Traditionally, when you see a group of bridesmaid dresses, you see uniform colors, lengths and styles. Nowadays, however, brides are moving away from the traditional bridesmaid dresses and allowing their maids to mix and match. Either way you go, choosing a bridesmaid dress should reflect the look and feel of the wedding (just like your dress). You wouldn’t put your bridesmaids in cowboy boots and short dresses for a church wedding, but it would be a great look on a ranch. The classic, uniform bridesmaid dresses give the wedding a traditional feel and more formal feel. Also, the longer the length, the more formal.
How many times have you heard, “but you can wear it again” as a bridesmaid being convinced to buy the $300+ dress? More often than not, that dress will not get more than its one day use. Some brides will use the same designer and color for the dresses, but allow each bridesmaid to choose the neckline that looks best for them. This allows a better chance bridesmaids can wear the dress more than once, since they get a little more input in the selection.
Other brides have a color palette that allows the bridesmaids to choose the shade and style of the dress. Allowing bridesmaids to virtually pick any dress they want (with parameters) can keep bridesmaids happier about cost and style. You have to be able to let go a little bit as a bride, but your bridesmaids will love you for it and the photos are so cute!
Check out Alfred Angelo, J. Crew and BHLDN for more bridesmaid dresses.
What do you think? Would you mix your bridesmaid dresses, or stick with the traditional?
Photo Credits:
Grey: Gia Canali Photography
Blue: Carly Statsky Photography
Yellow: The Bride’s Cafe
Coral: Jill Thomas Photography
Green: Erin Woolsey Photography
Are you looking for ideas on how to display your wedding or engagement photos? Try a canvas from Easy Canvas Prints (or a collection of them!). They have such an easy-to-navigate-site and great print quality — we just had to share our experience. This detail shot from Captivating Photography was our first order.
The process is so quick and easy. First, choose the desired canvas size. There are many custom options available:
Then, upload your picture. Make sure it is a photo that will wrap well (i.e. subject doesn’t go to the edges).:
Pick your border or wrap preference. The preview allows you to see exactly what you are getting.:
and voila!
You have a wonderful canvas to show off your favorite photos. Each canvas arrives well-packaged to prevent any chance of damage and ready to hang (with hooks on the back).
We love our canvas. Thanks Megan! Be sure to check out Easy Canvas Prints for your photo printing needs.
Giving your guests a little something sweet (or salty) before they leave the reception creates the perfect late night snack. Here are a few of our favorite edible wedding favors.
1. Gourmet Popcorn: This is not your average movie theater popcorn. Gourmet popcorn shops, such as Uptown Popcorn, have every flavor and color combination imaginable to create custom favor bags or popcorn bars. Think chocolate peanut butter, pink cotton candy or southwest jalapeno — your guests will love this stuff!
2. Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Chocolate is always a crowd favorite, but be careful how you transport it in warmer months. Pairing a small amount of chocolate with a salty pretzel gives you a dessert you won’t feel guilty about. You can provide a variety of toppings from nuts to sprinkles, allowing your guests to pick their favorite.
3. Homemade Treats: Give your guests something really special by making it yourself! This can be anything from homemade jam or mini pies to home-brewed beer. Also consider including the recipe so guests can enjoy your goodies anytime. Be sure to allow plenty of time for creation and packaging.
Remember, any favor you leave your guests, edible or other, should be meaningful and useful. Try to avoid trinkets and items that create a lot of waste.
Photo Credits
Popcorn: First Come Love Photography
Pretzels: Joyful Abode
Homemade: Wine and Roses
1. Provide relief from the sun: Don’t overlook the importance of providing sunscreen and bug spray for your guests. Providing sunscreen will ensure none of your guests leave with a sunburn, the bug spray is sure to keep all the pesky insects away.
2. For the women, wear comfy shoes and up-do’s: Consider ditching your pumps and grabbing a pair of breathable sandals. You will surely be more comfortable and you won’t having to worry about your heels digging into the ground. Also, to avoid sticky, frizzy hair, pin your hair up into an up-do.
3. Think about sun location: Consider the time of day the ceremony will be held. The last thing a guest wants is to be staring into the sun during the vows. Make sure the sun will provide the perfect natural light for the ceremony.
For more summer wedding tips, check out our previous blog post.
Photo Credits:
Outdoor Kite Wedding: Ashley Rose Photography
Bride Updo & Bug Spray: Heidi Ryder Photography
Bridesmaid Sandals: Melissa Dunstan Photography
Pottery Barn Knox is hosting a bridal event Tuesday night from 7-9pm. You can register for great wedding gift ideas and chat one-on-one with fabulous vendors, including us at After Yes!
We’ll walk you through the benefits of hiring a wedding planner and get you scheduled for a personal assessment meeting. All brides get a special favor just for attending.
Other participating vendors include Mockingbird Florist, Rosa Clara, Williams-Sonoma, Frosted Art Bakery, Paper Source, Blake Ryan Photography and more! You don’t want to miss this great night of wedding planning.
Make a date night out of it with dinner at one of the many surrounding restaurants or stay and shop with girlfriends. Hope to see you there!
Pottery Barn
3212 Knox Street
Dallas, TX
(214) 252-9106
Tuesday, May 3, 7-9pm
