Wedding Tactics

It’s that time of year again, my favorite, the Fall. Perfect for hayrides, long walks and WEDDINGS, of course! I love bridesmaid gowns for this season because they are always so rich in color and texture. Here are a few of my favorites.

JCrew is selling this elegant, fitted bodice-empire-waist full skirt dress online, not in stores. This classic fit, scoopneck sleeveless dress is excellent for an Autumn wedding. The midweight silk-wool is sleek and shimmering black, blue grey and gold. I actually LOVE that it has on-seam pockets. While not obivious they are exactly what a bridesmaid needs to hold an extra hair pin or a little piece of paper with a speech on it. Retails for $345.

Next up is DaVinci. They make very classic bridesmaid gowns that have a modern twist of a ribboned sash or a funky neckline accompanying a flirty feminine bodice.

I really like this gown but I’m not sure the nude tone at the top will work with many skin-tones. If you like this dress, please have all of your ‘maids try it on for looks before you choose this one. The high waist however will give all figures a nice shape by creating the illusion of height and a narrow waist. Style 9226.

Taffeta is IN!  Iridescent taffeta is extra-IN style!  I love the flirty sashy waist of this gown, especially paired with super high silvery-toned heels. I can see this gown at an evening wedding. the shimmer of the fabric makes this dress extra fancy and fun.  Style 9200.

And we have Raylia Designs. This tank-strap taffeta dress has a square neckline which is flattering on a variety of body types. The skirt is an A-line and the defined waist is very much in style right now and it also creates a waist line if there isn’t one already. Raylia gowns are very affordable too. This is style 8430Z.

This Alvina Valenta bridesmaid gown is gorgeous. The cowl neckline is sultry, sexy and trendy. It retails for between $250 and $350, a wee bit expensive for the average bridesmaid but the colors are absolutely breathtaking. I would love to see this gown featured in a fall wedding ceremony held in an event hall, museum or historic mansion.

For a less costly bridal attendant dress consider this fun party dress, I like it in red. Made by Eden Bridals it is part of the Eden Maids line. Expect to find this gown for under $150.

You can also consider dress lines where you can order the same gown in a variety of colors and allow your bridesmaid to choose from any or a few color options. Ideal Bite suggests doing this so that the maids can reuse the gown at an event of their own choosing.

The Benefits ( According to Ideal Bite )

* Reusing. Just wearing a dress once isn’t exactly eco-friendly; typical bridesmaid dresses are made from acetate or polyester - both petroleum byproducts that require a lot of energy to produce.
* Not breaking their banks. Bridesmaid’s dresses cost an average of $138 each, which adds up if you’re like we are and everybody you freakin’ know is getting married.
* A dress they’ll actually wanna keep.

If you want to give the maids more flexibility but don’t want a rainbow of colors at your alter, consider choosing a simple black or brown cocktail gown that they can wear to other occasions.