The Little Black Bridesmaids Dress

Black is the new black.  Okay okay, so bright and bold hues were forecasted to be this year's hottest trend but don't be fooled because the absence of color is definitely back full force.  This staple wardrobe color can be styled to be romantic, classic, modern, retro, or even boho.  And since black flatters any figure it only makes sense to don your leading ladies with a gorgeous little black number she will definitely wear again.  Pair your dresses with some strappy sandals or daring colored pumps for a splash of color.  Contrasting monochromatic bouquets also look stunning next to the dark backdrop created by a simple black gown.  For more daring brides, hand your girls a black color swatch with your dress length preference and let them pick their own gown.  Giving your girls the freedom to pick their own dress is the perfect way to get  a wedding day wardrobe that will be cohesive yet unique.  To help with your hunt for the perfect little black dress, here are a few of our favorite must-have frocks.

Classic bridesmaids dresses have a simple and understated elegance to them.  From timeless  A-lines and simple sheaths to strapless floor length gowns, you can't go wrong with a classic little black dress. (Left to right: J.Crew, Jim Hjelm, J.Crew, Dessy)

For romantic brides, don't forget the girly trimmings.  Ruffles, bows, ribbons, and ornate lace detailing simply ooze romance.  To stay on trend and score one of this season's hottest looks, opt for a simple lace dress for your girls. (Left to right: Bardot, David's Bridal, Alexon, Dessy)

Boho is for the bride who's looking for a laid-back, thrifty chic style.  Opt for a high-low dress for this season's trendsetting style.  For our Bohemian brides, we especially love TwoBirds Bridesmaids wrap dresses which can be wrapped in a million different ways to flatter each individual's figure. (Left to right: TwoBirds Bridesmaid, BCBG, ModCloth, Aidan Mattox)

Retro dress styles will have your girls looking timeless while still keeping with your vintage aesthetic.  Cap sleeves, circle skirts, and pinups dresses are sure fire ways to get that vintage glam look.  Stay on trend by grabbing an illusion neckline dress.  Your ladies will love your high fashion pick. (Left to right: ModCloth, Asos, Stop Staring, Dessy)

Modern brides will love these architectural little numbers.  It's all about volume and structure with these modern frocks.  For daring brides, channel Carrie Bradshaw and throw in a structural headpiece for a touch of avant-garde styling.  For this season's must-have look, opt for a trendy peplum dress. (Left to right: Calvin Klein, Alexon, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood)

Pretty Picnic Wedding ~ A Red Picnic Wedding Themed Inspiration Board

With the lovely weather lately, we can’t help but daydream of a blanket spread on the grass, and the sun shining down on a perfect picnic.  For the laid-back or outdoor-loving couple, a picnic themed wedding may be just the thing.  Your picnic wedding could be as fancy or relaxed as you want.  We love bold, bright reds paired with hay bale seating or elegant round tables.  Use plain red or patterned tablecloths, and simple flower arrangements. Keep your guests satisfied with signature red cocktails and strawberry shortcake in red-and-white checkered paper cartons.  When it comes time to eat, each guest can choose an adorable boxed meal with a menu printed on a sticker on the front of the box.  

For these and more picnic wedding themed ideas, follow our Picnic Weddings Board on Pinterest.

Image Credits: Cherry Pie, Bridal Portrait, High-Top Table with Bunting, Glass Bottles, Boxed Lunches, Favors, Strawberry Shortcake, Table Setting, Signature Cocktail, Wedding Invitations, Mini Picnic Baskets, Berry Cake, Personalized Napkins, Bridesmaids Dresses

Love is in the Air - Hot Air Balloon Themed Wedding

There would be nothing lovelier than saying "I do" in a brightly colored hot air balloon as you and your love float along on a warm spring day. This sweet little daydream is the inspiration behind our newest wedding collage. We love the way the sunlight streams through the balloon silk,  subduing the bright colors and softening them into a dreamy pastel color palette. Streamers of ribbon that catch any passing breeze and vintage style stationary complete the look. Enjoy!

Photo Credits: Invitations via Invitation Crush, Hot Air Balloon Photo Shoot by Jose Villa, Table Numbers from Sunshine and Ravioli on Etsy, Earrings from Elaina Louise Studios on Etsy, Boutonniere and Ribbon Chair Swag via Southern Weddings, Balloon Centerpieces from Love and Lavender, Save the Dates from Eden Wedding Studio on Etsy, Locket from Sora Designs on Etsy.

How to Honor Lost Loved Ones at Your Wedding

There are few things in your life that are as important to you as your wedding day.  Not having a loved one there to share it with can be a difficult experience. But just because they are no longer with us does not mean that they don’t need to be included in your special day. After all they will always be alive in your heart.  Here are a few ways to honor the special people in your life that have passed on and cannot be a part of your wedding celebration.

Using a memorial candle during the wedding ceremony is one of the most popular ways for the wedding couple to honor the loved ones that they have lost. Most memorial candles or candle holders can be personalized to add a name of several names. During the ceremony you can have the minister or officiant add a moment when you recognize those that cannot be present with the lighting of the candle. Another way to use the candle would be during the reception. Have the candle placed on a special memorial table where you can include a photo or several photos of the lost loved ones you are honoring.

One of my personal favorites is to make a donation in honor of your lost loved ones in lieu of favors. For my daughter’s wedding we made a donation to the American Cancer Society due to the family members we had lost to cancer. We had cards placed on each table to explain this memorial to each of our guests. This is a wonderful way to honor people you have lost and to also help a charity that is close to your heart.

Another popular way to honor your loved ones is to include an ‘In Memory’ section in your wedding programs. This idea also allows you to give a little more detail to your guests, such as adding 'mother of the bride' and so on. You may also want to add a prayer or moment of silence to the wedding ceremony and include this in the wedding program so that your family and friends will be included in your special wedding memorial.

Take your loved ones with you on your wedding day with a memento or photo. Add a photo of someone to your wedding bouquet using a bouquet photo buckle memory charm.  Many brides choose to carry a lost loved ones handkerchief or wear a piece of their jewelry to keep them close to them for the entire day. This can work for the groom as well if he has a special memento that he can carry in his pocket.

No matter how you decide to honor your lost loved ones during your wedding ceremony, the most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to honor someone you love. Create a special memorial in the way you feel will honor your loved ones that have passed the best. Good Luck!

Curled, Twirled, Twisted and Tousled Hairstyles for the Whole Wedding Party

Wedding day magic doesn't stop with the perfect dress and accessories, a bride and her maids are not aisle ready until they are sporting a fabulous wedding day hairstyle! Whether your hair is short and sassy or long and luxurious, there is a style to complement your look. No longer are the days when cookie cutter (traditional) bridal hairstyles are the only option. Brides are showcasing their style and personality by wearing their hair in new and inventive ways. Extravagant twists and braided masterpieces are all the rage while simple tousled locks are also making a big impact. Tailor your hairstyle to your wedding dress, venue and formalness of your event.

Loose, tousled locks are perfect for a casual beachside ceremony, while curled creations are perfect for a formal setting. Dress up your 'do' with special accessories like jeweled headbands and feather and rosette fascinators. Your accessories can really showcase your personal style and add a special touch to the look. When choosing hairstyles for your whole wedding party it is important to picture the overall look to your group. You don't want one of the bridesmaids standing out with a completely different look than the others and you want to make sure that the bride's hairstyle is the star of the show. The girls can have different looks for sure, just maybe give some parameters like, everyone wears some sort of updo of their choosing or they can wear the same type of hair accessories to help create a cohesive look. Take a look at our collection of gorgeous hairstyles to inspire your wedding day look. Start collecting pictures of styles you like. It will be easiest to bring a picture of your desired look to your stylist for them to re-create.

 

Keep the inspiration going and take a look at our collection of fun, flirty and completely romantic wedding day hair accessories to add wow to your big day look!

Image Credits (listed from left to right, top to bottom): Main Image short hair bride, Hairstyle 1, Hairstyle 2, Hairstyle 3, Hairstyle 4 from Twigs and Honey, Hairstyle 5, Hairstyle 6, Hairstyle 7, Hairstyle 8, Hairstyle 9 from Jessica Janae Photography, Hairstyle 10, Hairstyle 11, Hairstyle 12, Hairstyle 13 from Micah and Megan Photography, Hairstyle 14, Hairstyle 15