LWD (little white dress) shopping guide with BB Style

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

This week marks the last installment of our Style Guide with Brianne Binder of BB Style. She has provided us with so many fabulous tips and advice, and we are so thankful for all of her stylish suggestions. In case you missed it, be sure to check out last week’s Honeymoon Packing Guide!

The Perfect LWD

Shop this for this Nordstrom dress here

Bri Here! Take it from me: it’s fun to wear bright, colorful patterns during your wedding events to stand out as the bride, but there’s something particularly special about wearing white or cream. As the bride, you will undoubtedly shine on the big day in your gorgeous gown, but it’s equally special to wear white to your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, bachelorette party or any other event honoring your soon to be nuptials.

With the growing popularity of the LWD, it’s become much easier to find a great white dress. This season, lace has been a very popular trend, and trust me, there is a silhouette and fabric for everyone. I’m highlighting my picks that will fit your wedding style depending on your search to find a LWD that is vintage inspired, embellished, boho, classic, lacey or modern. Like I said, there’s something for everyone!

My tips for accessorizing and styling your LWD are:

– Go all white if your dress is truly white; a cute white heel is very chic.

– Compliment the white or cream with a pop color via a clutch, shoe or hair accessory.

– Wear a statement earring or bracelet to add a little bling

– When in doubt, wear a metallic or nude/tan shoe (any silhouette or heel height will work depending on your style and level of comfort)

– Enjoy every second of wearing white/cream… it’s your special time!!

LWD Style Board

Shop These Looks:

Vintage: Modcloth $58.99 | Dorothy Perkins $89

Embellished: Dorothy Perkins $69| Dorothy Perkins $110

Boho: Alice + Olivia $297 | Alice + Olivia $228

Classic: Alice + Olivia $438 | Alexander Wang $625

Lace: Topshop $92 | Miss Selfridge $120

Modern: Zara $59.90 | Top Shop $ 92

Accessorize the LWD

LWD Accessories:

Kate Spade Pave Bow Bangle $88

DVF Metallic Cutout Sandals $298

J. Crew Crystal Earrings $58

Sweet & Spark Vintage Blue Leaf Earrings $128

Elizabeth Cole Crystal Statement Bracelet $113

Tory Burch Tangerine Ombre Clutch $225

Aldo White Textured Clutch $23

Zara White Nude Heels $79.90

Thank you again, Bri! You’re our #1 Style Guru!

See some of Bri’s other recommendations, including Wedding Day Brunch Style, Rehearsal Dinner Style, Bridal Shower Style, and Post Wedding Day Brunch Style.

2013 Trends: Bridesmaid Dresses with Bridget Brown of Bella Bridesmaid

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

We can’t believe that it’s already mid-July, where is the summer going?!? In this month’s Trends feature, we reached out to Bridget Brown, founder of Bella Bridesmaid, to provide us with the latest and greatest in Bridesmaid dresses. According to Bridget, 2013 is all about having some fun while styling your bridal party. In this interview, Bridget shares her fashion expertise and advice for helping your Bridesmaids look and feel their best on the big day.

Bridget Brown

Q: Tell us a little bit about Bella Bridesmaid and your role within the company.

A: I founded Bella Bridesmaid in the spring of 2000, after seeing a need in the bridal industry for a boutique dedicated to chic, modern and wearable bridesmaid dresses. My first store was a tiny one room Victorian walk-up in Cow Hollow. We are still in Cow Hollow on Union Street, but in a bigger space with many more fabulous dresses! I franchised the company in 2006, after many emails from brides across the US asking where they too could buy a chic bridesmaid dress for their maids. Thirteen years and 43 stores later, our SF flagship location is still running strong at 2250 Union Street!

Inside Bella Bridesmaid

Q: Choosing the bridesmaid dresses is one of the most important decisions a bride has to make. When do you suggest a bride come into the shop to start the process? How long does it typically take for a dress to come in?

A: All of our dresses are made to order, and not stocked, so we highly recommend coming in at least 6-8 months before the wedding to help you choose your dresses. Your dresses will typically arrive 4-6 weeks before your wedding, giving your maids ample time for alterations.

Sample Dresses at Bella Bridesmaid

Q: How much time should the bridesmaids set aside to get their dresses altered?

A: Depending on what you need altered, a few weeks is usually enough time.

The Salon at Bella Bridesmaid

Q: Should the dress that a bride chooses match her overall wedding color scheme?

A: We’re seeing so many amazing and unique ideas these days. The days of matchy-matchy are long gone! I always think it’s a good idea to come in with an idea… albeit a far reaching one. While it’s important to keep in mind your chosen venue, season, favorite color etc., there are a lot of ways we can start the process of talking about what the maids should wear. We’re seeing a lot of mix and match bridal parties, where the bride gives the gals a palette or designer, and then lets them choose a dress within that range. Brides have also been choosing a combination of patterns and solids and then allowing the maids choose their style within that range. We’re seeing mixing of patterns, colors, and hemlines.

Right now I’m mad about STRIPES! Striped dresses are super popular and perfect for a preppy wedding. Unique, pattered dresses a refreshing departure from 6 maids in identical dresses! After all, they don’t all have identical personalities and body shapes, right?!

Sassy Stripes from LulaKate

Q: What are some of your favorite dress designers? Are there any new designers we should keep our eye out for?

A: We are loving the new dresses from Ivy & Aster and their subsidiary company which is exclusive to Bella Bridesmaid stores, Love Lane. Think flowy frocks in muted tones, florals, and polka dots. You’ll see these dresses in most of the Bella owners’ closets for everyday wear!

Phoebe by Ivy & Aster

Gemma by Ivy & Aster

Q: Which styles of dresses do you suggest for various body types (busty, tall, short, pregnant, etc.)?

A: This question is a perfect example of why we embrace the idea of the bridesmaid choosing her own style! Mini lengths have made a big comeback and work great for the petite gal. Cap sleeves, wrap necklines and v-necklines work beautifully for a fuller bust because you can wear a normal bra for support. Pregnant gals look great in an empire waist that will allow for a growing tummy!

Margurite by Ivy & Aster

Q: Which colors are we seeing less of in 2013?

A: For 2013, it’s less of the bright, punchy colors and more of the softer muted tones.

Q: Are there any dresses out of your 2013 collections that you think are particularly exceptional?

A: We love the new Mamie and James pieces with mix and match tops and skirts. Mixing and matching allows the bridesmaids to have a cohesive look and feel but choose a top and skirt style that is not only flattering to their body, but also something that fits their personality and that they will wear again! There’s even a darling little pant included in this collection. Tres Chic!

Mix & Match Options from Mamie + James

Thank you, Bridget, for all this fabulous advice!

Makes us want to run out and go dress shopping.

In case you missed it, click here to read out last TRENDS entry, featuring Florals with Atelier Joya!

Honeymoon Packing Guide with BB Style

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

The Big Day has come and gone in the blink of an eye! You are still running on adrenaline, feeling exhausted, and asking yourself how the wedding flew by so quickly. The good news is it’s finally honeymoon time! Say goodbye to your friends and family and take off on some much needed newlywed time to enjoy and celebrate being Mr. & Mrs.

Tackling your honeymoon packing can seem like a big task. With all of the other wedding planning and outfit styling leading up to the wedding, your honeymoon had felt so far away. I recommend packing ahead and being very strategic. It is definitely easier to pack for warm weather locations (as well as a very popular for honeymoon destinations), but you should still take time to plan ahead.

Tips on preparing and packing for your fabulous, tropical or otherwise warm weather honeymoon:

– Make a checklist before packing to keep yourself organized, making sure you don’t forget anything

– Keep in mind what activities or dinners you have planned to keep your packing focused on what you will actually wear and need – don’t just throw in every sundress or tank you own.

– Keep it simple! Lay out everything you think you might want to bring, then edit and edit again. Bring pieces that mix and match together so you can wear things more than once in different combinations

– Make sure to bring a few cute dresses that make you feel great and can be worn for daytime fun or dressed up for a romantic dinner

– Accessories don’t take up a lot of packing room, are an easy way to change up an outfit and make it feel different even if it’s the second time you’ve worn it

– Bring a beach tote and hat that fold up and are easy to squeeze in your suitcase so you don’t have to carry it on separately

– Don’t over pack shoes. During the day you will either wear sandals / flip flops for the beach or shoes to walk around and/or do activities. At night you really only need one pair of great wedges or dressier sandals to wear to dinner.

With my outfit recommendations, you can wear these fun, bright warm weather styles for the following:

Daytime activities- an excursion touring a cute beach town, visiting local sites, having lunch or doing some shopping

Relaxation Time- lounging by the pool, at the beach, doing spa treatments or on a great patio just hanging out together – enjoying some tropical drinks, reading or dozing

Romantic Dinner- Having drinks after a day in the sun followed by getting dressed up for a romantic newlyweds dinner.

Try to enjoy every minute and make sure to take advantage of all the honeymoon attention and perks!

Shop the looks below:

Relaxing Poolside-

Emamo Printed Kaftan Coverup

Calypso St Barth Maxi Dress J. Crew Beaded Rose Necklace

Supergoop Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 50

Anthropologie Floral Swimsuit

Essie Nail Polish “Sunday Funday”

Stella and Dot Travel Jewelry Roll

Romantic Dinner-

Calypso St Barth Ikat Maxi Dress

Jack Rogers Gold Sandals

Ray Ban Cat Eye Sunglasses

Elizabeth Cole Statement Earrings

Floral Bella Black Raffia Clutch

K.Jacques Fringe Sandals

Eberjey Crochet Romper Nightie

Daytime Activities-

Lemlem Stripe Gauze Scarf

Tibi Pink Silk Tank

J. Crew Printed Shorts

Flora Bella Large Raffia Beach Tote

Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Necklace

J. Crew Gold Bangles

Target Geometric Bikini

ban.do iPhone Case

Joie Embroidered Top

Metallic Floppy Sun Hat

White Fringe Cross Body Purse

J. Crew Linen Bandana Tee

Click here in case you missed our last installment with BB Style, featuring Post Wedding Day Brunch Style!

Questions for Stacy: Escort Cards versus Place Cards

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Stacy McCain Event Planning

Question:

What is the difference between an Escort Card and a Place Card?

Answer:

Good question: this is a common misunderstanding. An Escort Card, which lists a guests name (and sometimes their date), is used to direct people to their assigned dinner table. A Place Card, which lists each guests name individually, is placed at a specified seat at the assigned table to indicate each guest’s seat. When a guest has pre-selected their dinner entree, it is particularly helpful to use Place Cards at the event. Place Cards indicate their entree choice to the waiters, who will easily know where to place each dish.

Cheers,

Stacy