Ladies and Gents, We have Bridesmaids Dresses

Before I begin to tell you about the most fantastic black cocktail dress you will ever see I should mention that the above photo comes from this uber cute Etsy shop.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleLadyCompany

So, there have been a few posts about Bridesmaids dresses on this here blog.  The most important thing to me about these dresses is that they 1) need to be flattering 2) need to be chic and cute 3) need to not look like a bridesmaid dress.  I love my friends a lot, and I really want them to look fantastic.  I have gone to pictures like this for inspiration: 

Cute black cocktail dress that makes everyone feel good.

For accessories and hair, I am going to these two photos to be inspired.

I love how in the above photo all the bridesmaids have different hair and accessories.  So even though it is the same dress, they still look like themselves and have individual style.

I love the glam in this photo.  And I really like that necklace... I wish I knew where it was from. First picture is from GreenWeddingShoes and the second is StyleMePretty.  

We actually did go to Priscilla of Boston (see previous post) and tried on a lot of those dresses.  We all really liked them too.  If it wasn't for the fact that Bridesmaid O and Bridesmaid DL were in Connecticut with me having a fun sleepover we would have never ventured into White House Black Market.  In fact, we were pretty sure we were going to forget about shopping altogether and instead we were going to get Mani/Pedis.  I am not going to say manicures and pedicures because they are not called that.... they are called Mani/Pedis.  

Back to White House Black Market.  We strolled in and decided to try on a few dresses.  Low and behold this adorable dress was on sale for $50 bucks!  I wouldn't mention the price except it was such a steal!  Both Bridesmaid O and Bridesmaid DL looked amazing in it!  I knew the rest of the ladies would too!  Now, the new challenge was to find all the dresses in the right sizes.  Something I now know, that everyone should know about this store is:  THEY SEND THEIR DRESSES ANYWHERE IN THE U.S FOR FREE.  This is very important if you need to ship a size 2 and a size 4 to Kansas City for one bridesmaid and ship a size 8 from Vegas to your house in Connecticut!  Even though the dress looks much better in person, here it is!  

So, to conclude, not only did we find the perfect black cocktail dress, but we found it for a great deal and were able to get all the sizes we needed.  I can't wait to see them all together looking amazing.  Makes me so happy!  Now it is on to accessories for me and for them!  Oh and I guess I have to figure out what Andrew and the Groomsmen are wearing, and my sister..ok so I have a lot to do.  But in my mind, the two most important parts are done.  That is definitely the designer in me that thinks Bridesmaids dresses and my wedding dress are the most important parts.  Ok, maybe it's my shoes. ;p

Almost checked off the list

On this Wedding Wednesday by brain is exploding.  There is so much to think about.  So many decisions.  I have to focus on the positive and on the things I have accomplished or that I am in the process of accomplishing.  One of these tasks that is in the process of being checked off the list is Bridesmaids dresses.  It's funny how these lists work.  You would think the list would read something like this:

Get Engaged

Find place to have wedding

Find clothes for everyone

Find food for everyone

Find music to dance to

Get married

But the list ends up having to get so much more detail oriented in order for things to actually get done.  Don't get me wrong, I am a list maker to the MAX.  I love it!  I find deep satisfaction in knowing I have the ability to cross something off of a list because I was productive.  But, in the wedding planning process, there are so many things on that list, that you end up crossing things off, but not feeling nearly as accomplished as you would like.  For example, if I were to make a list for Bridesmaids Dresses ( a smaller part of the bigger Wedding To Do list) it would have to read something like this:

Decide style of Bridesmaids Dresses

Decide color of Bridesmaids Dresses

Decide on same dresses or different for each Bridesmaid

Find time to go shopping with as many Bridesmaids as you can

The list would go on and on, but I don't want to overwhelm you.  I would like to be laid back about this, but I feel like the more laid back I am, the less that gets done.  And ultimately, I don't want to be super stressed last minute.  I hate when things become last minute!  I know it is kind of inevitable, but I am still trying to avoid it at all costs!

That all being said, on the positive note, after talking to my Bridesmaids and getting some feedback (check it off the list!), we are going to go to Priscilla of Boston to check out their Vineyard Collection, as well as the Melissa Sweet Collection.  I have been eyeing their dresses since I got engaged.  I think they really have one of the only lines of Bridesmaid dresses that are affordable and cute and don't look like ugly, plastic dresses.  I am very excited to go there with two of my BM's in a few weeks.  If it doesn't work out there, we will hopefully have enough knowledge to lead us in a new direction!  Here are a few of my favs.

Aren't they all so cute?!  I know they are very different.  I clearly need some focus!  I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel though.  You will hopefully see a post with a decision on some fabulous Bridesmaid Dresses soon!

Now.. onto the bridesmaids...

Now that I have my dress... it is time to focus on one of my favorite parts of wedding planning... THE BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES!  I have many opinions on bridesmaids dresses.  I don't understand why they have to all be so HIDEOUS!?!  For some reason, if you are a bridesmaid you are supposed to wear a polyester, hot pink dress.  In my opinion, it is a huge honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid in someone's wedding, and as the bride you should want them to look fantastic.  

Now that I am on the hunt for the perfect bridesmaid's dress I see the challenge that they pose.  Your want to love it yourself, but you also want all of your bridesmaids to love it too.  

The criteria for the bridesmaids dresses... 

1) Chic cocktail dress 

2) I must love it

3) They must love it and feel confident in it (I know... this is a hard task.  But I consider myself a good friend.  Also, I know I will be in a few of their weddings and hope they will repay the favor!)

4) It must be black, purple or gray.  I have not decided what color I want them to be in.  But, I do know it will be one of those three

5) It can be either one dress that looks great on all of their body types, or the same color and fabric but different styles.

I was thinking something along the lines of this...

Haha!  Gotcha!  

In all seriousness I have been on the search!  If anyone has any ideas they are much appreciated!

I originally wanted grey chiffon dresses.  But, now that I am starting to imagine what the wedding might actually turn into.  I have changed my mind.  Now I want them to be cocktail dresses that are really cute and chic.  I think in this post I have mentioned the words cute and chic 20 times!   

I found this fantastic new bridesmaids designer the other day.  

www.qisforquail.com/ bridal/

Look how fantastic this is??

I love the sweetheart neckline and the styling is so different.  I am using this as inspiration!  That is why black is back in the running.  I like the idea of 5 different little black dresses that really look great.  Hmmm... The search continues...