After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Sure, mounds of snow still cover sidewalks throughout the Northeast, but Spring will be here before you know it.  Two of my favorite retailers have just announced their newest bridal collections, BHLDN and J. Crew .  But what I'm most excited about is what's in store for bridesmaids! Seems this year's calling for shorter lengths as well as more focus on muted colors. Here are a few of my favorites.  Be sure to pick out yours. P.S.  Brides, you should also consider one of these beauties for yourself (i.e. Bridal Shower, Bridesmaid Tea or even Rehearsal Dinner) BHLDN Spring Bridal             J. Crew Spring Bridal         - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Dear Rashana, I'm having an afternoon, garden wedding.  I'm so excited!  Most of the plans have been made and I've begun to count down.  However, I can't decide what color shoes my bridesmaids should wear.  I realize most brides chose silver, gold or dyed shoes for their party, but I want to be different.  Since my bridesmaids are wearing "ocean blue," what color shoe would you recommend? -Old, New, Borrowed & Something (to go with) Blue ********************************************** Hey Old, New, Borrowed & Something (to go with) Blue, I'm so glad you asked me this question because I've been anxious to share my opinion on this.  I say go NUDE!  Patent nude, to be specific.  Long gone are the days where a nude shoe was most befitting grandma.  Nude has been all the rage for several seasons now, so no need to discriminate when it comes to your bridesmaids.  Not to mention a nude shoe will likely be one they won't mind...

If you've ever been a bridesmaid OR you've ever selected bridesmaids for your own wedding, you will likely be able to relate to much of the foolery depicted in this upcoming release. Yes, it's a movie about BRIDESMAIDS and it looks to be quite a doozy! Hits theaters next month. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Girls can propose too!  And Tie That Binds makes it ever so easy with their support cute Bridesmaid Proposal Labels.  You can use their label set to ask your best friends/family participate in your wedding as bridesmaids in endless, unique ways.  Just stick these on any of your favorite giftables, like body lotion, chocolate truffles, perfume, champagne bottles, etc., invite her to lunch and surprise her with a pretty gift bag.  Voilà !  Plus, the entire process is so easy.  They send you a pdf of multiple sized labels and you print them out yourself.  Why not go the extra mile to show them how special they are to you?  It's the perfect way to say "Pretty, Pretty Please." - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

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J.Crew recently unveiled their newest designs for weddings and parties. Go on over and check these and much more out, including beautiful looks for bridesmaids! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

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Today I came across this little video all about bridesmaids, courtesy of The Dessy Group .  In just over two minutes, it covers the role of the bridesmaid and even touches on the history behind it.  For instance, did you know in ancient times bridesmaids were "protectors against evil spirits?"  Go figure!  And with that said, in many instances, not much has changed.  After all, being a bridesmaid has a lot to do with trust , devotion and friendship .  The very best of intentions are required from each bridesmaid and from the bride during such a high-pressure time, but it's also important to have FUN! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

* CAUTION -- NON-WEDDING RELATED, BUT REALLY CUTE -- CAUTION * So wedding blog = wedding posts , I know.  But I'm so in love with my new "cozy" that I felt compelled to share with all of you.  Doesn't my Starbucks non-fat chai tea latte look snugly and comfy?  You've got to admit, my pink coffee-cup-cozy is nothing short of adorable.  Courtesy of Wayside Violet, it's hand knit with a gorgeous cable stitch, the perfect eco-friendly alternative to those disposable paper sleeves. Plus, Wayside Violet offers a variety of nifty colors and styles.  Too cute! Check out Wayside Violet's etsy shop and blog for more cozy, lovely items.  And definitely consider a coffee-cup-cozy for each of your bridesmaids*. (*You should have known I'd find a way to tie this back to weddings...) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Is it possible you're as big a fan of Project Runway as I am? If you're just as in love with this American reality TV show that focuses on fashion design, you're probably familiar with last year's contestant, Carol Hannah Whitfield . Carol Hannah was by far my favorite designer and I'm thrilled to have learned not only is she living in New York City and still designing, but she recently previewed her own wedding collection . With a fine selection of gowns for brides and bridesmaids alike, Carol Hannah has brought the same sophistication, construction, whimsy and femininity to this debut offering. These gowns and dresses are just lovely. And I'm excited to share a few of her creations with you below:     Carol Hannah's full collection will be presented on March 20th in Charleston, South Carolina and mid-April in New York City. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Tonight, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards aired and as always we were paying close attention to the red carpet.  Most of music royalty took weeks to prepare (with their stylists) appropriate fashions as they were to celebrate some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pink and the late, great Michael Jackson.  And like this year's Golden Globe Awards, attendees flaunted their personal style with unapologetic flair.  But this time we'd like to mix things up.  Instead of taking cues from the red carpet for brides we'd like to point out cues for bridesmaids instead.  After all, your maids will share the "white aisle" with you on your special day and it's important for them to be in line with the latest trends too.   Fergie wearing Emilio Pucci & Lea Michelle wearing Romona Keveza (Inspired options for bridesmaids: Alvina Valenta; Milanoo.com) Rihanna wearing Elie Saab Haute Couture (Inspired options for bridesmaid...