The Wedding Party: Bridesmaids (1 of 3)

So you just got engaged and it’s time to pick those special ladies that will support you throughout the journey to your big day. Once that decision has been made, you are all off to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses. What better way to show your appreciation than by making those closest to you look as beautiful as ever. Below are some of the most popular and exciting bridesmaid trends.

If you are looking to keep a traditional feel to your wedding, choosing to have the bridesmaids wear the same color and dress is the way to go.

Looking for something a bit more unique. Why not try a different style of dress, but all still the same color. This way the ladies will be able to choose a style that best fits them and their personality, while still having your wedding party look put together.

Today we are seeing more and more brides choosing to have their bridesmaids wear different styles and colors. Some decide to go with different shades of the same color, while others opt for completely different colors, but all still within the wedding theme and color palate. Just make sure if you choose this route you spend time ensuring the mix of colors are nicely balanced.

For those really looking to make a bold statement, pattern in bridesmaids dresses is a fun trend to consider as well.

Photography Credit:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496521927653517450/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/343610646552758042/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/174514554291979136/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131026670389652504/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/102597697738722203/

https://www.brideside.com

Vendor Spotlight: Linyage

If you’ve ever considered incorporating a family heirloom into your wedding attire (a grandparent’s wedding gown for example) or even just found yourself inspired by the vintage charm of lace, you must consult linyage design house.  Designer Lindsay Ulness and Creative Director Sarah Hrudka want to help brides reimagine their something old and something new.  By incorporating lace either from the bride or from Lindsay’s personal collection, linyage creates a new piece, custom fit for the wearer and imbued with history and one-of-a-kind charm.  

linyage also creates vintage-inspired lingerie, lace toppers, and more.  If you’re interested in having a unique piece made for your wedding, linyage is the answer—check out photos of their work here and their Facebook here.  

CBE Owners’ Monirose Bespoke Gowns

Before this year’s annual Frostiball at the Overture Center for the Arts,  Andrea and Sarah, owners of Cherry Blossom Events, partook in a very special process.  Each had a custom gown created for the event by Monirose, a bespoke bridal gown designer in Madison, Wisconsin.  

Monica of Monirose is a self-taught designer whose passion for custom one-of-a-kind gowns began during her own wedding dress search.  Unable to find something she truly loved at the price point she hoped for, she realized she could create her own—and she did!  And now she does exactly that for brides who crave a unique gown and a more personal experience when choosing what to wear on their special day.  Having been able to see her skills first hand as their past brides, bridesmaids and even mothers of the bride have worked with Monica, Sarah and Andrea fell in love with her process and decided it was a perfect fit for their Frostiball gowns.

Considering a custom wedding gown?  Andrea and Sarah share their experience with Monirose Bespoke Bridal:

We loved the experience of selecting fabrics and having such a personal experience with fashion.  It was amazing to see all of Monica’s beautiful work and watch her sketches come to life. We would recommend a custom gown with Monica to anyone!  It’s amazing to have a dress created just for you and your shape.  It was especially lovely to share the experience with each other for such a fun night out for us!

 

 

 

 

Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses for Your Outdoor Wedding

As the weather really starts to warm up and more of the season’s weddings move outdoors, we’ve turned our attention to the best trends in bridesmaids outfits for warm-weather celebrations.  

These mix and match sundresses are a wonderful way to allow each of your bridesmaids to choose a dress they love.  The variation on the theme of your colors keeps things looking cohesive—with shades across the spectrum, very different textures, and even some fun pattern, each bridesmaid gets to look uniquely themselves and a part of your wedding theme and colors.  And we love the wedges for more casual outdoor spring weddings!

Is your style a bit more glamorous? You don’t have to go super light and flowy to do an outdoor wedding—choose luxe fabrics and details in a lighter color, and have bridesmaids opt for relaxed hairstyles.  This way, you don’t have to sacrifice any of the glam because of the heat.  And how sweet are the parasols?

Light flowy fabric.  Super bold print.  Pretty maxi style dress.  These tropical bridesmaids dresses are so fun and so cool.  A really gutsy pattern like this is a great way to add some visual interest to your wedding party’s attire, while the style and fabric of these allows your bridesmaids to stay cool in the sun.  

Image Credits:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFr7cdQjBvC/?taken-by=theknot

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259776660/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259776670/

Vendor Spotlight: Brandi’s Bridal Galleria

You deserve to feel special and pampered during your wedding dress search.  That’s exactly what Brandi’s Bridal Galleria strives to deliver!  Brandi’s is known for their wonderful selection of high end, fashion forward gowns and their affordable prices—the best of both worlds.  

Brandi of Brandi’s Bridal grew up in Monroe, Wisconsin and studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at Illinois State University.  After working in the industry in jobs in San Francisco and New York City, she returned to her roots in the Midwest.  She opened Brandi’s Bridal in 2003 and it has been named “Wisconsin’s Best” place to buy your bridal gown 10 years running by Wisconsin Bride.  The Galleria also boasts a wide selection of bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and prom dresses as well as tuxedos.  

Brandi’s Bridal Galleria is located in New Glarus, Wisconsin.  You can schedule an appointment via the number listed on their website here.  

Minimalist Wedding Design (1 of 2)

When you think of the term “minimalist”, what comes to mind?  Lots of people assume that “minimal” will really mean “empty” or “boring.”  But not so!  Instead, minimalism can mean a range of things, and ultimately looks like simplified, thoughtful design.  For the first of our two posts about minimalist wedding design, we’ll talk about invitations, dresses, and bouquets.

Set the tone for your simplified celebration right away with pared-down invitations.  Under the umbrella term of ‘minimalism’, your personal style has a place.  Pretty and feminine, modern and bold, or classic and traditional—wherever you are on the spectrum, catch your guests’ interests with these simple styles.

When it comes to choosing the perfect dress, embracing minimalism doesn’t have to mean giving up on sparkle, texture, or beautiful design.  Instead, consider clean lines, thoughtful structure, and relatively low-fuss style.

Keep flowers simple and natural by sticking to one type or one color palette.  Add texture and warmth with natural-looking elements like burlap or twine.

Remember that simple doesn’t have to mean boring and that minimalist design can be applied to any style to lend elegance and intentionality.  What are other ways to use minimalist design to really make your wedding memorable?  Check back later this week when we’ll be discussing minimalist tablescapes and wedding cakes!

 

Image Credits:

http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=3105883271&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=5444129&frame=1&click=0&user=0

https://www.etsy.com/listing/192086794/printable-wedding-invitation-modern?ref=listing-shop-header-3

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259155399/

http://www.bhldn.com/shop-the-bride-wedding-dresses/darla-camisole-and-delia-maxi-skirt

https://www.boho-weddings.com/2015/09/15/house-of-ollichon-luxury-jumpsuits-and-playsuits/

http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/bridal-runway-shows/2015/10/slide=5?mbid=social_pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259155489/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259155853/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/452893306259155847/

https://www.google.com/search?q=minimalist+bouquet&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=599&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjkz4u0hILMAhXC74MKHbjWC5AQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=2L0haDs5NZv2dM%3A

Top 5 Trends for Boho Weddings

The traditional rules of wedding design are long gone! In their place- a wedding that is rich in personality, nature, and creativity. Think laid back atmosphere, fresh wildflowers, lots of greenery, pillowed seating, layered patterned rugs, long, flowy dresses, and a vast amount of variety! To get you started, here are the top 5 trends for boho weddings!

Tepees:

Tepees have taken over the boho wedding scene by storm! Brides and grooms all over are embracing this new approach to outdoor weddings as a unique way to bring their friends and family together. We suggest using lots of twinkle lights to create a warm, intimate atmosphere that is enjoyable for everyone!

 

 

Unconventional Seating:

Dare to be different by changing up the seating for your guests! We love this idea, because working with a variety of seats can add lots of character and personality to your wedding. You can mix and match chairs, exchange chairs for benches, or even bring in antique couches for your guests to sit on during the ceremony.

 

 

Naked Cakes:

Brides are choosing to bare it all when it comes to their wedding cake! For a more earthy looking cake, go the unfrosted route. Sprinkle on fresh flowers and greenery to make sure it gets the attention it deserves!

Watercolor Invitations:

Watercolor invitations are a beautiful way to ask friends and family to join you on your big day. This type of stationary gives off a whimsical, relaxed vibe that is sure to excite all of your loved ones. The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your wedding invitations using watercolors. We simply can’t get enough of this pretty paper!

 

 

Mix-matched Bridesmaid Dresses:
When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, brides are quickly jumping on the mix-matched bandwagon, and we can’t blame them! You love your bridesmaids for their individuality, so why not have them wear dresses that show off their personality? You can easily attain this look by switching up the style of the dress, the color, or both! We love the contrast that these unique dresses bring to your wedding party!

 

 

Photography Credit:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185562447123750230/
http://www.spelldesigns.com/blog/inspiration/spellxmasparty-2015/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/404901822723408110/

http://greenweddingshoes.com/southwestern-inspired-ojai-ranch-wedding-jenieva-tyler/

http://aisleperfect.com/2013/12/now-trending-naked-wedding-cakes.html

http://www.stylemepretty.com/vault/image/2148657

http://alisonlawsoncakes.com/wedding-cakes/

http://shannonkirsten.blogspot.com/search?q=boho

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2013/06/26/colorful-diy-backyard-wedding/

http://greenweddingshoes.com/bohemian-fall-wedding-in-texas-hill-country-caitlin-brandon-part-1/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199354720983708143/

http://greenweddingshoes.com/styling-ideas-for-boho-bridesmaids/

http://www.brit.co/mismatched-bridesmaids-dress-ideas/

http://www.deerpearlflowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/non-matching-loong-sleeves-lace-bridesmaid-dresses-for-boho-weddings.jpg

Fall Wedding Myths (1 of 2)

An autumn wedding doesn’t have to be pumpkin centerpieces and foliage hues. Instead try incorporating some of fall’s newest trends to debunk these common myths.

You must have a Fall Foliage Color Scheme

Although these color schemes can be beautiful, it doesn’t mean you have to incorporate them. Instead get inspired by rich and glamorous hues that still fit the season. We suggest considering plum or marsala mixed with creams or whites, or deep blue which pairs exquisitely with shades of gold. If your heart is set on bright, summery colors try combining them with a darker fall hue.

  

  

 Your Bridesmaid Dresses should Incorporate Heavy Material

Avoiding super summery fabrics such as eyelet may be a smart choice, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid all lightweight fabrics. Silk can be a perfectly appropriate choice for a fall wedding. The deciding factor should really be which fabric and color is going to complement your special ladies best. Trust us, no one is going to complain if you put them in a slimming dark number. You can always add accents of bright colors in their flowers or sashes if you end up choosing a dark bridesmaid dress.

  

Photography Credit:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/80290805833319510/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168181367310973495/

http://www.weddingomania.com/34-elegant-navy-and-gold-wedding-ideas/

http://www.buzzfeed.com/terripous/fall-in-love-with-fall-weddings

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ff/0d/9d/ff0d9de6e359fb5a7ab3e00b4aab5d30.jpg

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489696159454797279/

Match Your Hairstyle to Your Wedding Dress

You have the perfect dress, now you just need the perfect wedding day hairstyle. With a wide variety of dress styles today, finding the perfect hairstyle that equally compliments your dress but won’t steal the spotlight can be difficult. With these simple tips you will be well on your way to finding your perfect hairstyle!

High-Collar Wedding Dress

A topknot creates a clean, sophisticated hairstyle that plays up the ultra-formal feel of a high neckline. And a high bun elongates your neck, making it easier to pull off more dramatic detailed collars that would otherwise compete with your hair. A braid as a headband can also add embellishment without detracting from the gown, or you can keep it classic with a ballerina bun.

 

Bateau-Neckline Wedding Dress

A bateau neckline skims along the collarbone to show only the faintest hint of skin, which creates a classic silhouette that is very feminine. For an equally classic look choose a simple low bun. For modern look consider a high ponytail with some volume.

V-Neck Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses with a V-neck draws the eye vertically, which elongates your neck, and will you make you look long and lean. To complement this style, try wearing your hair down with loose curls and deep side part. Or if you’re going for a more casual look, consider soft beach waves.

 

 

One-Shoulder Wedding Dress

With an asymmetrical neckline there are two directions you can go. Side-swept curls or a braid will balance the neckline and cover your shoulder. While a side-swept updo will focus attention on the neckline and won’t get in the way of shoulder details.

 

Strapless Wedding Dress

A strapless dress pairs great with a number of hairstyles, but we love the idea of pairing a shoulder-baring updo with this silhouette. Another exquisite look is loose waves. It ads versatility in photographs, and it can work with or without a veil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography credit:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/100134791691726524/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/115827021640439481/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415175659371426718/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/555420566520916854/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86835099042008996/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86835099042411602/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324540716876056959/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26669822768279896/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204702745538254480/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/377035800031405434/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/292382200785580499/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208784132701178050/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AbZhOldTws9vRpPimgQLUXdxk-rjKhguTmpnSXMbYKZ2HyObhWJE9Cw/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/89860955037122360/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176273772887551763/

A Bride’s Guide to Summer Style: Wedding Dresses (1 of 2)

Summer is a refreshing season that brings along with it ease and relaxation. Summer wedding dresses should reflect this same sensibility all while making the bride look gorgeous. Dress trends for the summer of 2015 exemplify the ease of the season yet still capture its sultry side.  Elements such as lace, mesh overlays, and flowing organza compliment the glow of summer brides perfectly. Take a look at some summer 2015 trends that will make any bride look radiant.

1) Dramatic Backs

2) Illusion Elements

3) Slits

Photography Credit:

http://aisleperfect.com/2013/08/wedding-dresses-anna-campbell-gossamer-collection.html

http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/1570655

http://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/wonderful-ways-to-improve-your-closet?sub=2909865_2288259#.rd5W2NZgV

http://www.theweddingscoop.com/entry/the-wedding-scoop-spotlight-sexy-wedding-dresse