Non-Strapless Wedding Gowns

Strapless wedding gowns are stunning. But they are not for everyone. While I didn't need to go shopping for a gown for my wedding, (I wore my grandmother's dress) I did go with some friends and tried some on for fun. I remember being in a few stores and my friend and I asked, at all of the stores, for non-strapless dresses. And they replied that they didn't have any!! All of the 3-4 stores we visited! They only had strapless! I was so relieved to have my grandmother's dress. While I love strapless dresses, they just were not for me on my wedding day. I would not have felt secure in one. My friend, that felt the same way about strapless, was told she could add straps. But sometimes the straps don't provide the neckline you are looking for.

While researching dresses for this post, it was easier than I expected. There seems to be more non-strapless options out there than there were two years ago. So here are some beautiful gown options for those wanting to go the non-strapless route.

* Please note that some of these prices are estimates based on what I have seen online. For many, you would have to visit a wedding salon for the exact price.

Selia Yang Serina – $3000+
Vera Wang Ethel - $$$$$

Reva Mivasagar Leaf - $3000+
David Tutera for Faviana Marcia - @$ 400




Jcrew Anouk Gown - $695
JS Collection One Shoulder Gown Nordstroms - $198

David’s Bridal Tiered Gown - $169.99
David’s Bridal Floral Burnout - $215




Ann Taylor Grecian Gown - $275
Alfred Angelo Style 838 - @ $825

Be a Princess Bride

Okay, I know I am on a bit of a wedding theme this week. But it is a very fashionable event for any bride, attendant, family member, or guest.

When many brides to be are asked what look they want to go for, very often they say "I want to feel like a Princess." Now, if you think about it, this is very broad. If we take a look of real and pretend princesses, you will see that their looks are all very different! The only thing I see as a common trend is long sleeves. But that's not very common right now. Especially for brides getting married in the warmer months. And many famous Princesses have been married for a long time now, so the styles have changed!

When I think of a princess wedding gown, I think simplicity, elegance, and good taste. You will probably never see a princess wearing something tacky. Take a look at these Princesses.

Diana and Grace

Mia, Buttercup, and Ariel

I have done some looking around and have come up with some beautiful gowns that I believe would be approved by any Princess. I think it's important to remember to not get anything over powering. Bigger isn't always better- especially when it comes to fashion!

Style EW9848 - $399 David’s Bridal

Alita Graham Style 31622178 - $1500 to $3000 Kleinfelds

Kirstie Kelly Style C2703 - $1000 to $3000 Disney Bridal

Style T8792 - $399 David’s Bridal

Style 2007 – under $999 Alfred Angelo

Style 11419 – Vera Wang (contact for price)

Kirstie Kelly Style A1914 - $1000 to $3000 Disney Bridal

Style12538 - $2500 to $5000 Vera Wang

Style 4203 - $3000 to $5000 Priscilla’s of Boston

Style PL266 - $3000 to $5000 Priscilla’s of Boston

Bridemaids Dresses That Will be Worn Again...and Again

Planning a wedding isn’t easy. I know. I planned one. Sometimes, as a bride, you can get a little selfish and start over analyzing everything your bridesmaids are doing, or not doing. So, try to put yourself in their position. Or, maybe, you have already been in their position.

One of the biggest gripes from a bridesmaid is over the dresses they have to purchase, have fitted, and wear for one day. Think back to a time where you were wearing something you didn’t like, or didn’t feel comfortable in. Would you want to feel like that in front of 100+ people while walking down and aisle and having your photo taken? I think not.

Woman come in many shape and sizes and it can be very hard to please everyone. If you have a wide range of body types in your wedding party, consider choosing one color and letting the girls chose their own neckline. If everyone is similar, ask what necklines they feel comfortable in. I know not everyone feels comfortable in a strapless dress, especially one that hasn’t been altered correctly. Yes, that can and possibly will happen. I believe it is very important to make these woman feel comfortable at your wedding because, not only is it nice, but you will see it in your photos, it will show in their faces.

If you choose a dress they can wear again after the wedding, it will cut down on the comments about the cost. Bridesmaid dresses are never cheap, but they don’t have to be crazy expensive! I believe if you are going to choose a dress that costs over $250, then you should foot the bill. Now, if you come from a wealthy background and your bridesmaids are also privileged, then that’s an exception. Or if you and your attendants are all set in your careers and are well out of college, that’s another exception. But when you are dealing with a group of woman who haven’t been out of school for too long, are just beginning their careers, and possibly planning weddings of their own, remember that not everyone can just spend hundreds on a dress. Take them into consideration you would hope they would for you.

This all being said, here are some beautiful dresses that can be worn more than just one time and are not crazy expensive. I personally like dresses with more of a flowy look to them. Nothing to stiff or thick as far as the material goes. To me, that screams bridesmaid dress, and I would feel awkward wearing for any other occasion. I hope some of these dresses inspire any future brides or bridesmaids out there!

Vineyard Style 1211 – call for Price* Priscilla of Boston

Beaded Maxi Dress - $89 BCBG (on sale now!)

Sophia in Chiffon 26M27 - $270 Vera Wang

Grace in Satin 26M23 - $240 Vera Wang
Vineyard Style 1504 – call for Price* Priscilla of Boston

Suzi Chin Maggy Silk Chiffon Dress - $168 Nordstrom

Silk Chiffon Juliet Dress - $69-$99 Jcrew (price depends on color)

Silk Chiffon Twist-Tank - $99-$170 Jcrew (price depends on color)

Long Goddess Dress - $79.99 David’s Bridal (on sale now!)

Halter Organza Tea Length Dress - $79.99 David’s Bridal (on sale now!)

Lydia Empire Waist Dress - $199 Ann Taylor

Lizette Silk Crinkle Dress - $199 Ann Taylor

Megan Chiffon Dress 20M12- $180 Vera Wang

Attending a Spring/Summer Evening Wedding?

So a couple for my readers have weddings to attend in the near future. They are both evening weddings and are on the verge of Spring and Summer. I found this dress at Macy's and think its just perfect for a wedding. It comes in Yellow and Black. I think the yellow would work for both a daytime and an evening wedding. But the black would only work for the evening. The accessories I have matched with it would go with both colors. If all the colors are too bold for you, but you want to go with the yellow dress, you may opt for brown strappy shoes or pumps and gold accessories. Or you can stick with the silver shoes and add silver accessories. Whatever your taste may be! I don't recommend using a necklace when wearing a high neckline like this. Instead go for some larger earrings to draw focus upwards.

London Times Sleeveless Ruched-Waist Halter Dress - $99 Macys (also comes in Black)

Ralph Lauren Woman’s Aela Shoe - $92 Shoes.com

Paisley Lucite Bangle - $6.80 Forever 21

Painted Flower Earrings - $2.80 Forever 21

Woven Foldover Clutch - $48 ArdenB