Wedding Style Me & My Wedding Party!

[CaliCushion]

I finally picked a dress!!! I''m going to order it in Ivory with the Ivory sash, not oyster as shown. I included a picture of the swarvoski crystal details on the sash. The veil in the pictures is almost $3000, so I''m not getting it. I think it''s gorgeous, and want to know if anyone has seen anything similar (or had anything similar made) for a lot less!!! It''s alencon lace, cathedral length and has crystal embellishments.

Also...help style me! I love diamonds and crystals, but don''t want to go overboard. I want to carry a bouquet of white peonies with a champagne silk wrap embellished with crystals or a brooch. I''m debating if a crystal headpiece of some kind is too much (any recs?) and if a crystal headpiece even goes well with an alencon lace veil. The veil is going to come off after the ceremony, however. I''m wearing my long dark brown hair down and curled....help!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

i dont have much for suggestions but i just wanted to say how much i love the dress you picked!

 

[CaliCushion]

Now help style my bridal party! Our colors are going to be champagne, black, white and blush (tell me if you don''t like them!). We are having an elegant black tie wedding. Vintage style with a little bit of modern flair. Black wasn''t originally going to be a color, but my mom is set on wearing black. I was thinking of letting the moms wear black, and having the bridesmaids either wear full length black dresses with a champagne sash, or champagne dresses with a black sash (I can''t decide!). The bridesmaids dresses in the picture have the exact same neckline as my dress, which I think helps tie everything together. I hope it doesn''t look too matchy-matchy though. Also, there is no picture of the dress full length! It''s supposed to be exactly the same and a-line, so it should look very similar. I wrote all of my questions on the attached image. I''d love opinions!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I''m gonna be honest- not too crazy about the black on champagne but it possibly might just be the gigantic bow that is turning me off too....

 

[marchswallowbird]

Yay! I love that dress on you. I would either do a crystal headpiece OR crystals on the bouquet, not both. And go easy on the jewelry if you have a large crystal headpiece. One thing you may want to consider is a pearl and crystal headpiece, which goes with your dress, but softens the headpiece (i.e. not quite so much bling). Whatever you do, do NOT do a crystal headpiece, large crystal earrings, crystal necklace and crystal on the bouquet.

Re: your wedding party, I love your colors. I would not do the champagne BM dress with the black sash, though. I think it's too harsh. Black sashes remind me of funerals, and specifically the sashes that police officers wear over their badges when another officer dies in the line of duty. I like the champagne and cream sash duo a lot.

ETA: I also like the champagne tie and black suit for FH. I think either of the bouquet color schemes will work. I love peonies! Sadly, they will be out of season for me, and too expensive.

 

[CaliCushion]

This last picture shows more of the "look" I''m going for! Black tie vintage elegance, tons of crystals, golds and blushes (the blue background in one of the pictures has nothing to do with my colors, only look at the gold and white invitations on top of it!)

This picture shows possibly invitation boxes with a crystal brooch embellished bow as on the right, but the a monogram similar to the middle invitation (the swirly letters with a crown). I''m a little worried about a gold monogram clashing with a silver crystal brooch, though.

3 cake ideas are scattered bottom right.

The left picture shows my tall centerpieces. Any ideas for short centerpieces? I''d like to use mostly blush and white peonies and white orchids!

I love the seating chart bottom left!

Thanks again, ladies!

 

[Clairitek]

Congrats on choosing a dress! The one you chose is really gorgeous. I''ve never seen a skirt like that on a wedding gown.

I have a question about the champagne color scheme- Are any of your bridesmaids really fair skinned? I am quite fair myself and champagne totally washes me out. I love the color but not in a dress on me. I would probably look like I wasn''t wearing anything in a photo from a distance. I do love the idea of a black dress with a champagne sash. I think that would look really elegant. If your bridal party is on board with the champagne dresses then go for it!

Your bouquet ideas are lovely. Peonies are truly one of my favorite flower. Both of those bout ideas are unique and beautiful as well. I don''t think that you can go wrong.

I don''t think that a crystal headpiece and crystals on your bouquet are overkill. The embellishments on your dress are subtle and classy. The ideas you have would work well, I think.

Wow... a $3000 veil. How is that possible? I made a really pretty veil with embroidery and swarovski crystals on it for under $15 with stuff I bought from the craft store for a friend of mine. I will do some internet research for you and try to find one similar to what you showed for less.

 

[CaliCushion]

smurfy --I just included the champagne dress with black sash to show the color combination. I''m NOT having my bridesmaids wear that dress!!!

I feel like I have to either have black bridesmaids dresses with a champagne sash or champagne bridesmaids dresses with a black sash if my mom wants to wear black. I really don''t like the look of the moms in a color not worn by the bridesmaids. My mom will wear champagne or gold if I tell her she has to, but I know she''s not comfortable with those options. Ahh!

 

[CaliCushion]

Claritek -- that is so sweet of you to do research! I''ve done some myself, and the veils I''ve seen have even lace edging. For example, 3" lace edging all around. The veil in my pictures has thin lace at the top, and thicker lace at the bottom. If you can find a similar one that would be great!

One of my bridesmaids is pale, but she said she likes the color gold/champagne and happily offered to fake tan before the wedding. Do you just not like champagne dresses for pale skinned ladies, or do you still prefer black bridesmaids dresses with the champagne sash?

Also, it''s more of a gold than a light champagne. I''ll attach a picture I took.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Date: 10/9/2008 8:16:57 PM
Author: CaliCushion
smurfy --I just included the champagne dress with black sash to show the color combination. I''m NOT having my bridesmaids wear that dress!!!


I feel like I have to either have black bridesmaids dresses with a champagne sash or champagne bridesmaids dresses with a black sash if my mom wants to wear black. I really don''t like the look of the moms in a color not worn by the bridesmaids. My mom will wear champagne or gold if I tell her she has to, but I know she''s not comfortable with those options. Ahh!

Ok that''s what i was wondering
i probably missed this but if its in the winter i bet black bridesmaids dresses would look beautiful and opposite if in the summer or spring

 

[lovesparklies]

Hi CaliCushion! We''re sort of on the same track as far as wedding colors -- I''m doing soft shades of pink and champagne and just decided to add gold to the mix. I''m glad to see someone else''s interpretation of those colors!

Your dress: Beautiful! I also have a lace dress and think it''ll look great with soft, romantic colors. I don''t have suggestions where to find a similar veil but I KNOW you can find one for less than $3000! That''s crazy! There are several online veil vendors that people often suggest on this site.

Bmaid dresses: Although I''m leaning towards champagne dresses myself, I''d say go with the black dresses with the champagne sash. I''ve been in two weddings where we wore black dresses and they look great with the guys'' black tuxes in pictures. I probably would''ve done black too if my FI didn''t specifically say he didn''t want black dresses.

May I ask who makes the bridesmaid dress you picked out? It''s really cute!

Crystal accents: Wear a crystal tiara! When else are you allowed to wear one if not at your wedding?! A brooch on your bouquet would also be pretty. Maybe throw in some coordinating earrings and call it a day.

Invitations: I saw those in MS, too, and loved them! I''m not sure a silver brooch would go with them, though. Maybe you could just do a gold bow instead?

Low centerpieces: Your description sounds lovely. I''m sure you could describe that to your florist and they would look great. Maybe think about doing something to tie your low and high centerpieces together, like putting some curly branches (twigs? know what I mean?) in the low centerpieces or adding some orchids to the tall centerpiece.

OK, maybe I''d better stop now! You already have a great vision for your wedding and it sounds beautiful!

 

[portia]

I love the dress you chose and all of your ideas. Very elegant wedding theme going on here! My SIL had champagne colored BM dresses and it was beautiful and though I know not everyone can wear it, the color looked great on all her girls. I''m not liking the black sash against the champagne dress (and that''s coming from someone who wore a black velvet sash at her wedding). I like that look, just not with that color. The centerpieces, cakes and invites you posted are gorgeous! I love the all ivory cake. Your idea of using blush and white peonies and white orchids for low centerpieces sounds perfect. It''s going to be a gorgeous wedding!

 

[CaliCushion]

Lovesparklies -- the bridesmaids dress is Watters&Watters.

I want a monogram similar to the MB monogram. I think the monogram to the right of it is pretty too, though!

The other pictures show boxes/brooches that I like. Is it overkill to have a monogram and then a bow with a crystal sash? I''d like to incorporate blush too, but I think that might be too much also.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Just wanted to say I love the final dress decision!!

 

[Clairitek]

If its more gold than a nudish/tan color champagne (if that makes sense) I think thats just fine!

I actually LOVE that dress you just posted. Who made it? I'm not sure if you've seen some of the threads I've started about my search for dresses for my friend's wedding but we are looking for a sashable dress as well and I would like to investigate the one you posted further. Its really lovely

. I do like the color champagne but I was just suggesting the black because of the pale skin/champagne combination. I think you're on the right track with the dress you posted. I would go with a ivory colored sash over a black one. The ivory sash with your ivory dress will coordinate nicely.

Everything else you've shown is just so classy. You have great taste.

 

[diamondfan]

I love those colors, though I might eliminate blush. I like the color but think it gets complex in there and changes the look. Champagne, black and ivory look classic to me. You have a great palette that is neutral but elegant. I like a champagne dress with a black sash for the younger gals, and black with maybe ivory or champagne for the moms. Those colors are super easy to work with. Only issue is how champagne looks on your gals. You CAN do black dresses for all with the ivory and champagne accents. Black looks good on many people.

 

[JSM]

I love your sense of style, so elegant!

 

[Clairitek]

I tried to ETA on my last post but for some reason its not showing up. I found that BM dress on the Watters website. Its so pretty! I especially

the pleated sweetheart neckline and the fact that its made out of silk!

 

[CaliCushion]

Clairitek -- Yeah, the dress is pretty and should be flattering to most people since it is a-line. I''m probably going to have my bridesmaids order the dress in full lenth, not tea length as shown. Also, the dress in the pictures is silk shatung. It is also available in dupioni silk (the silk that looks raw). Hope that helps!

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 10/9/2008 10:35:00 PM
Author: jsm
I love your sense of style, so elegant!

I totally agree! Cali, I just wanted to drop in to say congratulations on choosing a dress! I've followed your story from the beginning and I'm thrilled you've decided on "the one"

 

[Yimmers]

Congrats on choosing your dress! It''s a really great choice and so pretty on you! As for the bridesmaid dresses - I seem to recall you mentioning that your ceremony will be in a garden? Maybe I got it wrong...but if you are doing an outdoor ceremony, I would consider the champagne dresses with some ivory sashes...or maybe do a tone on tone, champagne sashes instead? You could do the sashes in a color slight lighter or darker then the dress? Additionally, if you''re outside, black might be too warm, especially if it''s going to be sunny out. I think it will also look harsher then if you used a softer color...if you''re indoors, then I think black might be really classy and add the appropriate formality. I think black would be fine if the moms want to wear that color, since they won''t be standing up there with you.

As for the short centerpieces, why not a square vase with a loose bouquet of the peonies and orchids? You can incorporate the orchids in your tall centerpieces to tie it all together. At my friend''s wedding, she did sprays of green and fuschia (denbrodium ?) orchids on (manzanita?) branches with hanging glasses of tea lights on some tables, and used the same sprays in casual low centerpieces on others. It made for quite a beautiful effect.

I think your colors sound fine. If you''re worried about too much, use blush as an accent color and keep it minimal to your other colors.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 10/9/2008 11:22:46 PM
Author: CaliCushion
Clairitek -- Yeah, the dress is pretty and should be flattering to most people since it is a-line. I''m probably going to have my bridesmaids order the dress in full lenth, not tea length as shown. Also, the dress in the pictures is silk shatung. It is also available in dupioni silk (the silk that looks raw). Hope that helps!

You know what? I''ve always thought that silk shantung and dupioni silk were the same thing! I have something to learn.

The bride whose wedding I am in is open to either option, so long as its not taffeta (though I wonder if silk taffeta is ok?? who knows).

 

[dragonfly411]

I think your look will be absolutely beautiful!!!

 

[MissManna]

Date: 10/9/2008 7:43:48 PM
Author:CaliCushion
I finally picked a dress!!! I''m going to order it in Ivory with the Ivory sash, not oyster as shown. I included a picture of the swarvoski crystal details on the sash. The veil in the pictures is almost $3000, so I''m not getting it. I think it''s gorgeous, and want to know if anyone has seen anything similar (or had anything similar made) for a lot less!!! It''s alencon lace, cathedral length and has crystal embellishments.

Also...help style me! I love diamonds and crystals, but don''t want to go overboard. I want to carry a bouquet of white peonies with a champagne silk wrap embellished with crystals or a brooch. I''m debating if a crystal headpiece of some kind is too much (any recs?) and if a crystal headpiece even goes well with an alencon lace veil. The veil is going to come off after the ceremony, however. I''m wearing my long dark brown hair down and curled....help!

Great choice Cali! The dress is beautiful! I have a suggestion for the diamonds and crystals thing... I want to be very sparkly too, so I''ve been scouring e-bay for vintage rhinestone jewelry. It''s costume, but everything was made very well in the 40s, 50s and it looks great! I''ve gotten some earrings and a bracelet for not very much money, and they are going to look great with my dress. So I would suggest just doing a search on there and seeing if there''s something you like! Congrats again!

 

[Clairitek]

CaliCushion!! I might have found a veil for you. There is one pictured on this website that appears to have the varied size of laze edging like the one pictured on you!

This one says it has 1 1/2" and 3" lace on it. It is shown on the website as a shorter veil but it does say that they sell it in cathedral length if you want it that long.

Alencon Lace Edge Veil

The veil I think that matches yours is the one that is called "Mediterranean Mantilla Veil" and is about half way down the page.

Here is a screen shot of the veil I am talking about:

 

[CaliCushion]

JSM, Pocahontas and Dragonfly, thanks for the kind words.

Yimmers, you are exactly on track. Blush is going to be an accent color used in flowers(bouquets and bouts) and maybe a few decor items.

Diamondfan, I don''t think I''m going to eliminate blush, but it''s only going to be an accent. I didn''t even think of having the Mom''s wear black dresses with ivory or champagne touches of some kind. Theoretically that''s a great compromise. However, I think that''s going to be hard to do. My mom is probably going to wear a jacket of some kind, so a sash wouldn''t show. It''s ridiculous how much time I''ve spent trying to figure out ways for everyone to match!

MissManna, I am going to do an ebay search, thanks. I''m also going to look at the crislu etc jewlery at Nordstroms. I can take all the jewelry from nordstroms home and just return what I don''t want! I know that sparkly earrings, necklace and bracelet is going to be too much, so I need to figure out what jewelry I want to wear.

Clairitek, thanks so much for the veil research! it seems like the veil is very similar. I''m in a hurry today but I''ll look closely when I get home tonight.