If you’re asked to be bridesmaid, you feel a mix of emotions about being honored to dreading the dress. Is it going to be a pink meringue with a horrible pink bow – something everyone loves to hate and is the subject of much mockery, or will it be something stylish? We want to say yes to the latter, so take a look at these ideas. You can still have pretty and elegant bridesmaids without overshadowing the bride!

Illusion necklines are all in for Spring 2013. This cut manages to be both dramatic and sexy, offering intrigue to any bridesmaid dress. These can come in a classy black v-neck, like those from Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids, to low cut cleavage showing mesh, such as Noir by Lazaro, or an off the shoulder illusion mesh from David’s bridal. You have a selection of gorgeous and understated dresses to choose from in this style.

Speaking of off the shoulder, the one shoulder look might not be a new fashion concept, but it’s one that’s going to be hot this coming spring. Whether it’s a satin shine dress like Alvina Valentina or a blue crumpled dress from Coreen more, to evening gown style dresses from Elizabeth St. John Social Collections and Jim Hjelm Occasions, this is a great look for the bridesmaids to sport. 

Red is hot, hot, hot this spring, so much so that more and more brides are ditching the traditional white for a spicier color. However, if you’re a sucker for traditions then don’t throw the white dress out the window, but give your bridesmaids the red dresses. With so many shades to choose from, whether you’re looking for a cut, cherry-color to something more daring and dark, then you are spoiled for choice. David’s Bridal might give you something bold to talk about with its bright red off the shoulder dress, but the pretty pink and red dress by Jim Hjelm Occasions is a little softer on the eye.

Peplums are hot for bridal dresses in the coming season, but they can also be a nice touch to your bridesmaid’s dresses. Whether you’re going to pick a lacy style like the silver satin and lace peplum dress Noir by Lazaro, or the bright red cute, Audrey Hepburn style dress from Alfred Angelo.

Fifty Shades of Grey is more than just a book, and with the color coming back in to fashion, it’s a great choice for a bridesmaid dress, whether you’re opting for a silvery sheen, or an elegant smoky look – grey is a color, which is versatile for any occasion. The long, off the shoulder dark grey dress from Monique Lhuillier is a seductive and ideal for an evening affair, whereas the moonlight tones from Saja Bridesmaid has a more ethereal look to it.

There are so many beautiful bridesmaids outfits out there, so why not make your friends feel honored to be asked at the wedding and not embarrassed by that giant pink bow?

If you’re asked to be bridesmaid, you feel a mix of emotions about being honored to dreading the dress. Is it going to be a pink meringue with a horrible pink bow – something everyone loves to hate and is the subject of much mockery, or will it be something stylish? We want to say yes to the latter, so take a look at these ideas. You can still have pretty and elegant bridesmaids without overshadowing the bride!

Illusion necklines are all in for Spring 2013. This cut manages to be both dramatic and sexy, offering intrigue to any bridesmaid dress. These can come in a classy black v-neck, like those from Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids, to low cut cleavage showing mesh, such as Noir by Lazaro, or an off the shoulder illusion mesh from David’s bridal. You have a selection of gorgeous and understated dresses to choose from in this style.

Speaking of off the shoulder, the one shoulder look might not be a new fashion concept, but it’s one that’s going to be hot this coming spring. Whether it’s a satin shine dress like Alvina Valentina or a blue crumpled dress from Coreen more, to evening gown style dresses from Elizabeth St. John Social Collections and Jim Hjelm Occasions, this is a great look for the bridesmaids to sport. 

Red is hot, hot, hot this spring, so much so that more and more brides are ditching the traditional white for a spicier color. However, if you’re a sucker for traditions then don’t throw the white dress out the window, but give your bridesmaids the red dresses. With so many shades to choose from, whether you’re looking for a cut, cherry-color to something more daring and dark, then you are spoiled for choice. David’s Bridal might give you something bold to talk about with its bright red off the shoulder dress, but the pretty pink and red dress by Jim Hjelm Occasions is a little softer on the eye.

Peplums are hot for bridal dresses in the coming season, but they can also be a nice touch to your bridesmaid’s dresses. Whether you’re going to pick a lacy style like the silver satin and lace peplum dress Noir by Lazaro, or the bright red cute, Audrey Hepburn style dress from Alfred Angelo.

Fifty Shades of Grey is more than just a book, and with the color coming back in to fashion, it’s a great choice for a bridesmaid dress, whether you’re opting for a silvery sheen, or an elegant smoky look – grey is a color, which is versatile for any occasion. The long, off the shoulder dark grey dress from Monique Lhuillier is a seductive and ideal for an evening affair, whereas the moonlight tones from Saja Bridesmaid has a more ethereal look to it.

There are so many beautiful bridesmaids outfits out there, so why not make your friends feel honored to be asked at the wedding and not embarrassed by that giant pink bow?

Reem Acra is a well known Lebanese fashion designer who’s headquarters are located in New York, but continues to be a legend worldwide. Although she studied in Paris and New York, and her designs are loved all over the world, Reem spends most of her time and energy continuing to brand herself in the NYC area. Her designs incorporate modern elegance with a European flair, and she is most known for her bridal designs and her uncanny talent for incorporating embroidery into her designs.

Her 2012 collection included off the shoulder, both shoulder, sweetheart, and strapless designs all with embroidery and/or floral embroidered embellishments.

I’m in love.

Image Courtesy of Weddinginspiras

The Little White Dress (or in this case, the little wedding dress!) is a popular traditional dress between the grand dios wedding gown and the seeing-off outfit. When I went and saw The Vow on Valentine’s Day last month, I instantly fell in love with Paige (played by Rachel McAdams) and her wedding dress she wore to marry her soulmate Leo (played by Channing Tatum) at the Chicago Art Museum. It was simple, original, yet still had a flirty and feminine style to it. There were many things that made this dress stand out– the fabric, the length, and the color! Designed by mod-60s designer Betsey Johnson, this dress is available in it’s cotton candy pink and traditional white.

Would you ever wear this dress to your reception? How about to a backyard reception?

Love & Tulle,

Hope Alcocer

The original custom of wearing a white wedding gown was to signify the purity of the bride. If a woman was married before, was widowed or divorced, then she was not supposed to wear a white gown at her next wedding. As with many customs and traditions, things change or are forgotten.

The white wedding gown is still fashionable for weddings, but no longer holds traditional values. Today women are putting tradition behind them, and opting for fashionable replacements for the white wedding gown.

Many couples are looking for a wedding that will stand out among the rest. They are getting married in parks, on the beach, on bridges, on cruises, and many other out of the way places. Some even go as far as parachuting out of a plane or bungee jumping off a bridge. The point being, don’t be afraid to experiment. This is your special day. Make it fun and memorable. Maybe you will want a medieval gown, or a simple silk shift. You might even want to mix a few different traditional things together like an old, lace gown with a pastel veil and red rosettes. You may want something simple or something extravagant. 

Choose bold colors like bright red, green or blue if you really want to stand out. Combinations of different colors and lengths are also becoming very popular. You may decide you want a red wedding gown with white rosettes, or a white wedding gown with red rosettes. You may even think of something in a short skirt or a pants suit in white satin.

Wedding gown styles are now left up your individual tastes, unless you decide to go traditional because of your families or faith. People are getting married in shorts and tee shirts, matching ensembles, short skirted suits, and original hand made gowns. Many couples choose to follow current trends,  others just want their individualism to stand out.

A wedding is a special occasion, one that will be remembered for a life time. You should choose what you want as your wedding apparel, after all, it is your special day and you will want memories that you will enjoy and talk about long afterward.