New Spring Collection for Dessy

It's spring and along with new flowers comes the new spring collections even for wedding and bridesmaid dress designers.  Dessy's new spring collection is a hit.  We are loving the Social Bridesmaids line-contemporary, chic dresses that are very re-wearable.  

Look at this Style 8109 - an one shoulder cocktail length dress in stretch charmeuse with a  matching belt at natural waist and wide kimono sleeve. It's very different and perfect for an evening reception.  

Or this Style 8115-an one shoulder full length lux chiffon dress with scarf and flower detail at shoulder.  Very Grecian-this dress is so glamorous.  

This collection definitely deserves a second look.  These are dresses most of us would love to wear at a wedding.

Disclaimer: We are affiliates of Dessy and may be compensated for this post. However, our opinions have not been influenced in anyway.

5 Sewing Projects To Do With Old Bridesmaid Dresses

Looking for new ways to use the countless collection of bridesmaid dresses that you have in your closet? Luckily, we have a few DIY sewing ideas.  Yes, most of these will require some skills in sewing, but if you're not interested in donating the dress or turning the dress into another couture creation.

1.  Turn bridesmaid dresses into chair covers and tableclothes.  What a great DIY idea if you're crafty!

2.  With Christmas around the corner, make a tree skirt. Especially nice if your bridesmaid dress colors were red or green. 

3.  Make new pillow covers. Use the fabric from an old bridesmaid dress and turn it into an accent pillow cover. Just buy the pillow inserts at a crafts store and you'll soon have some new pillows.

4.  Make window valances, the things that go above windows.

5.  Make a Barbie bridesmaid or princess dress.  Thanks to the patterns at Miss B Couture, you can sew a whole new wardrobe for Barbie and friends.

Carrie Underwood's bridesmaid dresses

Now bridesmaids can wear Carrie Underwood's choice of bridesmaid gowns (or the closest thing to it.) Designer Monique Lhuillier created four different silk chiffon goddess gowns for Carrie’s eight bridesmaids. While those gowns were custom creations, just like Carrie's bridal gown which was also designed by Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier has a line of bridesmaid dresses that can be purchased in her flagship stores in California and Minnesota, as well as online.

Among the gowns in her collection:

(All photos are copyrighted-Monique Lhuillier)

Take at look at this symmetrically draped column gown made of delicate crinkle chiffon featuring a floor sweeping asymmetrical drape and a sensational side slit. It's definitely a different take on a long formal gown.

Or this racerback bubble dress. Formal enough for the wedding, this dress could easily be worn again for date night. This delicate crinkle chiffon halter neck dress features a hand tufted crinkle chiffon rose detail at front neckline as well as a modern racer back cut.

This dress takes a simple V-neck dress and adds some touches. A deep overlap pleated “v” neck dress with silhouette cinching self tie belt at the waist and overlap pleated tulip skirt lends a sophisticated twist on unique. 

The dresses all start around $315 and come in ten popular bridesmaid dress colors like merlot, navy, robin egg blue, spring (green), camilla (pink), black, white, vanilla creme (off-white), sunflower (yellow), and platinum.  The dresses are available in sizes 2 to 16.  Like mentioned before, they can be ordered online. 
 

Bridesmaid Gripe: The bridesmaid dress is too expensive!

It's every bridesmaid's nightmare-the bride sends you a photo of the bridesmaid dress to be  in all its glory.  Yeah, the strapless layered chiffon gown with gathered bust in cantaloupe is gorgeous but then you see the price. $480!? Is the bride crazy?

What to do:

• If the dress has already been bought, unfortunately it's now best to just keep quiet. With most bridesmaid dresses, they can't be returned or exchanged. It's now best to forever hold your peace. Exception: If the dresses can be returned, then speak up.

• Don't just flat out reject the dress-that will put the bride on the defensive. Instead respond back that while the dress is beautiful/perfect for a beach wedding/just what you were thinking of, the price is more than you had budgeted for a bridesmaid dress. 

• Offer to come up with alternatives. Send her photos of similar dresses stating that while you love the first dress, these dresses are just as nice and are half the cost.

• Be prepared for the bride to be mad about your rejection of the dress. The bride is probably going to bring up your trip to Cabo or new big-screen TV. Be calm.

• Give the bride a specific price point that you had budgeted for. Tell her that you budgeted $200 for the dress and that a dress of $350 is just too much. This allows the bride to search for a dress in the budgeted amount, as well as offer suggestions on how to bring the dress down to the budgeted price. i.e. The bride offers to pay the difference, to pay for alterations, etc.

Bridesmaid Dresses: Garden Print Dresses

 Photo copyrighted Lori Barbely Photography via Celebrity Bride Guide

Inspired by Project Runway designer Jesse LeNoir, who created one-of-a-kind bridesmaid dresses for his bridal party with a unique garden print on them, we looked for more garden print dresses that could be worn for a bridesmaids. We love the idea of floral print dresses-they're country club chic while being just a little different and adding some color to the bridal party.  They're simply perfect for garden ceremonies and receptions-the flowers bring a touch of nature into the dress.

For Jesse LeNoir's wedding, he even let the dresses dictate the wedding theme, ending up with a predominantly white palette with light blue, green, pink and purple.  The theme ended up being a white canvas with a floral painting inspired by the colors in the dresses.

Our picks:

Day Dresses by Tracy Reese

Love this day dress by designer Tracy Reese.  Bright and vibrant, it features a ruffled V-neckline, wide shoulder straps and a woven belt with a distressed goldtone O-ring buckle. Best of all, its under $200.

Dresses by Elie Tahari

This floral-print dress by Elie Tahari takes a different approach to a traditional floral print dress adding sequins to the bold floral print.  The pencil skirt is also flattering and sophisticated.

Evening Dresses at ModCloth

Okay most garden dresses are going to be vibrant, but you can still find ones in other color combinations like this black and white floral dress from Modcloth. Flattering and beautiful, the best thing is the price-just $52.99. And there's ton more options where this one comes from with plenty to choose from under 50, 60, and 80 bucks.

Cocktail Dresses at eDressMe

Just because its a floral print doesn't mean the dress can't be sexy.  This dress is one shouldered with flower embellishment and is pleated throughout the body. The fun floral print will make it perfect to wear to a cocktail party reception in spring.

Petite Dresses by Jones New York Signature

A fresh floral watercolor print blossoms on this pretty fitted sheath dress by Jones New York Signature.  Available in petite and plus sizes, sheath dresses are flattering for a variety of body types.

Dresses by French Connection

Who says floral dresses have to be short? This fantastically vivid floral maxi dress from French Connection has a black fabric and gold bead-embellished halter neckline and inset waistband for extra pizazz. 

Evening Dresses by Xscape Evenings

This floral print long gown shows that the garden theme can even be used for more formal weddings. The black and white print makes the dress perfect for formal occassions.

Custom Couture Bridesmaid Dresses: Olivia Luca

Ohh, designing the dress of your dreams can be so much fun and cause you to waste more time at owrk than solitaire.  Thanks to Olivia Luca, you (and your dear bride) can create custom couture quality bridesmaid dresses.

The whole design process is simple and fun and, of course, you get to choose from a gazillion options.  The first step is to actually choose your skin tone to see if the fabric and color will be flattering. Then you start designing! Choose the bodice style-there's plenty to choose from including a keyhole halter, empire scoop halter, strappy with angled band (deep, wide "V" neckline in front and straight across back) and  empire bust tie (gathered at front and tied which makes for slight sweetheart neckline).  Next is the skirt length and shape-once again plenty of options to choose from ranging from mermaid princess floor length to empire gathered three-tier knee length to A-line flat front knee length. 

The best part, the part I literally went crazy for, is the fabric selection. We're talking a selection of fabrics that would make any seamstress weep. The eco-friendly options include a hemp & silk charmeuse blend, organic cotton sateen, organic cotton linen, Fair-Trade handwoven silk shantung, and many more Fair-Trade options.  This is easiest the best selection for custom gowns that I've ever seen-if the bride has dreamed of it, then Olivia Luca can make a dress in it whether that dream dress was silk 4-ply crepe Korean woven or silk dupioni.  

The only downside though is the price-while the prices are inline for custom couture gowns, it's still more than most of us can spend on custom bridesmaid dresses.  Prices depend on many factors-the fabric, the size, the options chosen, etc etc but most dresses appear to be $340 and up with most being in the $400 to $500 range. One of my creations-a hemp/silk Charmeuse mermaid princess floor-length with train was priced at $1,011.50!

But it is hard to put a price on beauty...

Ugly Bridesmaid Dresses-Too Tacky to Believe!

Wow-when we first stumbled across Tackyweddings, we almost thought we were in heaven. Honestly, no dress that your bride has paraded in front of you at David's Bridal can even come close to these beauties.

 (Image found here)

 Wow-just wow. It's every little girl's dream to look like Barbie but who knew she wanted all of her friends to parade in two-piece ballgowns too? 

(Image found here)

Nothing says classy like bright orange showgirl costumes.  Nothing!

(Image found here)

A picture does speak more loudly than words...I mean, how is this wedding not taking place in Elvis's chapel in Vegas?

To see even more of these ugly bridesmaid dresses head over to Tacky Weddings.

How to Save Money By Buying Used or Secondhand Bridesmaid Dresses

Looking for gently used, worn once bridesmaid dresses to save money? Luckily there are quite a few places to find some.  By doing this, you can often save 50 to 75% off the regular retail price of a bridesmaid gown.

Tips to keep in mind when looking for used bridesmaid dresses:

• It's easier to look for dresses if you keep your search as generic as possible.  If the bride has her heart set on all of her girls wearing an Alfred Angelo Bridesmaids Style 7016 in Cobalt then the search will be harder. If meanwhile, the bride has only selected a color for the maids or a silhouette (or both) the chances of finding dresses will be higher.

• Budget in shipping, alterations, and a possible second dress for your dress budget.  A $75 used gown might seem like a good deal but factor in $25 shipping only to find out the dress looks horrible on you-you're now out $100 and still have to find a bridesmaid dress.

• Also factor in dry-cleaning and pressing.  If the dress has been worn, it most likely will need to be cleaned and pressed.  Most bridal salons do this for free.

• Searching might take patience-be prepared to wait it out.

 Tips for Buying Secondhand Bridesmaid Dresses Online

• Ask about returns. Some sellers will let you return the dresses but you must pay shipping so factor it into your dress budget.

• Ask detailed questions about the dress's measurements, size, and whether its been altered or not.  Depending on what alterations a dress has had dress might not be able to be altered more.  Don't be afraid to tell the seller that you're 5'10" and ask her if she thinks the dress will fit.

• Take measurements before you buy. Remember that it is easier to take in than let out aka err on the side of buying a dress that's a size higher than smaller.  Don't assume that your bust size is a 34 because thats what bra size you wear.

• Get detailed pictures of the dress, especially any stains, rips, and tears.

Tips for Buying Secondhand Bridesmaid Dresses In Person

• Prepare for it the same way you would for dress shopping in regular clothing boutiques and bridal salons.  Wear the same shoes you're planning on wearing, as well as a comfortable strapless bra.

• Inspect the dress carefully to see if there are any stains, rips, and tears-many of these will be noticeable if repaired and will push up the cost of alterations.

Where to Find Secondhand Bridesmaid Dresses Online

WeddingBee-The complete, no-thrills bridal blog has a great classifieds section where you can post dresses you're looking for (as generic as full-length violet dresses or as specific as 5 Bari Jay 351 dresses in wisteria.)

Recycled Bride-What else would you expect from a site promoting the use of re-using wedding items and goods? Find bridesmaid dress listings here, as well as listings for wedding gowns, decor, MOB gowns, and more. For gowns you can search by designer, color, and location.

Ebay-Of course, the auction giant Ebay is also a great starting point for finding used bridesmaid dresses.  The downside to Ebay is that many dresses are only listed for 3, 5, or 7 days.  Save your search as a saved search and then re-run it frequently.

Craig's List-The beauty of this classified site is that the classifieds are local letting you save on shipping and possibly getting to try the dresses on before you buy.

Places to Find Secondhand Bridesmaid Dresses

Consignment Shops-Many consignment stores have special occasion gowns and bridesmaid gowns.  Find local resale stores at  Consignment Shops and Resale Shopping.  Tip: Before going, call up the stores and see if they carry bridesmaid dresses-many consignment stores specialize in children's wear or casual wear so save yourself a trip.

Thrift Stores-Thrift stores, where someone donated their gowns to a non-profit, can often be a good source of finding secondhand gowns.  Since the gowns were donated and the proceeds are going to charity, the dresses are often extremely cheap too!  Find local thrift stores near you with The Thrift Shopper or head to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Introducing Shabby Apple-Vintage Inspired Bridesmaid Dresses

Shabby Apple, the purveyor of vintage inspired and absolutely romantic dresses, has launched a bridesmaids collection making it easier for brides who want retro bridesmaid dresses.  Each dress is available in a variety of sizes from XXS to a plus-size large and in several popular bridesmaid colors like pink sapphire (hot pink), onyx (black), and rhodolite (purple).  Each dress is also carefully constructed for each individual order and occasion and made of  sturdy, durable, figure-loving fabrics in cuts that are classy and classic.

Take a look at the Jack and Jill dress.  Sculpted sleeves are tucked into a pleated bodice to create a delicate portrait neckline, while the nipped waist and shape-loving poly sateen of the bodice and skirt give you a flattering shape. (Love the adorable couple names!)

Or the Penelope and Odysseus dress with its cute puffed sleeves and a ruffled neckline which set this dress apart from regular belted wrap dresses, while featuring a cinched waist that helps keep your shape.

Other than the dresses in the Bridesmaids collection, Shabby Apple features quite a few that would be perfect for any wedding although especially so for one with vintage touches or a vintage theme.  Their little black dress collection features several dresses that would have made Audrey Hepburn swoon.  Of course, their dresses are also perfect for many occasions-bridal showers, work, or just hanging out. 


All images are copyright Shabby Apple

Wear those Bridesmaid Dresses Again!

The lovely women over at Always a Blogsmaid recently decided to tackle one of the hardest problems facing bridesmaids: how to wear our bridesmaid dresses again.  Asking everyone to submit inspiration boards on how to re-wear bridesmaid dresses from 57 Grand in a contest, they received some very creative entries and of course this helps us with inspiration on how to wear the dresses again.

This inspiration board paired a bright pink (fuschia) dress with grey accessories to make an outfit that could be worn for Easter brunch, church, or going out to lunch.  Or look at this look which took a formal reception gown into a complete rock 'n roll look, pairing the bridesmaid gown with a leather jacket, edgy sandals, and a studded purse. 

There's even more "re-wear" suggestions at 57 Grand. No matter what bridesmaid dress you wear, you're sure to find some great suggestions on how to wear your dress again.

Kim & Kourtney Kardashian's Vera Wang Bridesmaid Gowns

Celebrity Bride Guide voted the Kardashian sisters bridesmaid gowns as the best celebrity ones of 2009, besting the ones worn by Bridget Marquardt and Holly Madison for Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett’s Bel-Air wedding; the ones worn by Holly Montag and Stephanie Pratt for  Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt’s wedding; and the dresses worn by Hayley Duff and Emmanuelle Chriqui at the garden wedding of Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum.

The Kardashian sisters dazzled at their sister's wedding in Vera Wang.  To wear a similar gown check out Vera Wang's current Maids collection.  The above dress is style Claire (22M09) in Satin in 10 colors and is available for $260.  Kourteney and Kim wore it in purple-it's shown in amethyst.

Image copyrighted-Vera Wang

Alfred Angelo's New Eco-friendly Bridesmaid Dresses

Popular wedding designer Alfred Angelo has recently unveiled a new line of eco-friendly dresses called Purely Alfred Angelo.  The premise of the "Purely" collection is wear again bridesmaid gowns in eco-friendly fabrics like silk and cotton.  

More details aren't given about how the gowns are eco-friendly-are they made with organic fabrics?  Are the dyes better for the environment?  Are they made in America in sweatshop free conditions? Unfortunately more information is not given on the Alfred Angelo website but this is definately a great start for the wedding industry.

As for the gowns themselves, there are a few creative, non bridesmaidy ones which be both good and bad. (Don't expect anything too fashion forward here.) The bad-those brides who want black-tie traditional full-length dresses won't find any in this collection.  In addition, right now the color choice is limited-you won't find the full range of Alfred Angelo bridesmaid color choices. Most of the colors right now are better suited for a spring or summer wedding, although one would expect more colors and styles to be added for fall and winter.

However, brides who want shorter, cocktail length dresses have a few choices like the one shown above.  The one above (Purely Alfred Angelo Style 7111) shown in feather blue plaid is a darling cocktail length plaid dress in an eco-friendly silk duponi plaid that would be striking at casual summer weddings.  The dress is available in sizes 0 to 18, 16W to 30W, 8JB to 14JB for under $250.   

Another great choice in the collection is the dress pictured above Purely Alfred Angelo Style 7109. This dress is an eco-friendly cotton sateen cocktail length halter dress that would be easy to wear again. This one is available for under $200 and is also available in sizes 0 to 18, 16W to 30W, 8JB to 14JB.  It's available in five colors.

So far the collection is a great start-hopefully more designers start making eco-friendly dresses for bridesmaids.

(All photos are copyrighted images of Alfred Angelo)

Get your bridesmaid dress cheap at Gilt Groupe's Wedding Weekend

Gilt Groupe, an online sample sale paradise, is having a wedding sale extravaganza  this weekend beginning March 12 at noon. Besides gorgeous wedding dresses, you can also find sweet, stylish bridesmaids’ dresses by Thread, Amsale and Vera Wang Lavender along with flower girl dresses by Pippa and Julie, lingerie by Elle McPherson Intimates, and Lulu Frost hair accessories.  There will also be spa packages so the whole bridal party can look their best at drop-dead prices along with honeymoon packages and tons of other wedding accessories to make the bride's day perfect.

Hint-you must be a member to enjoy Gilt's sample sale prices. Click here to join and become a member. (It's FREE!)

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaid Dresses Coming Soon!

 Image courtesy of Dessy.com

Another option will soon exist for bridesmaid dresses that are affordable and gorgeous-the Cynthia Rowley collection for Dessy.The main design elements were taken directly from Rowley's eponymous ready-to-wear collection and include tulle skirts and drop-waist silhouettes designed for both day and evening weddings as well as long after the reception. Based on her collection, I would expect to see plenty of asymmetrical dresses. Best of all, the collection is expected to run under $200 which means those of us who have been longing for her party dresses will actually be able to have one without emptying out your entire bank account.  The collection should debut in May 2010 and because Dessy has a partnership with Pantone should be available in a ton of colors.  Sign up here to find out when the collection arrives.

Bridesmaid Dresses for 14 bucks?!

Or more specifcally $13.98. Target has had a line of party dresses and bridesmaid gowns for awhile but the line definitely deserves another look now. The featured dress, a classic navy sleeveless knee length dress, is on clearance for just $13.98. And of course the dress is available in other colors like black and espresso. Even at the regular price of $39.99, the dress would still be a steal.

Vera Wang's Top Ten Colors for Bridesmaid Dresses

Perfect Bound has put together a delightful palette of the top ten bridesmaid dress colors from Vera Wang. Looking at the gorgeous dresses Vera Wang has to offer makes us wish we were in ten more weddings. Of course Vera also has their list of the top bridesmaid dresses.

Wearing your bridesmaid dress again...

Ah, the legendary bridesmaid dress. Now, it seems as though every bride loves to tell us-"oh don't worry. You can definitely wear it again. The $400 will completely seem worth it after the 3rd wedding." And as nice as the dress is, how many times are we going to wear that chiffon full-length dress in Jade. Chances are-zero!

And of course this problem is not limited to bridesmaids-the brides often have a difficult time deciding what to do with their once beloved gown. Sherry from Young House Love decided to forgo popular advice and came up with a solution-dying her wedding gown black. You can read all about her adventure here.

After reading her story, dying a bridesmaid gown could be a good idea. Our advice:

• Don't try it on a gown that you really want to wear again. If the dress gets ruined, chances are there's no way of salvaging it.
• Read up on dying at All about hand dyeing and Rit Dye.
  
• All the online advice says not to try to dye a polyester dress.

Consider a professional dying service like DyePro Services.The prices start from $45 to dye an unlined dress while lined dresses start at $75. Others include Spectrum.

Our warning-we are not legally liable for any damage that results to our dress. Attempt and DO at your own risk.

We just might try it. After all, we weren't going to wear this dress ever again anyway.

Celebrity Bridesmaid Look: Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt's Wedding

Ah, we love looking at what celebrities have their bridesmaids wear. Heidi Montag had her bridesmaids Holly Montag and Stephanie Pratt wear simple yellow maxi dresses designed by BCBG. The best part about the maxi dress look-the dresses could easily be worn again.

Luxaholics has put together a list of ten bridesmaid dresses that are similar to the maxi dress look-dresses that can easily be worn again.

$80 and Under Bridesmaid Dresses

Project Wedding has a great list of bridesmaid dresses under $80. Be sure to forward it to the bride so you don't have to spend a ton of money on the dress.

Seersucker Bridesmaid Dresses?!

Being obsessed with bridesmaid dresses, it's not often that we find dresses that are so different, so unique, so absolutely perfect on so many levels...Ta-da! Seersucker bridesmaid dresses!

Seersucker always reminds me of summers in Nantucket, spending time on a boat, lounging on the beach, hitting up the Jersey Shore. And now seersucker can be part of a casual garden or a beach wedding.

Think about it-its the perfect summer fabric. Lightweight, breathable, much more comfortable in the hot sweltering sun.

Take a look at the finds over at Thread for their fresh bridesmaid designs.


Just look at the above design, the Selma Knee-Length. This dress is available in pink, green, turquoise, blue, beige, or white seersucker pattern. You can choose straps as well as length-mini, tea, or full-length.

The top design is the Stella Mini-Length which is just cute enough to wear to a picnic. Also available in pink, green, turquoise, blue, beige, or white seersucker pattern with different lengths available.

The only downside for us bridesmaids-the price. The prices begin at $290 but go up to $375 for full-length. Well, at least you could wear them again.
(Photos from ThreadDesign.com)