Planning a Nashville wedding? Own a wedding business?
stay connected: twitter facebook rss newsletter

logo

Nashville weddings

Bridesmaids & Bridal Party

Straight from the Runway, New Bridesmaid Dresses from HER Nashville/nFocus Bridal Show

Thursday, March 18, 2010

If you havent yet decided on the dresses for your bridesmaids, here are some great gowns that are available at local bridal salons.  These gowns were featured in the Her Nashville/nFocus fashion show and represent the latest in bridesmaid fashion and colors.

Welcome to the ABG e-fashion show, offering all the info you need on styles/salons AND the option to forward lovely dresses straight to your maids...that's even better than a live fashion show!

Here we go:

Dress Designer & Style: Vera Wang Jamie

Description: Cobalt Tissue Organza Cocktail Dress with Criss-Cross Pleated Bodice

Available at b. Hughes Bridal Salon.

blue bridesmaid dress Vera Wang Jamie b hughes bridal

I can't believe royal blue {now known as cobalt blue} is back!  I so remember this color in the 90s.  It's beautiful, bright and bold.

Dress Designer & Style: Vera Wang 19M05

Description: Long Plum V-Neck Chiffon Gown with Silk Charmeuse Trim on Straps & Drop Waist Band

Available at b. Hughes Bridal Salon.

purple bridemaids dress Vera Wang 19M05

Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Pearl

Description: Coctail dress with Sweetheart Neckline and Full Pocketed Skirt in Icing Dupioni

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

orange bridesmaid dress

Dress Designer & Style: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston VC1507

Description: Babydoll Style Cocktail Dress with Empire Bodice; Flounce Detail at Bodice & Ruffle Hem in Watermelon

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

babydoll red bridesmaid dress strapless Bella Bridesmaid

This is a dress that your bridesmaid will get to wear over and over.  She will love you!

 

Dress Designer & Style: Jenny Yoo Dylan

Description: Emerald Ruffled One Shoulder Eastern Silk Shantung Dress with Ruffle Detail & Slim Pencil Silhouette

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

Bella Bridesmaid green bridesmaid dress

Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Christy

Description: Cocktail Dress with High Ruffled Collar & Full Pleated Skirt with Pockets in Mint

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

green bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

This was my favorite bridesmaid dress!  I absolutely love the color and style.  It's fun, flirty and perfect for a spring wedding.

Dress Designer & Style: Jenny Yoo Piper

Description: Scoop Neck Dress with Seamed Bodice & Pleated Tulip Skirt with Side Pockets in Mist

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

aqua bridesmaid dress nashville

While I don't love the look, I do love the blue!

Dress Designer & Style: Melissa Sweet MS409

Description: Long Aqua V-Neck Crinkle Chiffon Gown with Flower Detailing at Bodice

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

vintage couture renaissance bridesmaid dress

Dress Designer & Style: Coren Moore Madeline

Description: Long V-Neck A-Line Silk Shantung Gown with Pleated Detail at Bodice in Aubergine

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

plum bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

Traditional with a color that pops!

Dress Designer & Style: Priscilla of Boston PB217

Description: Satin Strapless Knee-Length Faux Wrap Dress in Fig with Ruched Band at Waist & Vertical Ruffle

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

purple bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

Dress Designer & Style: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston VC1515

Description: Short Satin Strapless Dress with Diagonally Pleated Bodice & Flower Detailing in Smoky Amethyst

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

purple bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Meredith

Description: Strapless Cocktail Dress in Aluminum with Ruffle Bodice, Exposed Ruffle Seam & Full Pocketed Skirt

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

taupe bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

Dress Designer & Style: Queue Sofia

Description: Long Black Silk Satin Gown with Cropped Ruffle Detailing at Neck & Waist, Hand-Sewn Triple Layered Taffeta Flowers to Hem

Available at Bella Bridesmaid.

black bridesmaid dress Bella Bridesmaid

Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party 0 comments »

Nashville Bridesmaid Parties - Fun, Creative and Not-so-Traditional!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I love that weddings bring together friends, sisters - everyone to celebrate. With this in mind, I went on a search for creative ideas for bridal celebrations. When Amy of Swizzle Events responded and shared this unique bridesmaid getaway, I asked her to share it with you...

Swizzle Events, Nashville Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.swizzleevents.com

Bridesmaid luncheons, bridal teas, and bridal brunches are a time to gather your best girls, the ones who have seen you through thick and thin, and celebrate your friendship. Whatever you call it, it’s a tradition that’s as old as time.

So what do you do if you aren’t that traditional bride who loves to visit the tea room? The possibilities are endless! Take a cue from your own favorites. Maybe you'd love a night out on the town or the quiet of a mountain cabin. Perhaps a concert followed by a fusion dinner is more your style.

Maybe you’ll be like Mariska, a recent Nashville bride who traded in the traditional party for a Girlfriend Getaway in the Mountains!

She had a wonderfully large wedding party that included her sister and friends she had made in middle school, high school, college, and church. Here is what she had to say about her unique bridesmaid getaway:

“We went to Blue Ridge, Georgia and stayed in my husband’s aunt’s log cabin in the mountains. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and completely relaxing. I wanted all of my bridesmaids to get to know each other before my big day. I didn’t want them to meet each other for the first time the day of my wedding. It was really nice being able to get away with my bridesmaids for a weekend to have girl time and to discuss wedding details with all of the girls who mean the most to me in my life".

Bridesmaid Mountain Getaway

(That's Mariska on the far right.  Thanks for sharing your photos Mariska!)

One day, we went into the town (Blue Ridge, GA) and went shopping throughout all the antique stores in town.  We ate at a tea room where we all dressed up in hats. So fun!  One night we had a bonfire in the backyard of our cabin and had s’mores. We stayed up all night talking by the bonfire and in the jacuzzi outside. It was nice being able to sit and talk outside with the moon and the mountains as our view.

Bridesmaid Tea Party in the Mountains

It was a great time for me and my bridesmaids to bond before my big day and for them to get to know each other.  Most bridesmaids know the bride for various reasons (sister, childhood friend, college friend, etc) and usually they all don’t know each other.  By having a getaway with your bridesmaids, you give them time to get to know each other, which will make your day more special and less awkward for everyone. I had a great time on our trip and made amazing memories with my close friends that will stay with me forever!”

Looking for something a little closer to home?  Try a visit to Arrington Vineyards, a gorgeous hillside winery just south of Nashville.  They have two tasting rooms and ample seating areas outside complete with picnic tables.  You can plan a casual picnic and treat your bridesmaids to a wine tasting and maybe a bottle of wine as a gift.  Another fun option is to join them for Music in the Vines beginning weekends in April.  You can preorder a picnic dinner from one of their caterers, bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy live music under the stars.  You can also rent a private area for larger parties.

arrington farms nashville bridal

Want something more contemporary?  How about planning a chic dinner at Virago?  With sleek lounge seating and delicious sushi and fusion cuisine, it’s sure to be a hit.  Located on Division Street in Nashville, Virago offers a catering menu that you can use to plan your dinner from start to finish or you can simply order from the menu.  Looking for something a little more casual?  How about the Wildhorse Saloon?  You can rent the Riverview Room and enjoy a fabulous dinner.  Best kept secret: their private dining room overlooks the river and has a fabulous view.  When you’re finished, take the party out to the dance floor and kick up your heels!

This is such an exciting time in your life!  As you get ready for the great journey of marriage, remember to take some time and enjoy the remarkable ladies in your life.

Posted by Swizzle Events | Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party 0 comments »

Fabulous Attire for Nashville Mother of the Bride {Groom} and Flower Girls

Wednesday, December 23, 2009


Groom and the boys? Check. Bridesmaids? Check. Moms and flower girls? Well I'm glad you're here! Regardless of age, girls always want to look great and feel fabulous for special occasions. Luckily there's no shortage of options for every lady in your bridal party, young or older.

In recent years, designers have taken moms' tastes into account and are giving them more modern and stylish options so they maintain their dignity without looking like, well, MOM. Bridal boutiques that carry a bridesmaid line will also have dresses for moms and sometimes it takes a little sifting through to find a good fit that she will feel comfortable wearing. Watters' Special Occasion line has several mom would love to wear.

Here are my favorites.

The Mandarin style buttons add flair to the outfit. (Watters & Watters Special Occasion from b. Hughes Bridal)

mother-of-bride-dress-watters-nashville-short.jpg

I like this one because the jacket is removable to reveal a stunning strapless, full length gown and it's perfect year-round. The fluting really draws the waist in too. (Watters & Watters)
 

mother-of-bride-dress-watters-nashville.jpg

This orange is surprisingly flattering - trust Badgley Mischka to know how to make mom feel glamorous! (b. Hughes Bridal)

mother-of-bride-dress-nashville-badgley-mischka.jpg

There are plenty of styles and designers to choose from, and the bridal boutiques in town all carry lines that guarantee mom will find something that she (and you, of course) will love.  The same goes for flower girl dresses - boutiques are really good about being one-stop shops.

Ok, all together now, “awwwww!”

flower-girls-melissa-sweet-nashville.jpg

flower-girl-watters-nashville.jpg

flower-girl-us-angels-nashville.jpg

Doesn’t that just make your heart melt?  The gray dress is by Melissa Sweet which the Bride Room carries.  The pink ones are by Watters & Watters and the white one above is by Us Angels, available at Faccio Bridal (facciobridal.com).

Custom dresses are fast becoming the norm so if you can’t find something you absolutely love but you have an idea of what it should look like, take it to Designs by Sarah Marie and get exactly what you/mom/ your flower girl loves.  Maybe even make a day of it, get some brunch with mom and the girls, and really have fun with this part of the planning!

Pictures courtesy of Us Angels, Badgley Mischka, Watters and Melissa Sweet.

Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party 0 comments »

Another Store Closing - Bridal Gown Sale!

Monday, August 17, 2009

 

nashville-bridal-gown-sale.jpg

Cherished Memories is having liquidation sales from now until the end of September, possibly the beginning of October. EVERYTHING must go.  They have bridal, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, shoes, jewelry, tiaras and veils. Everything will be anywhere from 30%-60% off. As they get closer to the closing date, prices will of course continue to go down. They also have select dresses for $99.

rss_ashleysbrideguide.gif nashville-wedding-twittrt.jpgnashville-wedding-facebook.jpg

Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party 0 comments »

Bridal Shower Favor Idea from Wedding 101, Nashville’s New Wedding Boutique

Monday, August 17, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009 On Friday, I went to preview Wedding 101 and it was so exciting!  As I stated last week, I wasn't able to attend the vendor preview but I do hope that you at got to go to the grand opening Saturday. If you haven't checked it out, here's how the boutique looks.

 nashville-wedding-101.jpg

When I arrived on Friday, Ashley was on the phone and told me to get a party favor as I waited.  She directed me to a table with 3 apothecary jars that were half-filled with brightly colored balls.  The table had empty tins...my first thought - what a cute candy bar!  But it wasnt:).  Ashley ended her call and told me the jars were filled with scented balls (not candy).  Ahhh...got it now:).

new candy bar idea

 Just like a candy bar, the scent bar would have a tin for filling with scented beads, mini candle, a favor bag with a cute label

As I created my "scented sachets" tin - I thought - no, this isn't a candy bar but it could definitely be a scented favor bar.  I told Ashley and a new fun bar was born!

nashville-bridal-shower-favor-bar-idea.jpg

Wedding 101's favor bag includes confetti, travel candle, tin with beads and a label - so cute

I think this would be a great idea for a bridal shower.  Maybe you could allow your bridesmaids to create scented tins of their own.  The bar would be just as cute and interactive as a candy bar but for zero calories!  Plus, the scented sachets would last longer than candy.  The only concern is that people might mistake it for candy - so beware! Wedding 101's scented balls and candles would be a great place to start if you are interested in seeing it in action or buying the supplies.  Ashley said they would definitely help you create a scented sachet bar for your wedding.  There are like 7 fragrances available.  My favorite is the sunshine!  You can rent the jars, buy the sachets and even buy coordinating Botanicus travel candles to match. As you see, Wedding 101 is not only a library of info but also has a retail area too.  I'll be hanging out there a lot and I promise,  ABG and 101 will collaborate to make planning your Nashville wedding easier and even more fun and fab!

wedding-101-preview-party-029.jpg

more from Wedding 101 - love these wedding gown, courtesy of Bridal Opulence

wedding-101-preview-party-013.jpg

also love this table design by classic party rental - how cute are the hanging letters for a shower or fanciful wedding!

 wedding-101-preview-party-008.jpg

Another great bridal vendor - Maples Wedding Cakes - always stunning

You can see more at Wedding 101.

rss_ashleysbrideguide.gif nashville-wedding-twittrt.jpgnashville-wedding-facebook.jpg

Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Inspiration & Trends 0 comments »

Connect with Us: rss facebook twitter