Beautiful Bridal Party

Okay lets talk bridal party. What do you readers think is the best way to approach bridesmaid dresses? I've read and heard quite a few opinions on this, but I always like to hear more! Some say keep it cohesive--the same colour, the same dress. Others say mix it up--give every woman her own choice of colour out of a set you've chosen.

For me personally I think the most important thing is to make every one in your bridal party feel comfortable and beautiful. Some dress styles don't work on all body types, so giving your 'maids a few style options within your colour choices is another option.

Alfred Angelo has a huge selection of bridal party options, with each style coming in a range of over 55 colours! You have the option of 'trying' each dress in your colours which is a really helpful option.

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Here is a simple style of bridesmaid dress--classic strapless, but a little more flirty. Thanks to the handy colour selector I can pick any color combination! Here I've chosen the Espresso dress with coral trim.

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And here I've switched it up with an emerald dress and eggplant trim! Even if you aren't interested in purchasing gowns from this site, it's still a fun and helpful tool to get a sense of what your bridal party could potentially look like.

Here is a set I've put together illustrating my "many styles same colour" theory. Keeping with a 'grape' colour and floor length theme:

Each dress is relatively the same, but the different strap/waist style combinations can help your bridesmaids feel they are staying true to their own unique style and body type.

<3 Miss Charlie

Clutch it To Your Heart

 

Bridesmaids clutches at BabbsBoutique

Babbs Boutique is an Etsy shop located in Winnipeg that specializes in bridal and bridesmaid clutches, as well as bridal sets and pillows. Everything in the shop is customizable, so if you have a specific colour combination you can't find in a retail store, it might be in your interest to check out her extensive fabric swatches!

Customizable bridal clutch

Clutch and ring pillow

The outer fabric, lining and decorations can all be customized to suit your very own wedding theme, colours or personal taste!

The Boutique also offers discounts on multiple item purchases!

10% off orders of 3 or more items!

15% off orders of 6 or more items!

Bride and Bridesmaids set

Buying from the boutique is a great way to support local designers and retailers! 

♥Miss Charlie

Have Your Cake and Wear It Too

No. Not THAT kind of cake.

The Exchange is by far my favourite part of Winnipeg. Named for the culminating businesses that used to house the offices of the Grain Exchange, it's the seat of the commerce that built the city. Gorgeous turn-of-the-century Chicago architecture, foreign film theatre Cinemateque, venues for partying (site of the annual-super-awesome Winnipeg Jazz Fest as well as home to my favourite pub, The King's Head!), delightful cafes, shops, bakeries, and just generally a beautiful place to take a stroll (especially in the summer . But I think the Exchange would be perhaps dulled without it's diverse array of shopping. Shoes. Hats. Furniture. Antiques. And, of course, bridesmaid dresses!

Cake Clothing Co.

Back in the days of being a poor English student, I worked a summer at the artist run gallery The Keepsakes Gallery, which is in the basement beneath designer Rebecca McCormack's Cake Clothing, on the corner of McDermot and Arthur (264 McDermot). I won't deny that I would often sneak upstairs on my breaks to ogle and covet their amazing selection. Then I'd open my wallet and the usual moths would escape, and I would be a sad panda. Anyway! Their shop is an extra-trendy little spot and a must-visit when you're trouncing through the Exchange. From chiffon, to jersey, to print, Cake has something you're going to gravitate toward.

BUT. Don't let the image of my poverty stop you! Because not only does Cake offer an epic selection of dresses for all occasions, they are also hella affordable. I think this store is honestly your best bet if you want something chic, elegant, and not too insane on your pocket book, especially with the Way of the Bridesmaid being thus: bride chooses colour, bridesmaid chooses any style dress (which is the best thing to do IMHO, because not ALL styles are going to suit ALL shapes!) 

Also, for all you soon-to-be-prairie-brides-and-bridesmaids, not only have Cake's spring dresses come in, but they're having a 30-70% off sale for all summer stock! And summer's coming early, so definitely take advantage of that. ...Argh. I'll need to send my boyfriend there as my emissary then. That's such a good deal Or start walking from Toronto to Winnipeg I guess. Dammit! 

Want to know more about what your bridesmaid dress choices/colours are saying on your behalf? Check out what Rebecca McCormack has to say, from her article as featured in Winnipeg Wedding Magazine. Also be sure to follow Cake/Rebecca on Twitter and their blog for store news and updates, as well as to take a peek at the recently launched Cake Clothing video blog, Cake TV! Rebecca is also available for private consultation/fittings for you and your wedding party on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday evenings. Plus sizes and custom colours can be ordered. Wine and cheese is also available for your personal fitting! Contact Rebecca at rebecca@cakeclothing.com for info and booking.

♥Miss Bee

Cake Clothing
264 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0S8
Canada
204-415-0712

Hours of Operation
Monday - Wednesday 11:00-6:00
Thursday 11:00-7:00
Friday - Saturday 11:00-6:00
Sundays - By appointment only.

*All photos are images of products sold at Cake Clothing Co.