Choosing a dress that fits every bridesmaid’s personality and body type can be daunting. Some bridesmaids are too opinionated while others are too indecisive. So should you decide on what your girls wear or should you leave the deciding up to them? We asked our Facebook and Twitter followers if their bridesmaids had a say in what they’re wearing. Here’s what they had to say:

“I picked them but they told me whether or not they liked them. They also went dress shopping with me so I got an idea of what they wanted as well. I did pick very usual dresses though.”
- Paula Henley via Facebook

“My girls picked their own dresses. I made sashes and bought wraps to make them match each other.”
- Amanda Hurrie via Facebook

“Yes. I only have one maid of honour and she got to pick her dress and a choice of red or silver.”
- Tara MacDonald via Facebook

“I went to a company that offers all of its dresses in 52 colours. I picked the colour, then told my bridesmaids to pick out any knee-length dress. My maid of honour had to pick out a full-length gown. They oddly all picked the same dress!”
- Jenna Wiegand via Facebook

“No! I was the one to pick the dresses. But I got lucky, they loved them.”
- Kathy Larkin via Facebook

“I picked the colour and they get to pick the style of their choice and budget.”
- Karen O via Facebook

“They got to decide on the style but it had to be a specific colour.”
- @lilsars via Twitter

“I told them to pick any black dress that was above the knee. It turned out that everyone’s dress was different but made of the same material.”
- Jessica Miller via Facebook

“I told them what colour and designer. I wanted marine blue and Alfred Angleo and they could wear any style dress they wanted. If they’re paying for them they should get the dress they’re comfortable  in.”
- Johanna McLellan via Facebook

“Absolutely! I want them to pick a style that they feel most comfortable and pretty in.”
- @alitenwest via Twitter

“Yes- they have to be happy too!”
- Jo Miller via Facebook

To join in this discussion and others follow us at facebook.com/weddingbellsmag or twitter.com/weddingbellsmag.

J. Crew kids carries some of the cutest clothes–especially for the younger members of your bridal party.

Their flower girl section in particular has me swooning. I’m coveting everything from their glitter shoes to their chic cardigans–makes me wish they came in my size!

]]> http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/planning/rosies-ideas/2011/03/09/prettiest-flower-girl-attire/feed/ 0 http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/royal-wedding/2011/03/08/day-52-a-going-away-outfit-for-kate/ http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/royal-wedding/2011/03/08/day-52-a-going-away-outfit-for-kate/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:01:25 +0000 Nicole Keen http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/?p=17744 The going-away outfit is one tradition I’d love to see revived, and Kate Middleton is...]]>

Photo courtesy Net-a-Porter.

The going-away outfit is one tradition I’d love to see revived, and Kate Middleton is the perfect person to bring it back in a big way. In 1981 Princess Diana chose a pink going-away ensemble by David Sassoon. For Kate, I’ve selected some chic separates by Alexander McQueen (in case you missed the big news—and Alison’s blog post—it’s fairly certain Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen is Kate’s wedding dress designer). Kate would look ravishing leaving her wedding reception in this sophisticated cream-coloured coat, dress and pumps, all by Alexander McQueen. By the way, I found all of these wonderful pieces at Net-a-Porter, so feel free to start shopping for your very own post-party outfit…

Photo courtesy Net-a-Porter.

Photo courtesy Net-a-Porter.

Reem Acra Fall 2011

The closely guarded secret of Kate Middelton’s dress will remain so until she steps out of the motorcar in front of Westminister Abbey on April 29. The rumours of Bruce Oldfield being the designer still run rampant as does the speculation of what THE dress will look like. We’re predicting something modern, gorgeous and otherworldly for Kate…and definitely something with sleeves. Kate and William will be married in a Church of England service and while the church has no defined rules about what can or can’t be worn during a wedding service, royal brides tend not to flash too much skin as a show of modesty. Now whether Kate goes for a cap sleeve, bracelet length, wrist length or perhaps a shrug or bolero to cover up is anyone’s guess. All we  know is that we can’t wait to see! Want to hear more about Kate’s dress speculation? Tune into Canada AM Monday January 24 at 8:10 am to see Alison dish all about it.

Earlier this month Nicole blogged about a pretty party dress from French Connection, a simple pastel frock with a little bit of sparkle. If you’re still on the hunt for a dress to take you through the holiday’s and double-duty as an option for the parties surrounding your wedding, then definitely take a peek at Zara‘s Evening Collection. Classic, yet super chic options, I guarantee you’ll have a hard time picking a favourite (at least I’m having a hard time!) Aside from being stylish, the price-point is great. If you want to make a statement, I suggest the red tulip-skirt dress ($179), or the leopard dress ($119). The white romantic flower dress ($70) definitely says bridal, while the leather sequin frock ($139) is simple yet fun! Those not afraid of body-con options, should consider the affordable gold lame tube dress ($60). Even if your wedding isn’t until the spring or summer, now is a great time to pick a fun party dress!

According to People, Kate’s bridal gown designer is about to be announced any time now. And by the looks of it, Philippa Lepley (a last minute add on to the list of possible bridal designers that Kate will choose) is being favoured upon as most likely to be chosen. Recognized as one of London’s leading couture designers, Philippa is known for her elegant and romantic designs, which would be perfect for Kate as we definitely see her in a dress that’s quite classic and feminine.

If you’re looking for vintage-inspired gowns you must check out Sarah Seven–a cute dress shop based out of Oregon (don’t worry they ship internationally). I love the dreamy look of each design. One could almost say their dresses have a very boho/shabby chic with a modern-twist look to them. Even the names of their dresses are adorable.  Pictured above (from left to right) the frocks are called: Wedding Bells (very fitting to us!), Pink Petals and Love Story. Told you they were cute, didn’t I? Read more after the jump to see more of my top picks from Sarah Seven.

{from left to right: tulip, old new borrowed blue, delightful)

{from left to right: peachy keen, forget me not, peaceful afternoon)

Maggie Sottero's "Capri Marie"

I’m writing this blog two days before my wedding and by the time you are reading it, I will be married! So exciting! Anyways, now I can finally tell you about my dress.

I thought I knew exactly what I wanted… I spent months looking at online listings on craigslist and kijiji for a used wedding dress. I have no problems wearing a used dress and I thought it would be a great way to keep the cost down. When I saw this dress, it was exactly what I’d been looking for.

I called the lady who was selling the “Capri Marie” and made an appointment to come see the dress. I put on the dress, and… it looked okay, but not at all how I expected. Since I had convinced myself for months that this is the dress that I wanted, I bought it. It was only

I am too short for this dress and it does not flatter me at all! I'm sure it would look great on the right person though!

$350 and I figured since it was a Maggie Sottero it would be easy to sell it again if I changed my mind. On the ride home, I kept worrying about how it looked on me. When I got home, I got my sister to take some pictures of me in the dress and then cried when I saw the pictures. It just wasn’t flattering on me at all! It looked great in the pictures, but awful on me.

I decided I was going to resell it and try again. Unfortunately, when I went to look at the tag, it wasn’t even a Maggie Sottero! It was a knockoff. I didn’t even think to check since the woman had advertised it as a Maggie Sottero. I realized it might be harder to resell the dress than I had originally thought and the woman refused to take it back.

Do not buy a wedding dress without trying on lots of dresses!!!  Your favorite dress in the pictures is not necessarily what is going to look good on you.

Casablanca "1920." I love all the sparkle in the skirt! The dress had a halter neckline, but I tucked it in because I love the sweetheart neckline.

So, my mom took me shopping with my maid of honour Jennifer and my bridesmaid Sarah to find the perfect dress. We tried a few different stores and I tried on so many dresses. I was so relieved that all wedding dresses didn’t look terrible on me! It was at Jealous Bridesmaids that I found the perfect dress. It wasn’t what I had been looking for at all, but when I walked out of the fitting room, everyone went silent. We had a great experience shopping at Jealous Bridesmaids, the staff were so helpful and I never felt rushed. To celebrate our purchase, they brought out some champagne and we made a toast to finding the perfect dress.

{Toasting to the dress!}