The Most Versatile Bridesmaids Dress Ever

It wasn't that long ago that it was considered perfectly acceptable to walk into a bridal store only to see a small rack of puffy sleeved bridesmaids dresses in your choice of taffeta, taffeta, or....tafetta!  Oh, but not anymore.  The wedding fashion world has finally caught up with the rest us.  Brides today have some really great options to choose from.  Ones that actually complement their wedding day vision.

If you are searching for the ultimate one-size-fits all bridesmaids dress that is guaranteed to be worn again and again, you have to check out TwoBirds Bridesmaid.  What makes them so great?  Their dresses are the epitome of versatile, boasting over 15 different ways that they can be worn, and they are almost guaranteed to look good on any figure.  I don't know about you but I also just love the idea of buying a dress that can actually be worn again!  Some of TwoBird's dresses in action:

Priced at about $270 each, if the price tag is too high for your wallet, there are more affordable alternatives available from larger chain retailers (like this multi-way dress from Dessy priced at $140 each).  A word of caution when going with a less expensive dress...be sure to take into consideration that you may not get the quality, service, and/or color selection that you would get by paying full price.

Happy Planning!

Things I Love: The Conversation Starter Wedding Guest Book

Well ladies, Martha Stewart has done it again! I came across this neat wedding reception conversation starter on marthastewartweddings.com and fell in love with it. The Conversation Starter Wedding Guest Book is a fabulous way to get guests talking and mingling. 

So here's how it works: These guest books are blank inside and each feature a different question on the cover. Place a book on each of your reception tables and then on each table setting place a pen with a ribbon attached that says: "Don't forget to sign the booklet". 

The books can feature questions regarding the marrying couple such as, "What is your favorite memory of us?" and "When did you know that we were meant for each other?". The questions can also gather advice from your guests by prompting them with such topics as, "What is the key to a happy marriage" and "What should we name our kids?".

By placing these booklets on your tables, you will help break the ice and get your guests talking and sharing about the one thing they all have in common, the bride and groom! Everyone attending the wedding knows the marrying couple in a different context and will enjoy sharing their stories about you. By responding to these prompts, your guests will come up with some heartfelt thoughts and advice (not to mention humorous revelations) that you and your spouse will love to revisit for years to come.

At the Martha Stewart website you can find templates of these book covers, along with several more, to print off to create your own set of books. If traditional guest books are more your style, no one says you can't set one of those out too! Hope you enjoyed this fun idea as much as I did!

Image Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

Two Dresses - One Price Tag

I love little white dresses. I also love long traditional wedding gowns. Like most girls planning a wedding, it was difficult to choose. I eventually chose a short white dress for my casual outdoor wedding, but many brides have solved this dilemma by wearing their traditional gowns in the ceremony and changing into a cute little white cocktail dress for the reception. This ensures your beautiful dress doesn't get dirty at the reception and also leaves you unencumbered by beautiful, but heavy and uncomfortable hoops and frills. Unfortunately, this wardrobe change isn't always possible for brides on a budget. It is also a bit of a hassle to cart around an extra dress all day. This is where the idea of a two-in-one dress, (like the Priscilla of Boston dress/romper combo shown left) comes in.

These beautiful dresses convert from a traditional gown to a sassy cocktail gown by removing the bottom portion of the dress which zips, snaps, or ties on. Here are some of my favorites, but so many designers are doing this now that you are sure to be able to find one that suits you perfectly!

Dress by Priscilla of Boston  via TheKnottyBride.com

Dress by Martin Liana

Dress by David's Bridal

Don't forget to accessorize! Check out our newest bridal hair accessories.

~ Jenna

Real Wedding of Caitlin and Matt by Love Life Images

I am so excited to be able to share today's real wedding with you.  Caitlin and Matt's wedding was filled with romantic and playful details from the soft and earthy decor to the super-fun and entertaining yard games.  Photographed by the amazing Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images, Jennifer did a fantastic job in capturing the life and laughter in this wedding.  Enjoy!

Simple yet elegant table centerpieces were put together using soft pink peonies.  Flower planters like the Zinnia plant above were presented with decorative round signs printed with the name of the flower posted on casual wooden posts.  Soft, earthy garland was strung loosely behind the bride and groom's chairs.

Croquet and other yard games kept guests entertained and laughing all night long and lent to the fun atmosphere of this wedding.

Top 20 First Dance Wedding Songs

The wedding song you choose for your first wedding dance should tell a story about you and your FH.  Whether about the things you both enjoy, your relationship, or your personalities, your first dance as husband and wife is your time to shine in front of your friends and family members.

To find out what the top wedding songs are for this year, we asked our Facebook brides which song they picked to use for their first dance as husband and wife.  From contemporary wedding songs to country favorites, we go some really great feedback from our brides-to-be.