Wedding fashion is often very traditional… and predictable. You wear white. He wears a tux. You might assume there’s little room for unique styling, but your mistake might be focusing all your attention on the dress. To freshen up the fashion on your big day, turn to your bridesmaids’ dresses. Channel these two of the fashion world’s latest spring trends in their outfits and your girls will look fashion-forward while avoiding the pitfalls of the average heinous bridesmaid ensembles. Plus, they can really wear these dresses again!

YELLOW

Bright and vibrant hues of yellow were a prominent trend on the spring runways. Don’t shy away from the color out of fear; in the right silhouette, it’s the perfect choice for eye-catching yet sophisticated bridesmaid dresses.

If you’re going bright, keep it short. You don’t want to select a full-length gown in a bold yellow; that’s just too much. If you’re set on long dresses, pick a soft, pastel yellow.

Keep the outfit simple if the color is bold. If you select a beautiful yellow that’s attention-getting, you should minimize everything else. Select dresses with a simple silhouette and few embellishments (stay away from crystals!). Make sure jewelry and shoes are pared down as well.

Examples: Red Valentino Smocked Knit Dress ($598) || BCBG.MAXAZRIA One-shoulder silk dress ($298) || BCBG.MAXAZRIA One-shoulder silk gown ($358) || Thread’s mini-length Raven dress ($290)

WATERCOLOR PRINTS

Watercolor prints evoke the classic painting technique; the patterns look a bit muddled, a bit more muted, as if an aqua-doused brush of paint has just swiped across the surface. They can be very elegant but also modern and youthful. It’s a fresh idea to use prints in your bridesmaid dresses, particularly ones that of the moment in the fashion world. Need inspiration? Look to Rachel McAdam’s Oscar look, a beautiful gown that would make your maid of honor feel like a movie star.

Let the print speak for itself. As with yellow, selecting watercolor dresses is a unique and bold choice. Piling on jewelry, funky shoes, or even an elaborate bouquet adds too much to compete with the dress for attention. Let the dress win. Keep accessories and flowers elegant but simple.

Make your maid of honor stand out. If committing all your bridesmaids to trying out these looks is just too much, try dressing your maid of honor in a yellow dress or watercolor print gown while keeping the other ladies neutral. It will make her feel special and add a pop of interest to your altar line-up.

Examples: J.Crew Watercolor garden Bridget dress ($285) || Elegant Mart Strapless Gown ($396) || New York & Company Park Avenue Dress ($57)

You’ve found the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. Now let’s find those ‘maids!

Whether you have one or twenty, bridesmaids are your go-to gals for all things wedding – while your planning and on the big day. Once you’ve singled out the most important ladies in your life, you have to pop the question(s) yourself. But how shall you do it? We’ve come up with a few ideas that should fit many styles and budgets.

Have more fabulous ideas? Share them in the comments!

Simply ask them in person. Whether it’s as a group or individually, you don’t need to do anything over the top! Just ask! Take them out to dinner or invite them over for a girl’s night in, and pop the question whenever the moment it right. One word of advice – ask your Maid of Honor(s) in advance and separately. She is the “honored” one and this will make it a bit more special.

Send them on a scavenger hunt. If you want to go all out or have a lot of time on your hands, send them (together or separate) on a scavenger hunt. If you’re going to create a custom hunt for each girl, start by sending each to a special place where you share some funny memories or good times. Repeat this idea for the next location or start dropping some hints by sending them to a bridal gown shop or florist, or have them stop by a cake shop or even the place you plan to tie the knot. Wherever the final destination, be ready to greet each one at the end of the hunt with the big question!

We realize you might not live in the same town or city as your future bridesmaids, so read on for some ideas that lend themselves to OOT BMs, too!

Use humor. You get to experience both the good and the bad when it comes to being a bridesmaid – we’ve all heard the stories. Ugly dresses, nail polish color restrictions, uncomfortable shoes and having to deal with Bridezilla (well, it’s a possibility at least). And while many bridesmaids have come to the end of a wedding day swearing to never be a bridesmaid again, others have looked back and just laughed…and created things like UglyDress.com. If you and your girls like a good laugh, try taking a humorous approach to popping the question. Here are two ideas we like that embrace the uglies –

DIY cards that ask “Will you be my bridesmaid?” on the front and feature hideous dresses on the inside along with the saying “I promise. I’ll never make you wear an ugly dress.”

If you’ve got the budget (or a great stock of old prom dresses), pack up some of the most hideous dresses you can get your hands on, mail them to your maids, along with notes that read “If you’ll be my bridesmaid, I’ll never make you wear a dress like this!”

A less frightening but still humorous approach? List all the reasons your maids shouldn’t fear accepting the challenge of being one of your bridesmaids. Or, offer up all the things you’ll vow to do (or not do) as a bride. Some examples –

If you’ll be my bridesmaid, I promise to…

…never make you wear taffeta and tulle… AND lace on the same dress.

…not care if you change your hair color right before my wedding (unless, maybe, you go with a bright blue or purple…)

…not ask you to loose 10 pounds before you walk down the aisle in front of me.

…not ask you to gain 10 pounds before you walk down the aisle in front of me.

…be understanding of the fact that puce green, though it may match my tablescape perfectly, doesn’t necessarily coordinate with your skin tone.

Be sentimental. Do you guys watch sappy movies together and cry your eyeballs out? Or maybe you’re just a sentimental bunch. Put together a small scrapbook of some of the good times you’ve shared as friends and on the last page, include a short note about what her friendship means to you along with the question of the hour – Will you be my bridesmaid?

Indulge the sweet tooth. If you stop by WeddingFanatic often, you know I love anything with a nice dusting of sugar and sweetness. If you have any bridesmaids like me, ask them very sweetly – with candies, cakes, or cookies! There are a lot of good options out there, check out a few of my favorites – cookies from the too-cute Flour Pot Cookies and cakes from the always fabulous Pink Cake Box.

Spoil them. Who doesn’t like to be spoiled!? Being pampered isn’t bad either. Why not do both by gifting your gals with a monogrammed tote full of spa goodies and wedding day essentials – a robe, comfy slippers, a few candles, delicious smelling lotions, and a small zippered bag with things like stain removing pens, safety pins, mints, mini sewing kits, and whatever else you think your girls will need on W-Day!

Give them some tips. Think your ladies will be clueless about their responsibilities? Or maybe they just happen to be bookworms? How about a nice How-To guide book just for bridesmaids! There are tons of options, check out these two – The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties and Being Fabulous by Kate Chynoweth and The Bridesmaid Handbook by Sharon Naylor

Razzle Dazzle ‘em. If your ladies are drawn to sparkly things, consider presenting a piece of jewelry along with your question. It could be a piece that you’d like for them to wear down the aisle on your big day. Just beware – if for whatever reason one of your girls turns you down, you’re stuck with giving her the item anyway or awkwardly taking it back.

Get personal. You don’t have to do the same thing for each girl. Try picking out a little something that you know each will like and present the gifts to your ladies before, during, or after you pop the question!

What did you do (or do you plan to do) when asking your girls to be Bridesmaids? We want to hear your fabulous ideas!

One of my most wonderful friends recently emailed me a great question. She’s attending a wedding that’s coming up and wants to fix her own hair, but is a bit worried with the end result. I can relate to that one!

As “budget” is a big theme for both couples and wedding party members, I thought simple, you-can-do-it-too bridesmaid hairstyles would make a fabulous post! Check out some of these lovely do (photos from Brides) with some simple instructions. Keep in mind, just because the models are sporting one type of hair doesn’t mean you couldn’t try it with another. Just adjust directions accordingly.

I love this one for all of its simplicity. I think it would look grand with any type of hair – thick, thin, curly, wavy, straight, or anything else. Bangs or no bangs, part your hair on the side and at an angle (towards the middle of your head). Here, a sparkly clip is placed directly on the part, but I think it would also look fab holding up a small-ish section of hair on the opposite side of the part.

Here is another one that would work well for any type of hair. The magic is all in the headband. If the bride is cool with her girls wearing headbands, I definitely think this is great option! With such a variety to chose from, you can easily find a band that coordinates with your look. Chances are, you could find an inexpensive one, too (and for a ‘maid on a budget, how great is that?!) To get this look, fix your hair just as you would on any other day, with or without a part. Then, just put on the headband! Leave a few front strands out to frame your face or tuck everything behind the band.

This do can go from runway to aisle to everyday. I like to call it the “messy ponytail”, though I’m sure the pros have another name for it. This looks particularly fabulous for hair that’s straight or wavy. After you’ve blown dry your hair, do a little backcombing towards the top of your head, using hairspray before and after (or whatever works best for your hair). Loosely gather all of your hair in a low ponytail, using bobby pins to pin back stray strands. For this look, it’s okay to have bumps and a bit of unevenness. If sections of your hair are too close to your scalp, just give it a little tug, hairspray, and work into a better spot. Note: dirty hair usually styles better, at least from my experience. Please shower, but do what you know is best for your hair!

This one is best for straight or wavy again (sorry ladies with gorgeous curly hair – I’m just jealous!). Here again, backcomb and hairspray the hair around your face and towards the top of your head. Comb over the top so it doesn’t look like you have a bird’s nest on your hair. Once you get the top looking the way you want, curl the ends of your hair with a medium or large barrel curling iron. I don’t think I could pull this one off, but if you can – go for it! But please, don’t style too high.

Any other great hairstyles you think should be up here? Comment below and share with us!

PEOPLE magazine recently had an article about Katie Masters, a bride with five fabulous bridesmaids. While doing some wedding work, she came across a “Bridesmaid’s Contract” on theknot.com. She found it hysterical, so she sent it to her ladies as a joke. Seems funny, right? Consider this. The contact had “clause” that restricted the ‘maids from changing their hairstyles or gaining weight before the wedding.

Sounds funny enough, but some of her ladies didn’t get that it was just a joke. Through emails, the somewhat private joke turned much too public. It got to the point where Masters was receiving hate mail and having vendors cancel on her.

So a word to all of you brides out there. It’s one thing to ask your bridesmaids to do a few nice things for you. It’s something completely different to basically have them sign their lives away to you. A sense of humor is vital during your wedding planning period, but make sure your family and friend know when you’re just joking!

Just for fun, we made up our own “Bridesmaid’s Contract”. Check it out below.

Bridesmaid’s Contract

Hello ladies of the <Couple’s Last Names Go Here, Bride’s First> wedding party. It is our understanding that you have accepted the offer to be a bridesmaid. As such, please read the following. Sign and return back to us at <Address Goes Here>. Upon your signature, it is understood that you have read and commit yourselves to the guidelines stated below. Thank you for you cooperation.

I will not change the style, color, length and texture of my hair prior to the wedding

I will not gain more than five pounds than the weight at which I weighed when asked to be a bridesmaid.

If I weigh more than one hundred seventy (170) pounds, I will be sure to loose the weight required so that I will weigh less than or equal to one hundred seventy pounds.

I will not break any bones prior to the wedding date, nor will I engage in any reckless behavior that could possibly result in injury.

I will devote least five (5) hours every week to planning for the wedding, helping the bride, or completing the tasks she assigns me.

I will not become pregnant or have any major body-altering surgeries prior to the wedding day.

I will not fraternize with groomsmen before the wedding day so as not to interfere with my wedding duties.

Whenever a meeting between the bridesmaids or between the bridesmaids and bride, I will wear the proper attire, which consists of black dress pants or a black skirt which does not pass three (3) inches above or below the knee, and a pink button-up or polo shirt. Pink or black shoes with a two and a half (2.5) inch heal required.

I will refrain from consuming salty foods and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol one week prior to the wedding as to prevent the retaining of water and redness of the skin on facial areas.

Whenever speaking with the bride, I will address her in a polite and cheerful tone.

Above all, I will not forget that the wedding day of Bride’s and Groom’s Name Goes Here is their special day and I will do nothing to disrupt it or prevent their happiness. It is my duty to serve them.

Bridesmaid’s Name, Printed:____________________________

Bridesmaid’s Signature:_______________________________

Witness’s Signature:__________________________________

Date:____________________________________________

p>Hello all! This is my first post! I originally had my wedding planned for January 2009, but with work, and uncoperative vendors, I had to change the date to July 25, 2009. So now I am in the midst of a dilema. I originally wanted charcoal grey dresses for my bridesmaids, with accents of green, cream and white. I think it will be a color scheme that I will not regret in the future! So is charcoal grey too deep of a color for a summer wedding? I was thinking of adding some purple accents here and there just to punch it up a bit. Your thoughts?

Years ago I saw a episode of Martha Stewart where her guest was a women that made, yes made, all of her flowers…out of paper! She would make a few here and there when she had some time and saved them up. By the time the wedding day rolled around, she had completed all that she needed!

There is no reason, if you so desire, that you couldn’t do the very same thing! Or perhaps you like the idea but do not wish to deck out your entire day in paper flowers – simply apply where you feel necessary!

Looking into paper flowers? Start with the Paper Source. I simply adore the store, but in the paper flower department, they are a great resource. Check them out!

I love these! Though I call them “pumpkin skirts” or “pumpkin dresses”, I’m pretty sure the proper term is a dress or skirt with a “bubble hem”. They are fun and flirty, but not too “out there”. You can tie them into many themes (and by themes I mean wedding “vibe” or the overall feel you’re going with)! Go wild!

Charles Nolan

Ulla Maija

And perhaps a little something for the bridesmaids or rehearsal dinner:

Vera Wang

Neiman Marcus

*GOOD DEAL!* Forever 21

Sorry for posting so late in the day! I hope you enjoy. I LOVE this color combination and I think I always will! This color scheme also works well for bridal shower (and baby showers)!

Vida Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier, Frill Collar Tunic from Forever 21, Rodarte Pleat Chiffon Dress from Browns Fashion, Light Pink Ombre Beaded Dress and Light Pink Side Sash Dress from Debenhams, Ballet Pink Stretch Linen ‘Mikka’ Shift Dress from Bluefly,Sunset LA Pumps in Green from Raffaello Network, Green Patent Buckle Mary Jane Heel Pump from Ami Club Wear, Kiwi Green Satin ‘Wrap’ Ballet Flats from Bluefly, Topiary Banner from Martha Stewart, Mens’ Suits from Jaeger, Four Tiered Wedding Cake from Enchanted Wedding Cakes, Apple Green Flower Girl Dress from Pink Process, White Lilac, Green-and-White Parrot Tulip, and Ranunculus Arrangement from Better Homes and Gardens, Dandelion Dream Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Silver Glass Charger from Zara Home, Polished Iron Chair from Design Within Reach, Shades of Pink Rose, Lily, and Carnation Arrangement from TeleFlora, Glittra Set of Three Scented Candles from IKEA, Peonie, Fritillaria, Hyacinth, and Sweet Pea Arrangement from Belle Fleur for Vivre.

Sources: Men’s Suits: Jaeger, Merona Bar Stripe Necktie: Target, Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Cake: Martha Stewart, Green Dresses: kaboodle, Bellas Florida, Net-A-Porter, Liz Claiborne, Navy Shoes: Kate Spade, jildorshoes.com, Candy Says, Dorothy Perkins, Headband:Target Lilly Pulitzer, Stationary: Crane & Co, Tiny Prints, Grosgrain Ribbon: mohop, Vintage Car: Tweed Limousines, Bouquet: Chestnuts in the Tuileries, Candle Arrangement: Crate & Barrel, Chivari Chair: 1 Stackable Chairs, White Flower Arrangement: teleflora, Gold Charger: Crafts Etc!

You see lanterns in a number of places, so why not think about incorporating them in to your wedding? Not only can they be found in a number of different styles, but they can serve multiple purposes; a decorative element and a lighting element. They can also be used in more than one place; for the ceremony and for the reception, making them a cost-efficient wedding purchase. Read on for some ideas!

For the idea of using lanterns in your ceremony, try hanging them from shepherd’s poles down the aisle or at the opposite ends of the rows of chairs/pews. Or, simply place them along the aisle on the floor, alone, or paired with floral arrangements, rose petals, or some other decorative element of your choice. With some good planning and great timing, you could have someone transport the lanterns from the ceremony site to the reception site to place around the dance floor, incorporate into the center pieces, or to place along the entrance of your reception space (or whatever else your creative mind can think up)!

For outdoor weddings and receptions, simply hanging the lanterns from large trees that project overhead can have a great overall affect (see the picture below).

Colin Cowie

For a rustic wedding:

For a classic white wedding:

For a wedding with a Moroccan atmosphere or colorful backdrop:

An example of hanging lanterns shepherd’s poles:

The ever popular Chinese or paper lanterns:

Some lanterns “in action”:

A couple gets creative:

Being carried by ‘maids:

Lighting up the aisle (love this picture, by the way):

In the centerpieces:

Above the tables and over the dance floor:

The possibilities are seemingly endless! If you have any pictures of lanterns being incorporated into your wedding, or that of a friend or family member…or just someone you know, send them our way!