7 & 8. Alfred Angelo Collection | 9. Monique Lhuillier |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Vera Wang Bridesmaid Collection

 The old saying, "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" doesn't quite have the same meaning when the bridesmaids are decked out in Vera Wang.  Vera Wang's highlight anticipated Bridesmaid Collection with David's Bridal was revealed earlier this summer. Ranging from $150 - $250, these dresses are sleek, stylish, and incredibly affordable. The dresses come in a variety of colors to fit your palette, and range from elegant gowns to flirty frocks, perfect to fit every wedding style. Take a look!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Bridesmaid Look Book: All Dressed in White

The Royal Wedding has got us thinking: why can't the bridesmaids wear white too? We understand that the bride is the center of attention, etc. but in a way, having your bridesmaids dressed in white makes them blend in rather than stand out in their bright colors. It's a classy and elegant approach to dressing your bridesmaids, and may be preferred by brides who are into neutral shades or want to keep things simple. Here are some ideas:

Keep it short and sweet in this knee length chiffon dress from BHLDN. We love the sheer neckline and sweet bow detailing, and just wish they had this in a miniature version for the flower girl! Of course, just make sure your shade of white dress doesn't clash with your maids!

For a sleek, modern look, dress your girls in this simple sequined trim dress by Ralph Lauren. It's a wonderful compliment to a more minimalist bride, with just a bit of dazzle to make it more than your every day white dress. This is definitely a great look if you're going for an icy hot winter wedding.

Of course, you don't need to dress all in white. Throwing on a fun print is a great way to add some color without cluttering up your all white theme. In our opinion, this look seems best fit for when you just have one bridesmaid, or if you want to make your maid of honor stand out and leave the rest of the maids in all white.

Similarly, dress your girls in white (or off white) but add an all-over pattern to set them apart. We love this retro style dress from Mango, and think it's perfect for low key spring or summer weddings.

This basic pleated skirt dress is perfect for a casual summer wedding. It reminds us of the black and white look at the mom's wedding in Because I Said So, which can be elegant and sexy or simple and casual.

This may be one of our favorite dresses of the lot. It's short and sassy, with lots of pretty details around the neckline to create a charming overall look. Plus, this dress works for all seasons and wedding styles, so you can dress it up or down with the right hairstyle and jewelry.

If you haven't noticed, almost all of our selections are cocktail length, as choosing a floor length white gown for your bridesmaids can be very tricky. We think you can only really put it off if (1) the dress is much more simple than the wedding dress and (2) the bride has a lot of confidence.  For instance, this simple floor length gown from J. Crew (which is actually a wedding gown), would look great with a fuller or more detailed wedding dress. It's all about making them different enough so that the bride stands out. If Kate and Pippa could pull it off, so can you!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

How to Make the Cut: Selecting Your Bridesmaids

While we typically like to spread out our wedding posts, recently so many couples we know have gotten engaged, so we can't help but keep posting on the issues we feel are important to the planning process.  Once you're engaged, all of a sudden you are bombarded with the big questions: when is the date, where are you getting married, what are your colors, and who will be in your bridal party? The last question is something every bride and groom struggle with because the thought of disappointing someone they care about is extremely unsettling. There are many things to consider when narrowing down your list.  Will your BFF from 3rd grade remember your pact?  Can you pick cousin Claire, but leave out cousin Cassie, without causing major family drama? Would your oldest friend be upset if you choose a new friend instead?  Of course you don't want to offend your nearest and dearest, but there are only so many people you can pick to have standing up at the alter with you (unless you want it to look like a parade). First, you'll need to decide how many people you'll have, if any. Once you have that down, then it's time to do some real soul searching.  Sometimes you just know from the start who to pick but for those of you who don't here are some tips to help select your bridesmaids and avoid any awkward encounters:

1. Family Only: Coming from a large family may be overwhelming sometimes, but at least it will help in picking bridesmaids! Rather than choosing from all of your friends, you can just tell them "Sorry, I would love to have you but we are just keeping it family only!" and they'll understand. Plus, sometimes it's that much easier to boss around family, because they can't abandon you post wedding and are pretty much forced to love you no matter how Bridezilla you may get.

2.  Representatives from Each Nation: Okay, so we're not talking about the UN here, but choosing a representative from each group or part of your life is sometimes the safest way to go. If you have a group of hometown girls, college buddies, work friends, family, and a sister-in-law to be, why not choose from each category? Obviously, this will vary based on how many groups of friends you have, how large your family is, and if you or your future hubby have a sister! For example, Jen chose her best friend (Saira!), her sister, her sister-in-law to be, and a like-a-sister close friend from home. Her college friends understood, and a few of her other close friends were asked to participate in other ways so they still felt special.

3. Assign Tasks: If you're a fan of Friends, then you may remember at Phoebe's wedding how Ross, Chandler, and Joey were upset that they weren't groomsmen.  In the end, however, they all were able to be part of the wedding, just in different roles. At Jen's wedding, Tom wanted to involve his college roommate, but had too many groomsmen, so instead the roommate got ordained and was the officiant at the wedding! Jen (as mentioned above) had her hometown friends speak at the wedding, which made them part of the ceremony. There's always having ushers, asking someone to man the guestbook (Miranda in Sex and the City!), or asking a friend or family member to perform or even act as DJ for the night. If you are creative you can easily include lots of special people in non-bridal party roles!

4. Cruel to be Kind: Sometimes, none of these neat little categories will work. So when it comes down to it, choose the number of bridesmaids you want (if your groom chose his groomsmen already, this step is much easier but keep in mind that they don't actually have to match up) and make a list of all your friends who are in the running. You'll want to consider who you have known the longest, you are closest too emotionally, you are closest to geographically, who will help you the most in planning your wedding (especially when choosing your MOH), who asked you to be a bridesmaid as well (tit for tat, baby), whether choosing one girl will make another feel too left out (if so, strike both names) and so forth. It's not exactly a science, but you can get a system going to choose your bridesmaids.

5. Flying Solo:  Sure, it's nice to have help and people standing up for you. But, if you're really stressing about the selection process, why not eliminate the bridal party or maid of honor role altogether?  This has become quite popular in recent years as being a bridesmaid is expensive and time consuming.  Save yourself the worry of hurting someones feelings and save your girls the stress of having to buy a dress, throw a shower, pay for the bachelorette party, etc. Don't want to stand up there alone?  Your parents or guardians have always been there to support you.  So, be a little different and do what this couple did and invite them to share the spotlight with you.

BOTTOM LINE: Choosing bridesmaids, and particularly your MOH, can be a little tricky, but if you're upfront and honest in your decision, your girlfriends will understand. You may actually be surprised how many girls may be relieved not to be chosen -- it is really expensive after all. Explain to your friends how much they mean to you, ask them for guidance in other aspects of wedding planning, and call it a day. After all, your bridesmaids are meant as a source of comfort for you, not stress!  In the end, it is your day and it all comes down to who will be there for you and who is the absolute most reliable.  Who will keep you sane, take charge of tasks and time management, yell at the wait staff for putting all the candles in upside down, and, after seeing you at your craziest, still manage to love you? Those are the girls you want by your side.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Tips for the Bride: Bridesmaid Dresses

Weddings are all about the bride, and this post doesn't mean to take away from that. But we stand before all of you lovely brides begging that you please, please pick out bridesmaid dresses that are actually cute and pretty, and not what nightmares are made of! Here are some suggestions to ensure that your bridesmaids don't secretly hate you when you say "Aren't these dresses great? The best part is that you can shorten it and wear it again!" à la 27 Dresses:



1. One of the first decisions a bride makes is her wedding colors. Often times this decision is based on the season, what flowers are available, and overall theme, but many brides have already picked out their palette years ago. All we ask is that you steer away from clashing colors, neon shades, and colors that resemble baby food (unless it's pea green... which is a color that we actually kind of love).

Dark pink can be lovely on your bridesmaids! 

But hot pink plus multi-colored petticoats, yikes!

2. Remember Charlotte's bridesmaid dress in the first Sex and the City movie? The poor girl could barely walk! While a dramatic floor length mermaid dress may look amazing in the fitting room, walking down the aisle can end up being very dangerous for your besties. Instead, choose a dress that is pretty and comfortable, as your bridesmaids are going to spend all day and night on their feet. Also keep in mind your setting -- for instance, if you're having an outdoor wedding, then a structured floor length dress can get quite messy, so a floaty dress or a cocktail length may be more appropriate.

Try this!

Not this!

3. Most brides have an average number of 4 bridesmaids (the back of our Herbal Essence Conditioner said so), and you can be pretty sure that none of these girls have the same body type. So when picking out your dress, try to go with a style that flatters all of your bridesmaids silhouettes,  or go for the latest trend of dressing your bridesmaids in different cuts and styles of the same color.

They're all smiling because they know they look good!

4.  Don't forget about skin tones.  While a yellow might look great on darker skin it's possible your pale pink pals will look completely washed out.  Another trend these days is to let your bridesmaids wear the same dress, but in coordinating colors.  The shades not only compliment one another but also your bridesmaids skin tone so everyone will look their best.  Plus, this is a great way to incorporate multiple wedding colors and tie your dresses and theme together!

The perfect blend of shades to compliment a variety of skin tones!

5. If you love bows, giant flowers, or extra ruffles, then please be tasteful! Bows, ruffles, and the like used to be a nightmare of all brides (think 80's weddings), but nowadays many bridesmaid dresses incorporate these extra fills in a fresh and flirty way.

Giant bows don't have to be fussy!

6. Finally, we know creating a beautiful wedding can be very expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't cut some costs. Particularly, when choosing the bridesmaid dress, opt for something more affordable, or at the very least, if you go for something more pricey, then make it something that your bridesmaids will likely be able to wear again.  We are big fans of nice neutral colors like gray, black, or navy.

J. Crew's bridesmaid collection is definitely something we'd recycle!

Much love to all you blushing brides!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Tips for the Bride: Gifts for Bridesmaids

Every bride knows that a good bridesmaid goes a long way, and a great bridesmaid is irreplaceable. Traditionally, the bride and groom give their supporting cast a little gift as a thank you for all their love, support, and hard work. How small or big the gift is depends on your personal tastes, and of course, your budget. Here are some ideas to show your supporting ladies that you appreciate their hard work in helping you plan your wedding:

Girls are to bags like bees are to honey, so giving your bridesmaids a cute clutch will surely make you the "best bride ever". Etsy seller granspasragsnbags sells a number of handmade clutches in a variety of patterns and prints, so you can definitely find some clutches  that reflect your bridesmaids' style. Plus you can fill it with goodies (think lip gloss, nail polish, jewelry, whatever fits!) to give it an extra special touch.

But if your bridesmaids prefer function over form, then try out these eco friendly tote bags by Etsy selller shopjessbecause. They come in a number of different styles and are all handmade with recycled materials. You can also fill these bags up with some large scale extras as well, such as photo albums, flip flops, picnic blankets, etc. 

A really cute gift is a set of blank notebooks, like these pocket sized journals from Elum Designs. You can select a pattern that reflects your wedding theme and colors, and write a page containing a personalized note to each bridesmaid, thanking them for their contribution.

 

If your girlfriends have a thing for baking, then a cute printed apron and heart shaped baking pan would make for the sweetest gift. Anthropologie has an eclectic variety of colorful, printed aprons that is sure to channel the inner Julia Child of any bridesmaid. 

Show your bridesmaids that they are close to your heart with this detailed heart pendant from Etsy seller wiyomu. The necklace is adorned with several charms and comes in a ribboned gift box, ready for giving. The best part is that it can be specially ordered for bridal parties, so you can get a few necklaces and receive a little bit of discount! 

For the wine lovers in the group, we love these personalized wine charms by AddieRoseJewelry.  These wine charms are made of sterling silver and are hand stamped to give them a unique and one of a kind look.  Stamp them with their names, or get creative and have them stamped with something your girl loves, like authors, artists, TV Shows, famous couples, Star Wars characters... whatever floats your boat!

Every bridesmaid deserves a little pampering after all the work they've put into making your wedding day special!  Invite them to indulge a little and take some much needed time to relax. If you are not concerned about sticking to a budget, we can bet your girls will be forever grateful for a gift certificate to a spa or salon!  But, if money is an issue, we suggest treating them to some good-enough-to-eat bath/body essentials like these, available at Sephora. 

And, finally, one of our favorite options for a unique bridesmaids gift is this modern hammered silver cuff bracelet by fellow NJ resident tfakler! On the outside, this bracelet looks edgy and modern, but on the inside you can feel free to get all lovey dovey and express your gratitude with a personalized message.  Your maids will get a lot of use out of this stylish piece and always be reminded of how much you appreciate them!

Love thy bridesmaid.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Pretty in Polka Dots

When you think polka dots, you imagine Minnie Mouse, Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, and Gwen Stefani (in the "Don't Speak" video).  These ladies all have iconic style that is classy and fresh at the same time, and definitely makes them stand out from the crowd.  Now, the last time we put on a polka dot dress was in grade school, but we're ready for some excitement.  Here are some modern takes of the classic polka dot print:

This dress by Ralph Lauren is the epitome of the modern polka dot dress. The square neck and the flared skirt provide for a simple but well-proportioned fit, and is perfect for a night out on the town. Remember to accessorize with some red pumps, bold lipstick, and tons of attitude!

For a fun-filled day on the boardwalk, try out this multi-colored polka dot dress from Anthropologie. We love the A-line cut and the double spaghetti straps, and think it's a fun, flirty look for the summer. 

Solid skirts and tops can get a bit monotonous, so jazz up your office style with this polka dot sheath dress from Kohl's! The large black polka dots against the white dress give it a crisp and vibrant look, and we love the yellow belt, which adds a discrete pop of color to your ensemble! Throw on some pumps, grab your portfolio, and you're good to go!

Red and white polka dots aren't only for Mickey's number one squeeze.  This cute and flirty sundress available at Mod Cloth is great for a summer barbecue, and the lightweight cotton will keep you fresh and cool all day long.

For a sexier look, try this mesh overlay dress by Top Shop. The sheer lining gives this an edgy look, but the side pocket balances it out for a sexy but sweet outfit.

If you want to steer away from the classic black-and-white, try this sunshine yellow halter dress by Adrianna Papell. The lightweight fabrics makes this a great look for summer bridal showers and will compliment your golden summer tan!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Hair Style Look Book: Bridal Braids

For weddings and other special events, the details matter! That includes everything from the dress to the shoes to the jewelry and, of course, to the hair. Braids are a fresh, fun twist to add to traditional hairstyles. Perfect for the modern bride looking for a more unique look, braids can be used to frame your face and soften an updo, add character to loose curls, and give a boho feel to a formal occasion. Here are some looks that we thought were particularly pretty, ranging from more structured updos to more loose and casual locks. 

Happy styling!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Tips for the MOH: Garden party bridal shower

The Maid of Honor has a ton of responsibilities, including, of course, the bridal shower! If your bride is getting married in the spring, a popular theme for bridal showers is to throw a garden party! It's fun, pretty, and easy on the wallet. Plus after this long stretch of winter, relaxing outside in a garden sounds like a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Here are a few tips for the resourceful MOH:

Venue: The best part about having a garden party is throwing it in your very own backyard, or asking a friend or family member of the bride's to contribute. You will save big bucks on not having to rent a venue, plus the ambiance is already there! If you live in a city where space is tight, you could always reserve a space in the park, set up tables and chairs, and have your own intimate party. And of course, many hotels and restaurants have gardens that would be absolutely perfect, but pricey! 

Invites: Invitations can be very pricey, so be creative! Have an artistic friend create and print up invitations, check out your local party stores for pretty and affordable packages, or buy online! Here are some cute invites we found to help give you an idea:

What to serve: Finger foods and tea sandwiches are perfect for bridal showers. The best part is that these foods are made easily at home, and you have a lot of options! For those on a budget, veggie platters, fresh fruit, and cucumber sandwiches are a simple and classy option. Throw in some tea and lemonade, and you're set! For those looking for a more substantial meal, add in some appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms, pasta salad, and pastry puffs, and have homemade cobblers, pies, or petite fours for dessert! It will be tasty, intimate, and easy to serve. Here are some mouthwatering images to inspire your inner chef -- just click for recipes!

Decor: If you picked an outdoor location, most of your decorations are already taken care of! But to help keep the theme going, dress up tables with white or light colored table cloths, use napkins and silverware to add in a pop of color, and dress up all the tables with vases full of wild flowers. And whenever possible, try to incorporate the wedding colors as well as the bride's flower selections to help create a coherent look. Here are some examples of simple yet lovely garden party decor:

Favors: A great way to save money is to make your table settings your party favors. Decorate tables with vases full of flowers and candles, which can double as party favors for all your guests. Of course you can always get additional favors, such as scented soaps, candies, and little trinkets in addition to the decor (look for a post on shower favors in the coming weeks!) but this is a nice way to save money and keep things simple.

In the end, throwing a bridal shower can be confusing, overwhelming, expensive, and daunting. But with a little bit of creativity, and some penny pinching, you can throw a beautiful bridal shower that reflects your bride's personality and that she is sure to treasure forever! That's all for now dolls, have a great weekend!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira