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Bridesmaid Dresses | ABCs of Wedding Planning

Next in our series.... Bridesmaids dresses.   I'm not sure about you but I'm completely addicted to the wedding shows on TLC and Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, does not disappoint.  The chaos, hideous (and gorgeous) dresses, and the crazy southern mamas are worth every minute.  We're going to share some thoughts on bridesmaid dresses in general and of course share some of our favorites.

There are a million+ options for bridesmaids from inexpensive, wear again to over the top, could be a wedding dress creations.   Think of the vision you want for your wedding.  Do you want all of the bridesmaids to wear the same dress or do you envision something a little more eclectic?

Kristyn chose a gorgeous purple long gown for her bridesmaids.  The fabric was amazing and the color actually varied somewhat based on the lighting.   However to counteract the 'traditional' feel of everyone in a long gown - Kristyn had her maids wear a fun long necklace - which they each wore a little different.  The end result is simply stunning.

Images by Daniel Michael

Davis chose a gorgeous gold cocktail gown with a wide v-neck for her bridesmaids.  They complemented her traditional lace gown and the elegant decor at the Queen City Club. Each of her girls showed a bit of her personality by selecting her own shoes.  Oh my, I wish I could have taken a few of those home.  It was a shoe addicts dream.

Five by Five Photography + Design

Adrienne's bridesmaids also had awesome shoes.  Can you say Christian Louboutin? I love that the style she chose for the maids gowns complemented all three women.  The pearls tied with ribbon added just a little bit of modern to this classically gorgeous look. Add in the gorgeous bright florals and the result is a look that will definitely stand the test of time. 

Amanda Donaho Photography | Inspired Floral Design

Amanda Donaho Photography

Aaren had a gorgeous color palette of pinks accented with black & white damask for her wedding at the Glendale Lyceum.   She opted to let each of her bridesmaids choose a style that she felt the best in.  The key when you let your bridesmaids select their own dresses is to choose a designer, set a length and color+fabric combination - so the end result is cohesive but not identical.

Varland Photography

Anne's bridesmaid's dresses were some of my favorite of all time.  Maybe it's because I am a wee bit totally obsessed with the color.  Regardless they were beautiful.  Anne had her maid and matron of honor in straps and the rest of the bridesmaids, including an expecting momma in strapless.  The strapless version she chose had the perfect cut for an expanding belly allowing her bridesmaids to all coordinate without the expecting momma having to wear a maternity option.  Trust me, it's tough.  I could tell you about my shopping experience with one of my bridesmaids that was going to be 8 months pregnant at my own wedding, but I'm sure it's one of those "you had to be there" stories.  Basically we laughed so hard we both nearly peed our pants because the maternity options were so hideous. 

Bluebird Photography

Bluebird Photography

Nicole has a style all her own and wanted the same for her bridesmaids.  However the thought of finding a designer, color, etc. that made her happy was a bit overwhelming.  So she opted to have them all wear the same dress, but it could be configured more than 15 ways.  As you can tell - she had a lot of bridesmaids, so this dress from Two Birds Bridesmaids was perfect!   There isn't a location in Cincinnati, but Indy and Louisville both have stores.

Sherri Barber Photography

This final dress is one of my latest loves.  I have been slightly obsessing over it since I saw it on a recent episode on Say Yes to the Dress Bridesmaids.  Then I finally saw it in person at our wedding two weeks ago.  The dress was in navy and Sarah let each of her bridesmaids choose a style in the stunning peau de soie fabric.  This girl was in heaven.  I cannot wait to share those photos.  I've been stalking the photographers blog, so we'll be sure to share as soon as we have them!

Alfred Sung | Dessy Collection

The best advice we have is to have an idea of what you want BEFORE heading to the bridal store.  Communicate that to your bridesmaids and take reinforcements if you need them.  Anyone who will help you stay true to your vision - if you think you might get overwhelmed in the process.  Most of all - have fun playing dress up with your closest friends.

Aisle Decor | ABCs of Wedding Planning

We have a new feature - The ABC's of Wedding Planning.  We'll cycle through the alphabet touching on key wedding terms, trends & news.   Sit back and enjoy the first installmen. 

If you choose to have an outdoor wedding - the aisle decor can set the tone for the event.  From rustic elegance to simple but beautiful flowers - lining your aisle for an outdoor aisle is key to adding complementary visual interest to the natural setting.   A few favorites include the shepards hooks with mason jars (so gorgeous!) and simple flower pomanders.  Both add just enough to the decor without being distracting or overwhelming to the existing landscape.

TM Photography | Inn at Oneonta
Courtenay Lambert Florals

Images by Daniel Michael | Krippendorf Lodge
Adrian Durbin Florals

A more traditional wedding setting is a church ceremony.   Cincinnati has some amazing cathedrals.   You might even decide to forgo any decor along the aisle because the cathedral itself is so amazing.   However, if you have a more modest church or would like to add a pop of color, a small gathering of flowers accented with ribbon (satin and chiffon below) is a perfect touch.

Nathan Peel Photography | Anderson Hills UMC
Courtenay Lambert Florals

Bluebird Photography | St. Ursula Chapel
Courtenay Lambert Florals

Cincinnati is home to quite a few other stunning venues including The Bell Event Centre and The Queen City Club (both pictured below).  My favorite accent for both of these venues are candles.  In the first photo our bride opted for large candelabras accented with hydrangea and then clusters of candles down the long aisle.  At the Queen City Club, we used candelabras to add drama and visual interest to an otherwise very simple room & aisle.  The resulting effect was romantic and intimate. 

Images by Daniel Michael | Petals & Glass | The Bell Event Center

Five by Five Photography | Robin Wood Florals | Queen City Club

Consult your florist, event planner or designer.  Save your favorite photos on Pinterest, The Knot, Wedding Chicks or Style Me Pretty.  Create a perfect aisle to walk down as you prepare to marry the man of your dreams.

Bridal Junk in the Trunk Event - This Weekend

 


Just a reminder the Junk in the Trunk event is happening this weekend.  If you have bridal stuff to sell or you are looking for a few offbeat additions to your decor - you should check this out.  All of the details are listed below.... 

Call your Grammy and tell her to pull out the good stuff… it's time to make a little cash. This April 1st from 12pm to 6pm, we'll be holding our first Bridal Junk in the Trunk Bonanza–an event that will allow to-be-brides to come shop for those must-have items for their wedding and recent brides or everyday collectors to unload their treasure while making a few extra bucks.

You've browsed the forums, scoured craigslist and even hit up ebay, but there's something about not only seeing an item in person, but seeing it set up just how you picture it in your mind at your wedding. That's what we'll do for you– this won't be set up like your neighborhood yard sale. Nope, we're going to use the items that you drop off to create beautifully styled tables so you can see just how all these pieces can look at your own wedding.

If you're interested in selling some of your goods, contact brides@915monmouth.com to get your items registered, a vendor number and your paperwork all set to go before March 24, 2012. All we'll need is your contact information, a list of your items and photos of those items if you have them. There will be a small fee based upon the number of items you have to sell, which we can figure up for you quickly after you send over your inventory. If you need help with how to price your items, we're happy to help with that, as well.

Head over to our Facebook event page to RSVP (sellers and buyers)
http://www.facebook.com/events/383820451634865

If you have any questions, feel free to email brides@915monmouth.com

katie + scott: the wedding film | real wedding cincinnati

Steve from Studio Z films posted Katie + Scott's preview film on his blog yesterday.   It is a beautiful work of art.  Even if you don't know Katie + Scott - you will feel like you do after watching this film.   We are so honored to work with such an amazing couple and vendor team.   Click on the image to view the film on Studio Z's blog.

vendor love 

Inspired Floral Design

Cinci Makeup

Lauryn Byrdy Photography

Queen City Club 

First Unitarian Church 

Sweet Cakes