How To Style Your Bridesmaid Dress For A Church Wedding

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mainchurchwedWe love the tradition of a wedding ceremony in a temple of worship. It’s sentimental and old-fashioned — and a candlelit church with an organ, violin, or piano player makes for an absolutely beautiful setting. To inspire our brides who are planning church weddings, we’ve styled three of our favorite classic bridesmaid dresses with the ideal accessories for a time-honored faith-oriented wedding.

churchwednudeA nude faille sheath bridesmaid dress exudes simple elegance. You can jazz it up with any color, but for a quintessential church nuptial, we love it paired with red. Have your maids cover up with a pashmina that matches open-toed pumps with bow detail. A long pendant necklace contrasts gold stud earrings, while a shimmery green polish is fashionable and complimentary. Don’t forget to throw pops of red into the bouquets!

Above: Thread Melanie in Pecan, Dessy Pashmina Evening Shawl in Flame, and Dogeared Gold Faceted Stone Earrings.

Also pictured: Max&Chloe Brace Yourself LA Petite Red Quartz Pendant Necklace, Red Peony Bouquet by Therese Jacinto Design, Butter London Nail Polish in Trustafarian, and Christian Louboutin Noeud 120 Bow-Embellished Leather Peep-toe Pumps.

churchwednavyA navy bridesmaid dress in a traditional cut, like this boatneck cocktail length number, feels incredibly sophisticated at a church ceremony. Pair with a pointy-toed pump and you’ve got a look that is fashion forward and on trend. Lighten things up with a bright bouquet that matches your maids nail and lip color. The finishing touches? Stunning drop diamond earrings and a handful of gold bangles.

Above: Alfred Sung D488 in Midnight and Dessy CZ Petite Drop Earrings.

Also pictured: Charles David Galactic Pump, Pink and White Bouquet by Natalie Bowen Designs, YSL Rouge Pur Lipstick in Fuchsia Pink, Essie Nail Polish in DJ Play That Song, and Ralph Lauren Gold Bangle Set.
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We love a long bridesmaid dress with a fitted bodice for a church wedding. It’s feels vintagey, yet modern at the same time. Since no one will see your maids feet, let them relax (and get down later in the night!) in gold flats. The v-neck of the dress calls for a delicate necklace and pretty dangly earrings. Shimmery gray shadow and a neutral lip keep things soft and feminine. A bouquet in pretty pastels rounds out this blushing bridesmaid look.

Above: Lela Rose LX167 in Suede Rose, Dogeared Bridesmaid 16″ Gold Sideways Heart Necklace, and Dogeared Dangling Pearl Gold Earrings.

Also pictured: Dolce Vita Laci Ballet Flat, Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Shimmer in Amazing Gray, Bobby Brown High Shimmer Gloss in Naked Plum, and Pastel Bouquet by Amy Osaba.

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5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Colors

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weddingcolormainYou’ve set the date and found a location…the next to-do on your wedding planning list? Select your colors! If you don’t have a clear vision of your wedding in mind, it can be daunting trying to decide which colors to use. So, before you choose a yellow, navy, and gray palette, here are some things for you to consider.

1.  Location. Think about the setting of your wedding. If you’re getting married in a hotel ballroom that has red and gold carpets, a hot pink and green color scheme might clash. For a wedding at a beautiful location that already has a lot of natural color, like a beach or garden, you might want to choose a more neutral palette. A wedding in the woods will have a lot of natural brown colors, so a pop of purple or pink could be necessary.

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2. Season. Traditionally, darker colors work well for the colder months and brighter colors are ideal for warm weather. Look to nature and produce for inspiration. A sage green, burnt orange, and copper palette would look lovely in the fall because it matches the colors, think pumpkins and root vegetables, of the season. Likewise, strawberries and cherries are in season in spring, so why not throw a splash of ruby into your turquoise and lime green palette? The season also dictates what flowers are available. If your heart is set on pink dahlias, make sure they are in season before you design your wedding around the color pink.

3. Time of Day. What time is your wedding going to take place? Black or navy bridesmaid dresses may not fit your vision for a wedding that takes place in the middle of the day, but they would look gorgeous under moonlight. Will the sun be setting during the ceremony? A scheme with neutrals, peaches, and corals will match it perfectly.

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4. Formality. A black tie wedding in the city is very different from a country wedding on a farm and your colors may reflect this. For a super formal wedding, think about throwing in some metallic colors. Gold and silver accents are very chic. Hosting a casual affair at a winery? Use the grapes as inspiration and incorporate purple with khaki and green.

5. Bridesmaid’s Dresses. Do you want your maids to be outfitted entirely in your color? Choose a shade that’s flattering to your friends’ skin tone. Five girls in fuchsia will pack a lot of color into your bridal look, so offset it with white or pale pink bouquets. Likewise, five girls in navy will look sophisticated with brightly colored bouquets.

Lastly, it’s important to choose colors that you love! You’re going to be looking at them a lot over the course of your engagement, so be sure you absolutely love that shade of orange before you mass produce the save the dates.

 

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Proposal Story Winner- April: Martella

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It’s that time again when Weddington Way has the pleasure of announcing its next  Proposal Story Giveaway Contest Winner! This month, the choice was clear- Martella, the lengths your fiance went to keep you suprised touched our hearts!  Your story (and picture) were too cute for words and we’re beyond excited to announce you as our winner for April! We hope you enjoy your fabulous new Watters Encore Dress!

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“Photography has always been a hobby of mine, but it wasn’t until 2012 that I started to take on paid work photographing families and individuals. I never took myself very seriously and didn”t dare label myself as a photographer until very recently. This never stopped my boyfriend, Joseph, from believing in me and he would happily come along on each session to hold armfuls of bags and jackets, run to fix stray hairs and make a fool of himself in order to help me capture that perfect smile.

Towards the end of the year, after a busy holiday season of family photo shoots, he asked me why we never take our own photos. I had always wanted to do just that, but knew and understood that he always preferred to be “behind-the-scenes”. Needless to say, I was thrilled at his suggestion and immediately began planning every detail of our upcoming session. He allowed me to have fun planning it all and was a good sport about me coercing him into a pair of suspenders. His only input was that it would be nice to take the photos in Berkeley California where we had our first date. As that was his only request and a location I had already favored, it was an easy decision to make.

The day of the shoot there was a high probability of rain, but we took a chance and set out to trek the UC Berkeley campus along with my sister who took the pictures and her boyfriend who graciously lugged around our bags and purses. The rain stayed away and we were able to venture across the gorgeous area and inside stunning buildings unbothered. His dress shoes started to rub his ankle raw, but he brought a more comfortable pair in his backpack and didn’t so much as complain until we reached our final destination: Sproul Hall, where we spent our first date sitting on the steps listening to music together five years ago. I stopped us after the first few pictures and asked him to put his nice shoes back on for the last few frames. As my sister distracted me with a few solo photos, little did I know that I had just given him the perfect opportunity to retrieve the ring and his hand-written letter hidden inside his backpack.

People ask me now if I really had no idea what was coming, but honestly that morning, my mind was so focused on every detail of the photo shoot – the forecast of rain, the unfamiliar buildings I wanted to visit, how dapper he looked, etc.that when he pulled out the letter he wrote I was caught completely off-guard. He had set his own plan in motion all along and allowed me to carry on with the misguided belief that I was in control of every detail. The moment was everything I could ever ask for and more. Even the little details in retrospect make it even sweeter: we all joke around now about how I could hear someone sniffling loudly close by us (who I assumed was my sister) as he began to read his letter, but wouldn’t dare confirm my suspicions by taking my eyes off of my boyfriend while he poured his heart out to me.

Even funnier still, was my sister’s boyfriend’s confession that he had also started to cry unexpectedly as the scene unfolded. Or that in my excitement and bewilderment I almost knelt down to his level to accept the ring, until I realized my mistake and corrected myself. When we had all wiped away our tears—my now-fiancé was the only one too nervous to cry—we walked back to the car and they revealed to me the part each of them played in his “mission impossible.” To add to the wonder of it all, not a minute after we were all safely inside the car it began to rain heavily and didn’t stop for days.”

Have an amazing proposal story to share? Learn how here.

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Our Favorite Honeymoon Destinations

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From the bridesmaid dresses to the cake flavors, there are so many decisions when it comes to planning a wedding. One that should be more fun than stressful is deciding where to go on your honeymoon! It’s your first big trip as newlyweds and after the hustle and bustle of the ceremony and reception, you and your husband deserve a little quality rest and relaxation. Just be sure to select a destination that suits your desires as a couple. If you want to lay low and enjoy the sun, opt for a beach local. Do you and your partner prefer to scout out museums, shopping, and nightlife? Choose a location that’s urban and fast-paced. And remember, a honeymoon is a once in a lifetime vacation, so why not think big? Pick the place you both have always wanted to visit, but never had the time to. Need some inspiration? Here are our fantasy honeymoon destinations.

argentina1Argentina. Wish you could plan a beach, wine country, and city honeymoon all in one? Well, if you head to Argentina you can! Explore the streets of Buenos Aires, which is the 10th largest city in the world, then take a ferry to the beautiful beaches of nearby Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Mendoza, Argentina’s most famed wine region, is just a short plane ride away. Image from Flickr user longhorndave.

stbarthsSt. Barths. Dreaming of French escape, but don’t have time to make the long haul to Europe? Pop on down to the Caribbean island of St. Barths instead. The French island is known for private villas, beautiful beaches, and gourmet food. St. Barths is an ideal escape for the couple who wants to follow their winter wedding with a tropical vacation. Image from Flickr user pocketwiley.

greeceGreece. Although the economy is on the rocks, the tourism industry in Greece is doing just fine. Enjoy the stunning sunsets of Santorini or the magnificent mornings of Mykonos. Fresh seafood, exotic wines, and a warm climate? What more could you ask for?! The Aegean islands just ooze romance. Image from Flickr user BluEyedA73.

tulemMexico. Tulum, on the Southern tip and Caribbean side of Mexico, is a honeymoon hot spot. There are the Mayan ruins, the turquoise sea, and nesting sea turtles. Not to mention tequila and tacos! The temperature averages above 80°F year round, but note that July through September is hurricane season and if you go then, you may risk being caught in a storm. Image from Flickr user austinevan.

portugal Portugal. You’ve already been to Italy and Spain, but what about discovering all that Portugal has to offer? There’s history, beaches, wineries, and amazing food. Enough said! Image from Flickr user Photo_Robson.

fijiFiji. For the ultimate island getaway, Fiji is the best choice. It’s remote, but luxurious. Perfect for the couple who wants to relax in an unspoiled natural paradise. You can swim with exotic fishes and eat lots of tropical fruit and dishes made with coconut milk. Yum! Image from Flickr user Montanafish.

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An Inside Look at Watters’ New Styles

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mainwattersWe recently attended Bridal Fashion Week in New York and two of our favorite shows were Watters and WTOO! We’re huge fans of their vast selection of bridesmaid dresses and love how there is a perfect design for every personality. We also got to meet with the lead designer, Xay (that’s her and with our Director of Customer Experience, Vanessa, in the photo above!), and she shared this fall’s bridesmaid dress trends. Here is what to look forward to!

jeweltoneBMFW1Jewel tones. Although pastels are big for spring, fall is all about deep jewel colors. We could not get enough of the emerald, sapphire, ruby, and royal purple dresses.

longbridemaidsBFW1longbridemaidsbFW2Maxi skirts. Long dresses were everywhere! From formal satins with fuller skirts to flirty chiffons with slim skirts, they range in style and fabric.

colorblockBFWColor-blocking. Large blocks of color in two different shades is a trend that carried over from regular fashion week. This is a great way to incorporate your accent color into the bridal party look: match your color block to the bouquets!

peplumBFW1Peplum. A short overskirt attached to the bodice of the dress is known in the fashion world as peplum. We love this look for an urban sophisticated wedding. It’s ideal for the fashion forward bride!

lacebridesmaidBFW1Lace. Like bridal gowns, lace showed up a lot on bridesmaid dresses. It’s a super feminine fabric that’s gorgeous as a whole dress or as simple detailing.

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Bare backs. The back is having a moment! More and more designers are accentuating a strong back with low back or back-detailed dresses.

 

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9 Dresses Perfect For Your Honeymoon

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mainhoneymoonddressMany of our bridesmaids dresses are so cute, brides might find themselves thinking, “I would love to wear that on my honeymoon.” Paired with the proper accessories, we couldn’t agree more: our dresses are perfect for your post wedding getaway! From floaty long numbers to flirty lace dresses, there’s the ideal dress for any destination be it a beach in Costa Rica or a safari in Africa. Here, we round up our top 9.

honeymoondress1From left to right: Wear this sexy twisted back jersey Dessy dress on a sunset walk along the beach. Pull your hair into a tousled bun and show off your new tan! • Sport the long ivory Joanna August State Street dress on a romantic stroll through the streets of Florence. Pair it with flat nude sandals and a jean jacket for a cool evening. • Salsa the night away in the bright Joanna August Dani dress. All it needs are some platform sandals and a tropical flower for your hair.
honeymoon4From left to right: Show off a little leg in the mint Donna Morgan madeline dress. Throw on a colorful pump, white blazer, and hot pink lip and you’re ready for dinner at the happening Spanish tapas restaurant. • Planning a honeymoon that involves a fine dining experience? The long off the shoulder Dessy dress in mocha is sexy, but sophisticated. Plus, the fabric is breathable which is ideal for an extravagant multi-course meal. • A one shoulder white dress, like this one by Alfred Angelo is simple, but chic. Exactly the look you want while browsing the shops of Paris.

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From left to right: For a day of wine tasting, accessorize this strapless Watters lace dress with wedges and a statement necklace. • Every honeymoon needs a hot LBD and we’re loving this strapless number by WTOO. Dress down for a historic tour or up for a nice dinner. • The turquoise belted After Six maxi dress is casual and comfy — just what you want to wear to drinks at a beach bar.

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The Top Trends From Bridal Fashion Week

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Last week it was Bridal Fashion Week in New York City and we were thrilled to attend the festivities. We ran all over Manhattan watching fashion shows, meeting with designers, and catching up with old friends — but most importantly, we scouted out the best looks and trends to share with you! Here are our predictions for the upcoming season.

opulent&embellishedopulent4Opulent and embellished. For brides, plain and simple is out and over the top is in. Beading, sparkles, pearls — you name it, we saw it on a wedding dress.

lacebridalfashionweeklelarosebfwLace. The trend, that started two years ago with Kate Middleton’s stunning lace Alexander McQueen wedding dress, is still going strong today. Lace was everywhere, from entire dresses to sheer overlay on cap sleeves to delicate borders on sweetheart necklines.

texturedbridalfashionweekembelished3bfwTexture. The weight and feel of the fabric is playing an important roll in the fall season. Fabrics were mixed and layered, which made texture a key element in dress designs.

sexybacksbridalfashionweekback2BFWBack detailing. Designers are bringing sexy back with gowns that featured open, exposed, and intricate-detailing on the back. The bare backs ensured that there were plenty of elegant up-dos.

Along with a few other designers showcasing their fall lines at the Bridal Market, the dressed pictured above are by Monique Lhuillier, Theia, Lela Rose, and Rafael Cennamo.

 

 

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Check Out Our Favorite Chiffon Dresses

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main2When it comes to bridesmaids dresses, chiffon is one of the most popular fabrics. Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer, plain woven material that’s normally made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fiber. It’s naturally delicate and should be cared for gently. We offer over 250 different styles of chiffon dresses for you to choose from! To inspire you, we’ve gathered some of our favorite chiffon dresses in a variety of styles. From belted to long to ruffly, there’s the perfect chiffon bridesmaid dress for every bridal party.

longchiffonLong chiffon dresses can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the time, location, and formality of the wedding. Pastel colors are ideal for spring celebrations. From left to right: Lela Rose LR163 in Buttercup, WTOO 788 in Peach, After Six 6611 in Periwinkle, Dessy 2858 in Rose, and Donna Morgan Lauren in Hint of Mint.

embelishchiffonWe love chiffon dresses in jewel tones with a little embellishment. A crystal belt adds an element of glamour to a shirred bodice, while chiffon rosettes along the bustline are feminine and romantic. From left to right: Donna Morgan Mary in Brazilian Blue, Watters 1524 in Red, Alfred Angelo 504 in Grape, Alfred Angelo 718OS in Fuchsia, and Lela Rose LR149 in Ocean Blue.

beltedchiffon2A belted chiffon bridesmaid dress cinches the waist with a pretty bow. Some dresses come with a different colored sash, which is a wonderful way to incorporate an accent color into your bridesmaid look. From left to right: WTOO 482 in Cobalt and Navy, Alfred Angelo 7173 in Mediterranean Blue, Alfred Angelo 7017S in Indigo and Pool, Jonna August DC Short in Sea of Love, and After Six 6660 in Midnight.

rufflechiffon2Ruffles are a huge fashion trend right now. The extra fabric on these pale pink chiffon dresses is flirty and fun. We think it will look lovely blowing in a light breeze at an outdoor ceremony. From left to right: Watters 8514 in Roseglow, WTOO 492 in Hot Pink and Flirt, After Six 6668 in Carnation, WTOO 499 in Lipstick, and After Six 6649 in Rose.

classicrufflesAs much as we love a good ruffle or belted bow, there’s also something to be said about a chic and understated bridesmaid dress. In neutral colors with traditional silhouettes, these dresses prove that simplicity is elegance. From left to right: Watters 9558 in Candlelight, WTOO 292 in French Vanilla, Joanna August Dani Short in Landslide, Watters 1529 in Falcon, Donna Morgan Blaire in Black.

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Brides, Get Excited! Find the Perfect Little White Dress Here

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We at Weddington Way know how important it is to find the perfect dress for each occasion. That’s why we’re super thrilled to now have two little white dress lines! Kirribilla’s LWD collection was specifically created for Weddington Way and a handful of gorgeous Watters LWDs have been added to our bride category. There’s plenty of variety among our selection of dresses, so whether you’re looking for a cute number to sport at your engagement party or something more casual for your rehearsal dinner, you can’t go wrong with one of these classic LWDs. The lace and ruffle detailing is spot on with spring’s top fashion trends and the short lengths are flirty and fun. Don’t forget to add your own style to the dress with bold or colorful accessories and vibrant gleaming jewelry. Below, a few of our favorite ideas.

urbanengagementwwA classic black and white look with gold jewelry, red lips, and an elegant updo is the ideal LWD outfit for an urban engagement party at your hometown’s hot spot.

Above: Kirribilla Zoe LWD.

Also pictured: Tabitha Simmons Mayflower T-Strap Sandal, Estee Lauder Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red, Neiman Marcus Sequined Cashmere Shawl, Rachel Zoe Two Tone Dome Studs, Tory Birch Gingham Hollow Cuff, and the lounge at San Francisco’s 25 Lusk.

bridalshowwwAdd a bright cardigan, statement sandal, and sweet heart necklace to your LWD and you’ve got a lovely look for a garden bridal shower in your best friend’s backyard.

Above: Kirribilla Lucy LWD.

Also pictured: Dior Addict Lip Polish in Sheer Pink, a dahlia floral arrangement, Juicy Couture Chunky Link Heart Catcher Necklace, Kendra Scott Willa Earrings, J. Crew Featherweight Cotton V-Neck Cardigan in Candy Pink, and B Brian Atwood Cutout Suede Flat Sandal.

poolrehdinwwNeed a flawless look for a rehearsal dinner by the pool? Accent a ruffly LWD with chic nighttime pieces like a fringe purse, gold wedges, colorful bangles, and shimmery eye shadow.

Above: Kirribilla Gemma LWD.

Also pictured: Matthew Williamson Escape Fringe Shoulder Bag, Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Bronze Glow, decorative DIY light columns by Martha Stewart, Tom Binns Classic Large Ribbon Hoops, Diane Von Furstenberg Ophelia Wedge Sandal, and Sequin Medium Crystal Detail Hinged Bangles.

casafterpartywwFor a casual, but chic after party at your favorite wine and beer watering hole, dress down a lacy strapless LWD with glittery TOMS, jean jacket, leopard print scarf and silver bracelets.

Above: Watters Ginger LWD in White.

Also pictured: TOMS Bridal White Women’s Glitter Shoes, Michael Kors Love Twist Bangle, Mother Denim Jacket, Charlotte Russe Hidden Skull Leopard Print Scarf, Bin 38, a Marina wine and beer lounge in San Francisco, and Laura Merkin Lucy Polka Dot Clutch.

ccdayaftbrunchwwPair a lacy LWD with brown accessories, like simple flat sandals and classic rectangular sunnies, and a sheer lip and you’re ready for a day after brunch at the country club.

Above: Watters Camellia LWD in White.

Also pictured: Macy’s Diamond Stud Earrings, Gucci Women’s Large Rectangular Sunglasses, Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss in Nude Peach, Merona Women’s Crewneck 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, Rachel Zoe Gladys Leather Flat Sandal, and the view from the club house at Arcos Gardens golf club and country estate.

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Fabulous Fairy Tale Weddings

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As Weddington Way Stylists, we hope all of our brides feel like princesses on their special day, and are able to enjoy their own version of the perfect wedding. Here are some real-life weddings that really are true fairy tale affairs!

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FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS – An infographic by the team at Weddington Way

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