it is a good time to be a bridesmaid!!

Last week, we promised a dedicated posts to all things bridesmaids, and here we are! Thinking through bridesmaids is so fun because the options are endless.....no longer are bridesmaids dresses a source of anxiety and dread for a sweet friend standing by her bride. We love the themes we are seeing among our many bridal parties right now: wearability, unexpected color, and versatile fabric (oh the crinkle chiffon is so beautiful!)....

Once you pick your dress, bridesmaids dresses can be another big element of your wedding that sets a tone. Long or short? Color? Neutral? Six bridesmaids in black looks entirely different than six bridesmaids in hot pink...it all goes back to what your vision is and how you want to effectively execute it.

We wanted to just give you a brief overview of general thoughts regarding bridesmaids - and, like everything else, we're here to help along the way!

• There really aren't "rules" for maids anymore. We have done weddings with one bridesmaid, and we have done parties of 12 and 14. We have seen long dresses during the day, and short dresses for some of the most formal weddings. It's about making sure the maids fit into your overall picture and it makes sense with the rest of your day.

• Order time for bridesmaids usually sits just shy of 3 months. We recommend budgeting the full 3 months + a little time for alterations (yes, even most bridesmaids dresses need some tweaking!!). We will help you determine a timeline for ordering and keeping the girls on track :)

• All of our bridesmaids ordering is online, simplifying the process for you when your girls are spread out or just living super fabulous, busy lives :) Check out our order form here for an idea of how streamlined and easy it is to order once you decide the style. {That being said, all you May and June brides....not too soon to be finalizing that decision!!!}

• If you are waiting on new styles to come in or haven't quite determined which style you want yet, go ahead and get your girls measured. Professional measurements are critical, as every designer cuts a little differently and it is imperative that the dresses are ordered per the size chart. If they are local, we will gladly measure them ahead of time so that later, they just need to consult the size chart and place their order. We have found time and again that the gathering-the-girls and getting-them-measured is the most time consuming part of the process ;)

That's all the logistics...now, the fun part...oh, girls! The styles are just amazing these days! We are seeing fabulous colors - a current fave is a charcoal/vanilla/blush combo....and bold colors and soft neutrals are abundant. We are just so excited about dresses that are truly wearable and even a little chic....

Check out some of these fab dresses below...We've started getting some new pieces from Watters, and the others are due in store within weeks. Be on the lookout for some info on the new designs, because it's all really beautiful!!

Amsale's crinkle chiffon dresses have absolutely taken off....Amazing, darling, and super, super flattering on all shapes. We literally have not seen these dresses look bad on anyone -- this French Blue color (on the right) ? Gorgeous -it has a grey undertone that is muted and subtle.

{Be sure and check back to Amsale's site in the coming weeks for the new styles- trust us, you'll love them too :)}

A few other favorites of ours this season are from Jim Hjelm...here are just a few coming to live with us :)

Hop on over to the Lela Rose website, too....Last year was Lela Rose's inaugural collection and you girls ate them up! This year promises to be as strong or stronger with classic cuts and feminine details! We did several rehearsal dinner dresses for brides in Lela's ivory dresses, and don't underestimate the long versions of her casual short dresses....they translate very well to a more formal look!

Watters, with their extensive maids collection, has responded to ready to wear trends with cute shapes, lots of volume, and great use of color. Their newest images aren't up yet ...stay tuned...they are on target this year with their signature collection as well as WToo, their lower price point dresses that are not short on style! :)

*Phew* Excuse the lengthy post, but here's hoping it helps a little bit. Feel free to come in and see our collections and get some ideas for your bridesmaids. Would love to help :)

XO