AisleDash

OK ladies, it's time to talk color. We all know that most bridesmaids would prefer to wear a black dress to your wedding, one that they'll be able to wear over and over again; but what if you have your heart set on seeing them in your favorite color - How do you make a statement color as flattering as possible?

Our advice is to stick to simple dresses that flatter a variety of figures - like the Caroline dress in a tricky orange shade we've pictured here. The simple a-line and the graceful bateau neckline help the color shine through without the distraction of bows or sparkly bits. Don't believe us? See dresses in this color at this real wedding.

Available at Lulakate.com - prices start at $250

What a perfect dress for your navy and gold wedding! This bridesmaids dress by Charsa Designs has a simple a-line silhouette but is enhanced by the beautiful shimmery navy color. The dress has an empire waist and crossover-v neckline so it will flatter a variety of figures and is bra-friendly.

It comes in your choice of faille or silk dupioni, and is of course available in a wide variety of colors. The picture shows the dress with silver shoes, but we think it would look just as lovely with pale gold sandals.

Available at Charsa.com starting at $270 (sizes 2-24)

This dress is great-all around. It's a fun party dress and would be perfect for a swanky rehearsal dinner. It's short and sleek and white - making it a fine option for the hopelessly chic bride who wouldn't be caught dead in a princess ball gown. And it also has a definite 80's vibe (check out that belt) and a tiered skirt - which makes it white-hot and trendy.

It also comes in black (picture after the jump) - a look your bridesmaids will love. On the other hand, YOU could wear it in black to your rehearsal, right?

Lauren by Ralph Lauren - $280 at Macy's

An absolutely fun and flirty bubble dress by Shoshanna! This strapless silk dress has a shirred bodice with flattering ruching at the waist and a feminine balloon hem. Available in either coral or kelly green, this dress is just perfect for the younger members of your wedding party.

Available for $319 at ShopBop

Gallery: Dress of the day: Bridesmaids

We love, love, love these dresses! They're unique, they're gorgeous, and they have attitude!

The spaghetti-strap dresses by etsy vendor ktjean are custom made to your specifications. But they all share these common traits:

• Lace overlay on the bodice
• Alternating, silk, lace and chiffon layers
• This is key: The layers are left raw and unfinished for a truly handmade look

You can go as luxe or casual as you like, as the vendor will make your dress with whatever materials you choose.



More views after the jump:

This dress by designer Cocoe Voci pairs new ideas with traditional materials for a look that's fresh without being too avant garde - because let's face it, most brides would prefer to look gorgeous over making some outrageous fashion statement on their wedding day.

The dress can be made with halter straps, but we've chosen to showcase the strapless version because we feel it works better with the the gorgeous braided lace detail at the bustline. The bodice is made of draped silk satin and is embellished with delicate crystals. The skirt is silk organza and is hemmed in the same intricate lace that decorates the bustline.

Detailed photos are after the jump.

Looking for ways to make your wedding gown a little more eco-friendly? Sure you can buy vintage, or have an organic hemp or silk gown made for you, but there's an even simpler way to cut down on waste: choose a dress you will wear again.

The idea of the one-time-only gown is relatively new. Until the early twentieth century, brides chose gowns that they could wear for multiple occasions. Wealthy women would often recycle the wedding gown for fancy dress parties or for their presentation at court, while poorer women would wear their dress for church or, often, as a nicer everyday dress. Dresses were frequently dyed a different color after the wedding, including black if a mourning dress was needed. Bridesmaids dresses worked the same way, and could often be a woman's one new dress for the season or the year.

Today, though, we're all about the throw-away wedding gown, which is environmentally unfriendly for lots of reasons: gown fabrics are often treated with chemicals, to preserve color and appearance, cleaning and storing a wedding gown requires even more chemicals, and the dress often sits in a closet or box without ever being worn again, which is just wasteful.

Instead of choosing a gown that can only be worn on that ONE day, look for something with life beyond the wedding. A lovely silver cocktail dress, for example, is appropriately bridal but can ALSO go out for dinner or to your holiday party. This one, by Jones New York, is available at Nordstrom for $170.00.

We've been touting the benefits of silk flowers for a while here on AisleDash. We love that they won't wilt, that you can get colors that don't occur naturally, and that you can see the finished products before the day of your wedding. We've just discovered the Fleurspermail site, and we love that, too.

The site offers a huge selection of silk floral arrangements, from bouquets and corsages to hairpieces and cake decorations, but what we love most about the site is its search feature. You can search by product type, flower type (and they have dozens to choose from) color, or any combination of the three categories, which is great for brides looking to select the perfect bouquet for their chosen wedding colors.

Check out the gallery below for some beautiful examples of these silk arrangements.

Is your wedding theme Tiffany and Co?

Maybe you're still looking for your "something blue"?

This sexy little number reinvents the little black dress in in blue silk shantung. It's simple and chic, but not boring: It has a wide obi sash with a contrasting pale blue color to accent the waist. Now we know what happens when East meets West: A gorgeous dress!

This dress is pretty no matter where you wear it ... the square neckline and spaghetti straps make this dress a perfect choice for either a wedding or a swanky cocktail party. Your bridesmaids will love wearing this!

$188 at Kimera Design

You may not like the idea of picking out bridesmaids' dresses from a store that calls itself "Trashy," but don't let the name turn you off -- we've heard some great reviews from Trashy Diva customers, and we want to pass on the name to you.

The collection of vintage-inspired dresses are sewn with top quality materials, but the dresses are not outrageously priced. The styles are made to flatter truly curvy women with small waists and large busts, and according to feedback we've heard, they really do.

Whether you're a bride trying to find bridesmaid dresses or a wedding guest looking for something nice to wear, take a look at the Trashy Diva collection, and you'll find these dresses are anything but trashy.

This silk duchess satin ball gown by Amsale is a sensual delight - the fabric just looks so buttery it makes you want to touch it. Good luck keeping your groom's hands off you during your first dance! And just imagine what it would feel like to be enveloped in it - proving that one does not always have to sacrifice comfort to look smashing.

The beautifully hand draped bodice is what makes this gown so glamorous - and the way the dainty spaghetti halter straps tie in the back make it sexy. We'd wear diamond studs or pretty bracelets but keep the necklace at home. Instead, show off the back with a modern updo and minimal jewelry.

This gown is perfect for the bride who wants to emulate Audrey Hepburn's style without playing dress up.

Brianne by Amsale Bridal Collection