Bridal Expo

All women love pretty shoes. Maybe not sky-high heels, maybe not stilettos, maybe not even a dress shoe. I can name 5  women that are crazy for Uggs and others that can’t wait for summer to wear sandals. The fact is that finding a shoe that all of your bridesmaids will like or even be able to wear is difficult. Never fear, there are many solutions but first there are some points to consider:

Are the shoes going to be seen? If the dress is long, no one will notice different shoes. If the dress is short, you will have to ‘step’ in and make sure that everyone wears the same color or style… or that they are somehow co-ordinated to suit your wishes and the style of your wedding. This is your call. With a short dress, you have the opportunity to use the shoes as a statement piece, something to spice up a LBD (little black dress) or give a pop of color!. Of course if the color selection gets to be too much, you could always go with gold or silver.

Where is the wedding?  Outdoor and indoor weddings have different shoe requirements. Also if the ceremony is outdoor and the reception is indoor, make sure the shoe can transition comfortably. For an outdoor setting a wedge heel will guarantee your shoes don’t poke holes in the turf, if your wedding is on the beach, you can opt for no shoe at all  and if your wedding is a  lavish affair in a luxurious location – the shoes should be formal, no matter the heel height.

What time of year is it? For a winter event, I would stay away from summery sandals and cork wedges. Pumps with either open or closed toe work nicely, so do mary janes, or ankle straps. For something completely unique – how about boots? (Cowboy boots do seem to be the trend with this choice)

For me personally, I would pick the shoe first and find a dress, location and time of year that matches.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

For decades, the topic of  bridesmaid gowns has been centered around the debate over whether or not you can wear it again. This has always baffled me on  many levels, mostly because usually you wouldn’t want to and also why should you have to? 

Lets face it – no matter how fashionable or affordable it may be, you might not ever wear the dress again. The gown may not be suited to your own personal style, it may not be comfortable, it may not be a color you prefer.  This is not a reflection of the gown itself but, just a matter of choice. Big deal. That’s right – big deal. If you wear a gown for your friend’s wedding that you are not madly in love with or simply don’t have enough closet space to keep, there are dozens of things you can do after the wedding to make good use of it.

If you are crafty – Take it apart, add some elements and make a new dress. Molly Ringwald did this in Sixteen Candles and you can do it, too. Hang it in the closet, imagine all of the great things you can do with it and wait for the right moment.

Donate it – There are dozens of charities that provide gowns for less fortunate ladies for weddings and even prom.

Sell it – ebay, craigslist and other sites are a hotbed of fabulous dresses that were worn only once and probably under-appreciated. You will get considerably  less money than the original price but, it won’t go to waste if someone else uses it.

Wear it – If you truly don’t like the dress, you can still wear it… for Halloween! Zombie bridesmaid comes to mind but, I am sure there are others.

Whether or not you choose to wear the dress, change the dress, donate the dress or let it sit in the closet for thirty years, the choice is yours. For those of us who always see the glass as half full, there is always a better option than complaining.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago