Pockets- they're hot!

For once, there is a practical trend in wedding wear! For 2009 we’re seeing more dresses come in with pockets and I love it! Alfred Sung D416 is one example. Here is the info to check it out: http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/D416/ Not every designer does pockets, and not every dress from the ones that do will have them, but still, it’s good to know they’re out there, and hopefully the trend continues. I just wanted to share my excitement with the world.

Check it Out!

We have just posted a brand new video of some of the top wedding dress and bridal gown fashions for 2009. To view the video go here: http://www.netbride.com/wedding_dresses/wedding_dress_video.htm

You can also get a run sheet of the video to follow along when viewing.

Remember, the Bride is the Boss!

I don’t see many men in my line of work, but now and again fathers or brothers, and even fiancés make their way into our store. I think it’s fabulous when they come, but it can add another dimension to the dress selection process. The other evening, one gentleman took me aside and whispered: “I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing. I’m here to be the cheerleader, right? She’s got it figured out, so I shouldn’t try to have too many opinions. I should just approve her choice.” I wanted to hug him, but I refrained. I think I just laughed at the time, but what I should have said was “YES!! YES!!” So I’m saying it now. I’m not saying the groom should not have input about the wedding, but when it comes to the dresses, the bride is the boss! Most dads have this one figured out- they come in, say that everything looks nice, and are warmly supportive of their daughter’s choice. There are enough complications without adding a critical groom or dad to the mix, so ladies, let your man know that while you value his input, when it comes to the gowns what you want is the most important thing!

Short and Sweet

Tea length and knee length wedding gowns are a great option for the bride who wants to do something fabulous and different. They can work in settings other than the beach, have a ton of flair, and give you a chance to show off those legs! Top it off with a flirty veil or even a long flowy one, and you’ll be set! Check out Watters and Watters and Wtoo for some great options- in particular I love "Lola" and "Cancun." (I couldn't get pictures off their site or I would have.)

Keeping it Together

Staying organzied while planning your wedding is key, and there are tons of great books and planning tools out there to help you avoid getting frazzled. The budget-minded bride can find everything she needs to stay organized without spending a penny if she knows where to look online. Here's a link to a great tool for keeping your bridal party organized and on track, as well as figuring out how much each girl needs to budget once everything is included.

http://wedding.theknot.com/bridal-fashion/bridesmaid-dresses/articles/a-comprehensive-bridesmaid-worksheet.aspx

Mix and Match Maids: Pros and Cons

Having each bridesmaid in a different dress is an increasingly popular option for wedding parties these days, with good reason- everyone can choose a dress they like and feel comfortable in. However, there are some potential issues brides will want to be aware of if this is the route they choose. First, most manufacturers will not guarantee dye lots with different style dresses, even if they are in the same fabric. (If you’re planning to do different colors as well as different styles this won’t be a concern.) Ordering gowns in the same fabric from the same designer will minimize potential variations, but there is never a guarantee. A potential benefit with this is that since the dye lot isn’t going to be guaranteed even if they’re all ordered together, each maid can place her own order wherever it’s most convenient for her. Second, if careful thought isn’t given to coordinating the looks of the girls, the overall effect can be sloppy and distracting. This can be true even if you keep the same style and do different color dresses. It can work and be gorgeous, but trying to make sure everyone ends up with something that will work with the other dresses can be more challenging than trying to find a single dress that will work. So, keep these things in mind as you make your plans!

For the MOB's and MOG's

Mothers aren’t the stars of the show on wedding day, but they should dress for the role of best supporting actress. The ultimate rule is of course that what the bride says goes: If she approves, you’re fine. It is also technically the Mother of the Bride who should choose her outfit first, with the Mother of the Groom deferring her choice. In my opinion, it looks a little silly to have the mothers match the exact wedding colors, or both wear the same shade of color (see picture!), but either of those is better than clashing, and there can be some exceptions. If navy, black, or a dark brown is one of the colors, then it can work for the mother(s). Periwinkle blue or red, not so much. Also, avoid white or ivory, unless it’s lace trim or maybe an accent. Some of my favorite mother’s gowns are from Collection 20 by Watters and Watters. They have lovely fabrics and very classic, elegant styles. Also, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear an appropriate bridesmaids dress- no one needs to know! If anyone else has advice/ideas, feel free to comment!