So it's purple for your wedding day? You just love the richness of this shade. You love the way you can move from lilacs and mauves through to a rich imperial purple, something dramatic that will hold its own on a winter wedding day. 

It's a shade that lends itself perfectly to having an ombre bridesmaid line up as well. Depending on your girls' complexions you can choose soft pastel purples (we're thinking of sugared almonds here) or deep dark tones. 

Hold some fabric samples up against the face to see which color works (you can get the color samples from Dessy right here). It might be surprising to see what works with which maid. Somebody might be convinced they don't suit pastels, only to find out they work beautifully. Another might always have avoided brights, only to realise that they should have been wearing dramatic colors always. 

How a real bride did it on her big day 

There's no doubt, such an exquisite colour palette is incredibly amorous - and so many violet-coloured flowers have a wonderfully delicate fragrance too. You'll also find a big selection of blooms in shades of purple - just talk to your florist about what's available. Whose heart (and nose!) would not be moved by the posies below, created by the lovely Helen Jane Floristry, with the perfumed muscari, syringa, roses and freesias?

This might be time to revisit the Sophia Coppola film "Marie Antoinette". It's a confection of pastels and purples and could give you some fabulous inspiration.

As for accent details, you'll find that metallics work well with purple. Silver, gold, bronze - maybe do things a little differently and put your maids in silver or gold sandals ...

Takeaways from this post

• Purple is a fabulous accent color to choose for your wedding day for a number of reasons
• You can go for an ombre theme and use every shade of purple from the palest lilac through to a rich deep purple
• You'll find plenty of wedding flowers in purple shades - talk to your florist about choices for the time of year
• Purple shoes peeping out from beneath a traditional cream or white wedding dress look fabulous (but think about metallics too)
• Depending on the shade you choose, purple is just at home at a city wedding in winter, a country garden wedding or a destination wedding on a palm-fringed beach

Well, you never know what's going to happen when you're wedding planning. 

And the chances are that somewhere down the line, one of your chosen bridesmaids is going to announce that she has some happy news. That's she's pregnant and so she's going to need a bridesmaid gown that works with her mom-to-be status. 

How to do maternity bridesmaid dresses beautifully

Well, we think all moms-to-be deserve to be dressed so they feel and look wonderful and so here's a whole range of dresses that will suit different girls. 

And because they're by Dessy they are available in a literal rainbow of colors. 

You want a pastel colored wedding and a pastel colored maternity frock? No problem. 

Dessy maternity gowns clockwise from top left: After Six Maternity Dress M428, Dessy Collection Maternity Bridesmaid Dress M433, Alfred Sung Maternity Bridesmaid Dress Style M437, Dessy Collection Maternity Bridesmaid Dress M431

Blues, greens, pinks, reds, sapphires, jewel tones ... browse through the shades and you'll wonder how you'll ever choose. Strapless maternity bridesmaid gowns, round neck or a plunging neckline - take your pick. Dessy has an amazing range of maternity bridesmaid dresses. 

Maybe get right on trend and have an ombre thing going on? Dress your maids (including the non pregnant ones!) in varying hues of the same shade.

This is where our Twist Wrap Dress will come into its own

If your mom-to-be bridesmaid wants to be sure that her dress will adjust to fit her, then maybe investigate our Twist Wrap Dresses (as shown above here) which can easily adjust to fit a changing size. Your maid will also be able to wrap the dress in a style to suit her (which will give her more confidence).  

Staying comfortable

Dessy also does some great bridesmaid flats in matching and contrasting shades, as a pregnant bridesmaid probably won't want to be wearing heels ...

(Image credits: Jenny Haas and Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography for their photos of real weddings, and to Bloomsbury Flowers for the image of the blushing bride and bouquet.)

Always loved pink? It's such a romantic color.

And it's always been a favorite at weddings. So if you've always dreamed of having a wedding in pink, then you do just that. 

Here we've used the palest pink for some wedding ideas. Call it blush pink, call it shell pink - it's delicate, dreamy and classic. 

The very name blush pink has all the connotations of old-fashioned modesty, purity and romance when just the look from the man of your dreams was enough to send a delicate flush to your maidenly cheeks!

So it is no wonder that pale pink is such an appropriate shade color for a bride to choose for her bridesmaids - or even herself.

How to use pale pink at a wedding

Pink works well with:

• Blooms with darker pinks and greens
• Plenty of cream and ivory shades
• Pearl jewellery
• Spring and winter weddings (the light is right)

(Image credits: Top left Social Bridesmaids Style 8182, right Lela Rose Style LR200 , bottom left Lela Rose Bridesmaid Dress LR178, right  After Six Bridesmaid Style 6674

One of the best things about pale pink bridesmaid dresses is that they complement girls of every hair colour, which is another reason why they are a great choice. And what an added coup, to get married when the cherry trees are in blossom - wow, now that is truly neat planning!

Roses are the perfect flower at the best of times, but when you choose a pale pink wedding theme, they come into their own. As you can see from the cascade of roses on the wedding cake above and in the pastel table decoration further down (with thanks to Jenny Haas),  you can achieve an effect of sublime beauty using an abundance of pale pink roses of all shades. Use pale pinks for table napkins, tablecloths and candles to prevent the room from looking too stark whilst still retaining an aura of delicacy.

Pale pink bridesmaid gowns are dainty, exquisite and feminine. Add a level of diaphanous beauty by choosing one of these dreams from Dessy. 

And don't forget to keep the make-up light and natural with just a touch of lip gloss for a truly romantic look.

(All these photos feature on Dessy Facebook - join us here)

One way a bride can be certain that she found the perfect frocks for her maids is if they love them so much they can't wait to wear them again. 

And why shouldn't they? 

If a bridesmaid dress flatters the individual, making the best of their figure, complexion - in short having that magic factor that makes a girl feel beautiful - then it's a real shame not to put on a dress again that makes you feel that way. 

Nowadays bridesmaids gowns like Dessy's are worlds away from the frumpy, badly fitting wedding attendant outfits of old. 

So if you loved your bridesmaid dress, here are a few ideas to turn it into a wardrobe staple that you can count on to make you feel good every time you wear it.

Ring the changes and alter it

If you had a long bridesmaid dress, trim it and make it into a cocktail dress for your next formal event.  If it was a strapless dress you can add straps in the fabric that's being cut away, or go online to somewhere like Rouleaux and find some fancy diamante ribbon.

 

A post shared by V V Rouleaux (@vvrouleaux) on May 5, 2017 at 9:38am PDT

If you want to change the overall look of the dress you could add a sash (if your waist is something you particularly want to show off).  Try something with a little sparkle or a classic satin sash. (You might need to practice your bow-tying technique here). 

Just some of the decorative sashes offered by Dessy 

Accessorise and accessorise

Add a new statement necklace. A pair of slinky shoes. Maybe a shawl or shrug.

Too pretty to be worn just the once. These dresses are VERSATILE! From left, style Jenny You JY533, After Six Bridesmaid Style 6751. Oh and they come in different colors too. 

How can you, the bride help?

We've said it before but it's just so important that the bride chooses bridesmaids dresses to suit her girls. Mismatched bridesmaid frocks can work well here, as they allow for different necklines, differing waist detail, different sleeve length and different bodices. No two girls are the same, so why should they really dress the same? 

You can mismatch the bridesmaids dresses in style but opt for the same color. Or you could mismatch the frocks and go for a graduation in color. That would be very stylish. 

One thing is for certain though. If your maids want to wear their dresses again after the wedding, then they've paid you the biggest compliment going. 

(Image credits: All via Pinterest except for Sloe Gin via Wedding Journal Online, personalised mints via Etsy).  

Wedding favors are one of those little wedding extras that can cause a real headache.

• What can you get that's different?
• What can you get that's within your budget?
• Are wedding favors a waste of money anyway?

Great recipe here to make gingerbread hearts.

Why are wedding favors a thing?

Wedding favors are given to guests to thank them for coming to your special day - traditionally they consisted of five sugared almonds in a gift bag (see how to DIY these inexpensively below). However, times have moved on, and many couples look for something that fits with their theme as a token for the guest to remember the wedding.

So what to do?

Well, you could go down the route of not giving them at all. Great if you are marrying abroad (baggage allowance is terrible these days!), or if your budget is extremely tight. But if you do choose to offer your guests a token of your appreciation of their attendance, there are two real routes to consider. Pre-made wedding favors or home-made.   

(Image credit: Sugared almonds from Sweets Wholesale, gauze bags from Amazon, decorative tags by Hobbycraft)

DIY wedding favors

These can be really personal.  Guests will know that you have taken time and effort to create your offerings and that means quite a lot. After all, anyone can just buy a little something. You can even make favors as part of a hen do these days so you don't have to do all the work yourself! Food or drink is the easy option here. Cookies are a great and inexpensive way of saying thanks. A heart-shaped cutter and little clear bags with ribbon at the top and you are away. Similarly there are many good chocolate moulds available. Little bags of sweets are easy to do. You could provide little boxes and encourage guests to fill with a mini cake of their choice (perhaps instead of one large wedding cake), or with sweets from a candy bar.

Homemade jam always sits well, as do little jars of hot chocolate mix (complete with mini marshmallows!). If you would rather the favor made it past the end of the night, a little keepsake such as candles, bath products or a personalised bauble at Christmas time are all lovely ideas.

We also like the idea of giving every guest a little pot of daffodils or narcissi when they are in season (which will also decorate your tables). 

Is your wedding glamorous or luxe?

Then forget DIY. Unless you are a professional confectioner or baker; or unless you are a crafter and make things for a living, chances are you won't have the time or skills to create something you will be truly happy with. Time to splash the cash.

Buying favors

These may seem like the easy option, but while they don't take as long to organise and don't require you to have shares in your nearest craft/baking store, they do require a little more brain power. It is very easy to go on-line or into a shop and purchase any old thing that fits your price range. However, if you want your guests to actually take the gifts home (and use them), you need to be a little more selective. 

If you are marrying in a vineyard, or if one of you is Scottish for example, a little bottle of local wine or whisky can be a lovely, thoughtful gift. 

So what is better? DIY or shop bought?

That depends. Your time is precious. If you have enough of it and fancy giving it a go, then DIY is lovely, especially if you are looking at a vintage or rustic wedding. If you have only a little time, then why not mix the two and give a gift that is part bought, part made such as a little picture frame with an image of your friend inside.

If you're not a bride who is in love with the color pink, then choosing wedding accessories in blue could be the answer, particularly the shade that's known as duck egg blue. 

Why this particular blue is so versatile

• It's a pastel shade - which means it will melt into the background if you want it to
• It works beautifully at spring, summer and winter weddings
• Combine duck egg blue wedding accessories with gold or silver and you get a very special luxe effect
• Think about bronze, silver or gold shoes for your bridesmaids - or play it down with neutrals
• Duck egg blue looks fabulous on wedding cakes too

For a clever, refined look at a bridesmaid dress, check this frock from Dessy. DC2946 which is actually a soft tulle in celadon over platinum rococo lace dress. Match with our Pearly Aqua Chandelier Earrings. 

Romantic blue bridesmaid dress and earrings by Dessy

Why else is blue such a dream wedding theme? Use it to dress the inside of a marquee, for your seating plans, on your tables.

Clematis cakes by Rosalind Miller

Other reasons to choose blue

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to flowers. Talk to your florist but just as a starter you can opt for; hyacinths, bluebells, delphiniums, clematis, grape hyacinths, ranunculus, lavender, larkspur, anenomes ... 

Blue is a classic color for wedding invitations too. Nothing is quite as inviting as a crisp blue envelope coming into the mailbox, complete with beautiful calligraphy. 

Invitations by Ananya 

This shade of blue works well with lace as well. Consider placing lace over a blue tablecloth. Or dressing your bridesmaids in different shades of blue for an ombre effect. 

And of course, you'll be following the old rhyme for what to wear at a wedding for good fortune: 

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ..."

Credits:  Wedding Cushion by Cherry Pete from Not On The High Street, bridesmaids with flowers via stylemepretty.com, wedding photo with balloons by Max & Friends via greenweddingshoes.com, buttonhole by Anna del Greco at BridalbyAnna.

(Image credit: Dessy Facebook page)

1. A Sri Lankan bride currently holds the record for having the most number of bridesmaids - 126 - at her wedding in November 2013
2. The Romans started a tradition of dressing the bride and bridesmaids the same - something that continued until Victorian times. But not a tradition we're likely to follow today!
3. The oldest ever bridesmaid was Edith Gulliford, at the age of 105. She was maid of honour to Kyra and James in 2007 at Chatham, England. (Source: Guinness World Records). 
4. Don't be a bridezilla and try and get involved in your hen party organisation. Leave that to your chief bridesmaid and the rest of the girls. It's meant to be a lovely surprise for you!
5. Your best friend might not be the best person to be your chief bridesmaid. She might a) live abroad b) have young children or be expecting c) not be a great organiser d) have a very demanding job  e) be shy and retiring. You need to think about who is going to be able to commit to the job and do it well
6. Be sensitive about finances. Not everybody has big salaries or spare cash. So let it be known that you're not necessarily expecting to have a blow-out weekend in a European city or further afield for your hen do. (Remember what happened in the film 'Bridesmaids'?) 
7. If you haven't seen the film 'Bridesmaids' then it's part of your wedding planning to catch it on Netflix or a DVD. Plenty of food for thought there
8. If you want your girls to have their hair and/or make-up professionally done on the morning of your wedding, then you really need to foot the bill for this (see note 6) 
9. On the same note, don't suggest that your girls join you on your diet/boot camp, daily fitness sessions. If they want to, fine but don't put any pressure on them. They come as is!
10. Work with your girls to choose their bridesmaid dresses. Don't just tell them what they're wearing - let them get involved by giving them a choice of gowns
11. You should expect to pay for your bridesmaids dresses. Unless you've really given them carte blanche to pick out what they want to wear with no involvement. Make it clear ahead of time that you're expecting them to pay for their own dresses (if that's what you've decided to do) 
12. Putting your bridesmaids all in the same frock and the same colour is a bit dated. Far better (and far more flattering for them individually) to have different styles of frock in styles that will suit them. For example, your well-endowed friend may not thank you for putting her in a strapless number(Image credits: Little White and Kaleigh Foster via Dessy Facebook)
13. Think necklines and hemlines. Your girls will probably have a good idea of which neckline suits them best - one-shoulder, strapless, sweetheart. And as for hemlines, not everybody will want to wear a short cocktail frock - if they're self-conscious about their legs they might prefer a tea-length gown.
14. The same goes for colours. The same colour won't necessarily suit everyone so consider having different tones of the same shade (for an ombre effect). And some colours work well together - royal blue and orange, pastels, pale blue and sand tones. Get a Dessy Pantone tool to help you work out your colour scheme.
15. If you're marrying in the summer, or one of your maids is going on a sunshine holiday just before your wedding, gently remind her of her style of bridesmaid dress so that she won't have strap-marks that will be noticeable.
16. Your bridesmaids should each be allowed to bring their boyfriends/partners/husbands as a plus one. Goes without saying!
17. Don't insist that your bridesmaids join you in endless favour-making afternoons/evenings. You can invite them along, but it's not everybody's idea of a good time to spend hours painting shells/boxes/making bunting
18. It used to be the tradition that bridesmaids were always single, unmarried women. That's no longer the case I'm glad to say
19. Girls are junior bridesmaids - not flowergirls - after the age of eight. Dessy has a fabulous selection of junior bridesmaid dresses designed to fit pre-teens - and many of them match the adult bridesmaid dresses by Dessy.
20. Remember that you want these girls to be your friends when you're married. So don't be a bridezilla. They're part of your big day and there to help and support you - so have fun too!

(Image credits: Fulham Palace Weddings, Fab Mood Gorgeous Wedding Shoes, Hey Wedding Lady)

It's romantic, dreamy, timeless, classic. Just look at this inspiration you'll see that blush pink and weddings are made to go together.

Back at the reception, I would be tempted to go for vintage-style table decorations like this beautiful one by the appropriately named Blush Rose Events - the colours are as subtle and lovely as the bridesmaids dresses!

And you can tell from this photo taken in the winter snow by Sara Ackermann Photography at Tara Nicole Weddings and Events that you're not confined to the summer months for your blush and rose bridesmaid dresses. Perfect against the snow (but give your girls something to wrap themselves in too).  And of course the joy of Twist Dresses like these is that there are endless ways to wear them, making the dresses probably THE most versatile around. Shown here in Blush and Sea Pink.

Blush pink gowns sort all sorts of complexions - both fair and darker. It's not true that pink looks best on blondes. Just look at this photograph of girls in their Dessy blush pink bridesmaid frocks to see the truth of it. 

(Image credit: Kristin Byrum Photography)

Ways to use blush pink on your big day

• Delicate pink roses in a bouquet
• Metallics in soft silvers, gold and bronze work well with blush pink
• Scented rose candles at the entrance to the ceremony
• A delicate chiffon or organza stole or wrap for your maids
• The softest pink lip stain
• On your invitations of course - a delicate pink envelope
• A blush-inspired wedding cake
• Or maybe a pink ribbon around a classic white tiered cake
• Pink champagne on arrival at the reception
• Rose lemonade served as a non-alcoholic option
• Pink napkins at place settings
• Delicate pink shoes for the bride peeping from underneath an ivory gown

(Image credit: Wedding cake by GC Couture Cakes , rose chandelier earrings by Dessy).

Are you planning sleeves on your bridesmaid frocks or would you rather your maids go sleeveless? How can you choose? Here's what you need to know. 

1. Sleeves are a good choice for some religious ceremonies

The priest marrying you both may have a view of appropriate attire for getting married - and that will include your bridesmaids. So if your girls are covered up - even if it's just the shoulders - you will know that you are following any necessary etiquette. This Alfred Sung style could be just what you're looking for. Or the Lela Rose style LR225 below is a good halfway house - it's formal without being frumpy.

Alfred Sung Style D736

(Credit: The Jon Hartman Photography Company)

2. Your girls will thank you if you're marrying in winter

Set your wedding day during the winter months and it's likely to be chilly outside. Not great for when your maids are hanging about waiting to have their photographs taken - and worse if they are skimpily dressed! Somehow arms are always the part of the body that seems to get cold first. You could choose a gown with sleeves but that might not work so well if you're having an evening party (unless everyone is getting changed for that). Be prepared by letting your girls cosy up in a beautiful Dessy stole.

(Credit: Priscila Valentina)

3. Ditch the sleeves if you're expecting hot, hot weather

Having a beach wedding? Tying the knot outside under a blazing sun with no air-conditioning? Then we'd say forget about sleeves for your girls. They'll get anxious about patches of perspiration and will want to keep their cool with spaghetti straps, strapless frocks or a cap sleeve.

(Credit: On A Whim Photography)

4. Cap sleeves come in all sorts of styles

Depending on the neckline you choose you can have cap sleeves that stand up or ones that are slightly off the shoulder. Maybe this is one you should let your girls choose for yourselves - they'll know what suits them and what makes them feel most comfortable.

5. Stoles and wraps are the perfect accessory

Not only will they provide the perfect cover up, but if you're looking for a gift then a bridesmaid wrap or stole is both perfect and practical. Your maids can wear one again and again. Choose a fabric that works with the dress - chiffon, georgette or a soft wool are all options (depending on the season and location).

Beautiful and affordable - our new rose gold bridesmaid collection brings a whole new dimension to dressing your girls! 

We've created a collection of bridesmaid separates that's trendy and very affordable - with dresses for under $150. And they're beautiful!

Your maids are going to love these looks

Put a sequin camisole top with floaty romantic skirt in a pastel. Or try it the other way around. It's your choice. If you ever wanted to be a dress designer then here's your chance. 

The secret to dressing your bridesmaids well is to flatter and with this collection you can do just that. Choose a hemline that sweeps along the ground or show off those legs in a knee skimming length. 

 

A post shared by Wedding Chicks® (@weddingchicks) on Jun 30, 2017 at 11:22am PDT

We've designed skirts in so many styles you'll find it hard to make up your mind. Maybe a trumpet-shape shape skirt in sequins? Or a metallic top with spaghetti straps? 

It's never been easier to create a custom look for your ladies. At the wedding itself you could dress your girls in one style for the ceremony. Then change it around for the drinks reception. And then again for the evening party. 

A wardrobe favorite

These separates aren't going to be tucked away in the closet after the confetti has fallen and the wedding is over. Oh no. Afterwards your girls are going to want to take them out and show them off again and again. Because they are gorgeous. 

• They could wear one of these metallic camisole with jeans to dress things up a bit. 
• Or add a sparkly skirt to add a note of glamor to an evening dinner.
• Or both together.

At these prices you can afford to get so many different looks. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses continue to be a real thing and rose gold metallics are absolutely right now. 

So have a browse through Dessy and the Wedding Chicks collection here ...