As I said in yesterday’s post, I had the sweetest compliment from a friend and her daughter. They were wondering where I found my “wedding” dress (which wasn’t a wedding dress at all) because they thought it was simple and elegant. My friend’s daughter would like something similar. Isn’t that the best compliment? I am pleased as punch (does anyone say that anymore?) and have been enjoying browsing dresses in search of simple, elegant dresses worthy of getting married in!
As I said, my dress was just that. No “wedding” attached and as a bonus, no “wedding” price tag. When I was looking for the perfect dress(es) for this post, I put dresses that I liked in my shopping cart and then narrowed things down. Fun fact: at one point I had 12 dresses in a cart and the price came to less than that of a typical wedding dress!
Do I think wedding dresses have improved dramatically from when I was married in 1997? Absolutely! If you have any doubt, please see yesterday’s post, where I shared the monstrosities on offer when I was dress shopping. If I were shopping today, I might even go for a wedding dress, because the options are so much simpler and elegant now.
My favourite shop for current Bridal looks is BHLDN (pronounced Beholden) a division of Anthropologie. In fantastic news, they have just started shipping to Canada! If I was getting married I would be shopping there, unless I decided to go with a “non-wedding” wedding dress again. Their dresses are elegant and resonably priced.
Our wedding had a vaugely “Gatsby-esque” theme so if I were looking now my absolute top picks would be:
Non-wedding dress…The Marina Embelished W-Neck Gown and Wedding Dress from Melanie Lyne (left) and Wedding Dress… The Laurel Gown from BHLDN (right)
One of the benefits of the non-wedding wedding dress is the price. The Marina gown is $299 (on sale from $448) and the Laurel Wedding gown is $1195
So, if you or anyone you know are/is looking for a dress in which to get married, please read on for my “non-wedding”-wedding dress picks. Prices on non-bridal dresses are all below $500. Bridal dresses range from just $238- $1195
Dresses from left to right
- Chelsey Allover Lace Dress
- Laced Back Satin Maxi Dress
- High/Low Chiffon Dress
- Pryce Off-the-Shoulder Column Dress
- Metalic Glitter Dress
- Beckett Satin Maxi in Dove, available in 6 other colours
If I were getting married… the Roseable Satin Maxi would be my choice!
Left to right
- Deco Beaded Blouson Dress
- Fidelia Beaded Maxi Dress in blush, also available in oyster, dark grey and fog
- Marina Embellished V-neck Gown
- Embellished Floral Ball Gown
Left to right
- Laurel Gown
- Chelsey All Over Lace Dress in white
- Fidelia Beaded Maxi Dress in oyster, also available in blush, dark grey and fog
- Roseabel Satin Maxi Dress
- Bonheur Dress
- Alfred Sung Satin High/Low Dress in blush, also available in 4 other colours
I was married almost 25 years ago and my dress choice was unconventional at the time. It seems that maybe it still is. As I said, bridal has changed and there are many that I would wear if I were a young bride. But why are will still following a trend started by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert in 1840, over 180 years ago? I’m referring to white wedding gowns. Previous to Vickie’s nuptials, brides wore colourful wedding dresses (mostly so they could wear them again and with less cleaning required) So, why not wear what ever you wish? Why not wear a colour that flatters you and makes you happy? It’s completely up to you.
- V-neck Glitter Ball Gown in silver
- Stretch Satin Mermaid Dress (also available in rose)
- Glitter Tulle Mermaid Dress in Blue (also available in wine, ivory)
- Embroidered Rhinestone Dress
- V-neck Glitter Ball Gown in red
- Ruffle Trim Jersey Gown
xxxooo
Callie
Beautiful dresses! Wish I was so skinny! xoxo