The Bridesmaid Predicament

This week I am up visiting a best friend for her birthday weekend and wedding planning for her New Years Day wedding next year. Today we were on the mission to narrow down the choices for bridesmaid dresses. You all know the same problem: trying to find a dress that everyone will like. Not only that, but a dress that will flatter all your girls of varying shapes and sizes. My friend also has another question of finding a way for her Matron and Maid of Honor to stand out. Do you distinguish them with a different color, maybe a larger bouquet, or a different dress entirely?

Maybe I am not the best girl to ask because, for my wedding, I eliminated a lot of those questions. Ladies, you would have loved me, because I let all of my girls pick their own cocktail length black dress. How easy is that? You can find them anywhere and it is something each girl will definitely wear again. Not one of them spent anymore that $50 (I had one who even borrowed a dress from a friend). I know it doesn't go with tradition, but I really like the idea of different dresses. They just seem to effortlessly blend together and look beautiful and natural. I am loving this beautiful shot by Carla Ten Eyck from over on Style Me Pretty.

Even mixing two dresses, like this wedding by Joey + Jessica Weddings, is seamless and stunning.

But, back to my friend. I think we finally decided on doing two different dresses. Her Matron and Maid of Honor will wear this gorgeous Vera Wang in a slate gray, while the other four of us will don this Pricilla of Boston gown in a deep plum. All in all, I think the whole look will be fabulous!

 

What do you think? Do you like your girls all in one gown, or do you like to switch it up?

Invitation Q&A: Lion in the Sun

Today is a real treat! Melinda Morris, founder of family owned Brooklyn custom invitation company, Lion in the Sun, has stopped by to share some great tips for brides in search of the perfect invite! With over 30 years of experience, Melinda knows her stuff! I asked her a few questions that I thought would be helpful to you brides searching for the perfect invitation:

What is the most popular trend in wedding stationary right now?

Accordion folds with multiple panels and lots of information. Also, perforated reply cards are huge. We are also seeing faux bois (fake wood) or wood paneling or wood grain paper.

What colors can we look forward to seeing in 2010?

We are seeing rich vibrant colors paired with metallic this Fall: red or fuchsia with silver or gold, plum and silver, navy and silver or copper.

Save the Dates are becoming very popular, have they now become expected? 

I think brides feel they are expected, but I don’t feel most guests expect them. Save the dates are a nice heads up, particularly for destination weddings, but I don’t think it is tragic if you don’t do them. My personal feeling on save the dates is that the people who love you will be there if they can save the date or not.

Most wedding vendors are moving toward online ordering, how do you separate yourselves from the rest? 

While invites are a really hard thing to order online, we know this is the way most people prefer to shop. In fact we are launching an online invitation collection this summer that is uniquely our Lion in the Sun style and service. But most importantly, it is all about Brooklyn… So stay tuned.

Any advice for the bride-to-be beginning her invitation search?

Look at lots of designs for inspiration and look at things in person. Paper and printing styles are really different when you are able to touch them in person. Also, see what you like verses what the trends are and go with your gut.  Go with what makes you happy. Last but most importantly, don’t underestimate the importance of your invitation. It is the first thing your guests receive, it sets a tone, makes a statement and is the most tangible part of your wedding that your guests will receive. When you look back at your invite in 15 years, you want to still love it!

Thank you so much Melinda for sharing all of these great tips and some of your gorgeous invitations! Be sure to check out her site and blog for more beauty and tips and if you're in Brooklyn, make a stop by their shop in Park Slope!