The Mismatched Bridesmaids

There is a common saying that a bridesmaid will never actually re-wear her dress, no matter how much effort you put in.  A recent trend in weddings however, is making the re-wearing possible!  Now brides are allowing their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses.  As many of you are probably thinking, this can be extremely tricky given individual style choices and fashion sense.

When done correctly though, mismatched bridesmaids can look really trendy and cute.  Best though, is that each maid gets to express herself through her choice of dress!  Are you thinking of trying this out at your wedding?  Here are some tips:

1. Set some ground rules: create broad criteria for maids to follow such as length of dress, embellishments, etc.
2.  Set a color pallet.  This is VERY important.  For example, the color pink can have varying shades.  In an effort to keep things somewhat consistent, make the color guidelines clear.
3. Encourage maids to pick seasonally appropriate attire.  Choose chiffon's and lighter  fabrics for spring and summer while choosing satin's and heavier fabrics for winter.


Here are some examples of mis-matched bridesmaids dresses that totally hit the mark!

Source: dressesok.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: lovellabridal.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

While speaking to my good friends about their impending nuptuals, they mentioned that they will be married at the Tacoma Zoo.  How cool is that?  I have never personally planned or attended a zoo wedding, so I was really excited about all the fun little details that a zoo could inspire.  Here are some of my favorites!  To see a complete zoo inspiration board, please visit our Pinterest account!

Great idea for a specialty wedding cocktail

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Love the personalized wedding runner.  This would be a great DIY project!

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

These cookies add a fun element to an elegant table spread

Source: bridalbar.squarespace.com via Melissa on Pinterest



Great dessert spread or appetizer table idea for a reception

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Fans and sunglasses make an awesome addition to any outdoor wedding!

Source: imbueyouido.imbueyou.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Have these pictures made you absolutely fall in love with zoo weddings? If so, here are some Boston area zoos that may help to bring this inspiration to life on your wedding day!

• The Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA
• The Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA
• The Southwick Zoo, Mendon, MA
• The Capron Zoo, Attleboro, MA
• The Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI

Floral Alternatives

It is no secret that florist fees can hurt your budget, especially if you are planning a DIY wedding.  As recent wedding trends show, DIY brides are becoming increasingly creative when it comes to flowers.  Are you looking for some great and long lasting ideas to take the place of floral bouquets and boutonnieres at your wedding?  Here are some great options that will help you to save money and give your wedding a unique twist!

Source: Uploaded by user via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: bridesmaidtrade.com via Candyce on Pinterest

Source: bridesmaidtrade.com via Candyce on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Melissa on Pinterest

Candles add a great warmth

Feathers!  Soft and whimsical.  Great for a rustic wedding

 

Still have your heart set on beautiful blooms?  Here’s a great video from the Knot.com that makes bouquet making a snap!