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Silky Bridesmaid Dress

Bridesmaid Dress Style Trends

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Bridesmaid Dress Style Trends

You’ve found your wedding dress, so the next step on the agenda is to choose your bridesmaid dresses! The color, fabric, style, & neckline options are so endless. It may be difficult to choose an option that is both now and timeless. Bridesmaids, rejoice, we’ve narrowed down the bridesmaid dress trends you’ll actually want to wear again for years!

Silky Fabrics

This trend is a favorite of ours! Silk-like bridesmaid dresses come in many styles from long to short, and from fitted to flowing. If you are willing to be flexible with dress silhouette, your bridesmaids will be happy to find a style they feel best in for their body type. In this fabric, the cowl neckline is trendy and flattering for all body types.

T-Length/Midi-Length

We’ve seen a resurgence of the t-length dress! One thing to keep in mind is this trend looks best if all your bridesmaids feel comfortable wearing high heels. Wearing a t-length/midi-length dress with flats is not a very flattering line on anyone. This is an excellent option if you’re having a summer or warm destination wedding, but you do not want cocktail-length bridesmaid dresses. Bridesmaids also may feel more comfortable wearing a midi or long-length dress as opposed to a short cocktail dress. Brides, you can bring your vision to fruition while also being considerate of your bridal party’s self-esteem and any body image insecurities.

Strappy Backs

This is another great trend for warm-weather weddings! There are so many different options to choose from. Your bridesmaids will be happy to choose a back and neckline to accommodate their bra necessities or lack thereof. If you are wearing a strappy wedding dress, strappy bridesmaid dresses will be a fun complement to your dress.

Puff Sleeves

This one is definitely only for the fashion-forward who can appreciate this nod to the 1980s and 1990s. If you’re up for it, go ahead and be bold, choose the puff sleeve! They come in all options from long to short, tulle to crepe, and slit to solid. Brides, if you are pro or anti the puff sleeve, it’s best to talk with your bridesmaids to see how they feel about this trend. It can be gorgeous, but not all bridesmaids will feel good wearing a puff sleeve.

Variations of the High/Boat Neckline

Speaking of classics from the 1980s and 1990s, the high/boat neckline has more options than ever before! If you like to have more of an open neckline, you can choose a racerback halter. If you prefer more coverage in your necklines, a wider boat neckline will look and feel amazing. This is one option every body type will find a style they feel comfortable in.

The Square Neckline

We are so glad this trend is hanging around! This neckline is flattering on just about everyone! It gives you the clean lines of a boat neckline with the openness of a v-neckline. The clean lines are flattering and the square brings the eye up to your bridesmaids’ beautiful faces. If you’re looking to be more unique than the classic v-neckline, but still have a more open neckline, this is a perfect choice.

Have you chosen your bridesmaid dresses yet? Did you recently get your wedding photos back and would like to share how you chose your bridesmaid dresses? We’d love to hear! Email credited photos and vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com to potentially be featured on our blog.

black dress to a wedding

How to Wear Black to a Wedding

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How to Wear Black to a Wedding

The old adage, don’t wear black to a wedding, is out and black wedding attire is in! There are, however, some things to keep in mind to wear black to a wedding in good taste. We will help you be on trend, and sort through the etiquette of how to wear black to a wedding.

Black Dress to the wedding

When The Bridesmaids Wear Black

When the bridesmaids wear black, it’s best you wear black 0nly if you are a bridesmaid. Brides put careful consideration into who is in their bridal party, therefore it’s important to avoid any misunderstandings that you may be upset you are not a bridesmaid. If you look great in dark colors but the bridesmaids are wearing black, play it safe and wear navy or charcoal. You’ll look great and avoid any awkward moments.

The Wedding Is Black Tie

A long, black dress is perfect for a black tie wedding. If you are going to a black tie wedding, first verify the bridesmaids are not wearing black. Then, if they’re not, go for it! You will love how slender, classic, and on-trend you feel and the newlyweds will appreciate you sticking to the dress code. It’s a win-win!

You Have A Great Relationship With The Newlyweds

If you have bad blood with the newlyweds, listen to me: Do not wear black to their wedding! Their wedding day should be filled with joy, laughter, and calm, regardless of any rocky relationships they had in the past with their wedding guests. The last thing you want is for them to feel you wore black to dig at them on their wedding day. Consequently, whether you are the mother-in-law, cousin, or friend from high school who had a fight about who was invited to homecoming; avoid wearing black if you’ve had any conflict with the newlyweds. You’ll thank me when everyone has a great time and a healthy, long-term relationship with the newlyweds.

You Are The Mother Of The Bride/Groom

As a host of the wedding, it’s important you look and feel your best. That being said, it’s important to choose your attire with etiquette in mind. As said above, if you have any bad blood with the newlyweds-to-be, do not wear black. Even if you have a great relationship with the engaged couple, it’s still important to double-check with your child and their soon-to-be spouse to ensure there are no hurt feelings. Once you’ve checked with them, choose the beautiful black dress you’ve dreamed of! Remember, as the host of the wedding you should be more formal than a wedding guest. So don’t be afraid of beading, bows, and dramatic sleeves.



Are you planning on wearing black to a wedding? What aspects of this new trend do you love? We’d love to hear! Comment below! For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

all bridak

2022 Oscars Style Bridal Inspiration

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While everyone else was distracted by the slap heard round the world, we at Chicago Wedding Blog saw some gorgeous 2022 Oscars style bridal inspiration. If you are a bride planning your upcoming wedding, there are many Oscars style elements you can incorporate into your bridal gown. From gorgeous beading, to minimalist fabric details, 2022 Oscar style has your name all over it! Here is some inspiration to keep your eye out for as you shop for your 2022/2023 bridal gown!

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Bride and bridesmaids look feel best

Brides and Bridesmaids: What to Wear to Look and Feel Your Best

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There are more styles for brides & bridesmaids to wear on wedding days than ever before. However, this does pose some logistical challenges. Brides and bridesmaids have to coordinate necklines and skirts with figure, undergarments, dress lengths, and shoes. It is important to keep a few details in mind as you plan your bridal party’s wedding attire. Here is what you need to know, brides and bridesmaids, about what to wear to look and feel your best.

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Crepe Puff Sleeve Wedding Dress Trend

2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends

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2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends

It’s a new year, which means it’s just about nearing the end of engagement season! This means, wedding planning season will be in full swing soon! As you get shopping for your wedding dress, it’s important you know what the 2022/2023 wedding dress trends are. Here are the 2022/2023 Wedding Dress Trends you are sure to see and love.

Bell Sleeves

This is a dainty and unique addition to how popular wedding dress sleeves have been in the last few years. Bell sleeves come in many styles from at the wrist to higher up on the arm. This is a great way to highlight if you have beautiful wrists or as an artful camouflage if you don’t want to show your arms.

Shoulder Puffs

This trend from the 1980’s that continued into the 1990’s is back with a bang. This sleeve style is great if you are trying to balance a pear figure. The sleeves add dimension to the top of the body also bringing the eye up to your face. They are still puffed, but unlike the over the top shoulder puffs of the past, this years’ are balanced with simpler details elsewhere on the dresses.

Square Neckline

Perfect for the modern & simple bride, square necklines add a contemporary feel to any wedding dress. If you are planning a clean and modern wedding this will go perfectly with your theme. This is definitely a neckline you have to try on to know if you feel good in it. It is a unique neckline option that pairs well with any fabric details or skirt size.

Ruffles

Ruffles are definitely a love or hate detail for many brides. However, there are as many styles of ruffles as there are brides. If you are having a fun and over the top wedding, numerous tight, small ruffles might be perfect for your wedding dress. Contrastly, if you are having a simpler wedding, or are smaller in stature, consider having gentler ruffles or tiers instead.

Cape-like Sleeves Instead Of Veils

If you do not want a wedding veil in your hair, having a cape or long draping sleeves is a great option! They also photography beautifully framing your gown and wedding day smile. If a cape is your option know that they are in addition to your gown. If you like the look of the cape, but don’t want to purchase one on top of your wedding dress, the sleeved option is perfect for you.

Have you started shopping and have seen these trends? Which have been your favorite? We hope a sneak peek of the trends will make your wedding dress shopping easier. Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and advice, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Wedding Dress

How To Know Your Wedding Dress Is ‘The One’

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How To Know Your Wedding Dress Is ‘The One’

Whether it is friends’ stories or TV shows, everyone has their own theory on how to know if your wedding dress is ‘the one.’ From the internet to boutiques there are more wedding dress retailers than ever. Choosing a dress can be difficult because brides can see so many beautiful wedding dresses. While every person is different, there are common signs to look for. We can help you figure out if your wedding dress is ‘the one’ with these tips.

Trust your gut!

The old adage is definitely true as you shop for your wedding dress; trust your gut. Rarely do you regret trusting your intuition, so don’t start while searching for your wedding dress. If you are between a few dresses and your heart pulls you toward one, trust it. Shopping for a wedding dress is a new experience. Even if you can’t put your finger on why you are pulled toward one dress versus another, trust your gut.

You cry as you put it on.

This is one that happens only half of the time. Some people get a flood of emotion when they put on their dream dress. The tears come and everyone joins in with them as they realize their loved one found her wedding dress. In contrast, other times, brides aren’t criers, so this doesn’t happen at all. That being said, if you do cry it could be a telltale sign that this is your dress.

You have zero doubts.

When your dress is right you have no regrets or doubts. When you put on this dress you should feel the most you. This means you feel confident and can see yourself getting married in this dress. The excitement you feel about your dress should only stay the same or grow. This is why some brides choose to sleep on it, as it is such a big decision. The dress you go home dreaming about, or cannot stop looking at pictures of, is your dress.

It’s the opposite of what you thought you’d want, but it feels so right.

So often brides are surprised to find they love a dress so different from their Pinterest board. That isn’t just okay, it’s very common. How you know the dress is your dress is you look and feel confident and beautiful in it. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your shopping companions ahead of time so they are supportive of whichever dress you choose, even if it is unexpected. That way you can avoid any uncomfortable moments that may overshadow your saying, “yes,” to the dress.

Have you gone wedding dress shopping? If you are ready to get started check out more wedding dress shopping tips and inspiration in the Chicago Wedding Blog posts. We hope you found these tips helpful as you get started! Happy Planning!

Alterations Seamstress

Wedding Dress Alterations

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Wedding Dress Alterations

When planning your wedding there are many ways to adjust your budget to save money; your wedding dress alterations should not be one of those ways. Your wedding dress is the most special dress you will ever wear. Here are some important details you need to know when planning your wedding dress alterations so you look and feel your best.

Work with a seamstress who specializes in wedding dresses.

Your friend’s aunt who can hem a pair of pants should not work on your wedding dress. There are professional seamstresses who work with wedding dresses every day. The best seamstresses to work with are those who also could design a wedding dress from scratch. In that case, you know they can make any big adjustments you may want, such as adding sleeves or beadwork.

Do not be surprised by the cost, it is an important investment in your wedding day.

Expect to pay no less than $500 -$600 for simple wedding dress alterations. This usually will cover the basics such as a hem & a bustle, which are important adjustment for your wedding day comfort. Your hem and bustle are another reason it is important a wedding dress seamstress does your wedding dress alterations. You do not want your bustle to be held up by one hook then to rip on your wedding day. Buttons and bows are always more sturdy and an expert wedding dress seamstress will incorporate them into your dress. Furthermore, not every bustle works with every dress and there are many different styles of bustles; an expert can advise you on the best options for your dress, both aesthetically and for ease on your wedding day.

There are specific alterations you should consider.

As you try on wedding dresses it’s important to think about how you will work a bra into your wedding dress. If you are someone who has a larger bust size it’s important to determine whether you will wear a bra or whether a seamstress can add in bra cups into your dress. Similar to bra cups, adding boning into the bodice will help support the bust line, keep any dress smooth, and keep a strapless dress snug. While these alterations will add to the cost of your total alterations budget, they are well worth it for your comfort as well as when you love how you look in your wedding photos.

Scheduling your alterations appointments are as important as scheduling your wedding weekend events.

While wedding dress seamstresses are practically magicians with their skill, it is important to not rush their work. Typically three wedding dress fitting appointments are needed to finalize your wedding dress and have it ready to go for your wedding day. It is recommended you begin your wedding dress alterations eight to ten weeks before your wedding. That being said, during busy wedding seasons seamstresses can book up quickly. Therefore, schedule your first wedding dress fitting a few weeks before your eight to ten week window.

We hope these tips help you plan for your wedding dress alterations! Don’t forget to check out some of our favorite vendors both on our website and our Instagram highlights. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Short Wedding Hairstyle

Wedding Hairstyles For Your Hair Type

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Wedding Hairstyles For Your Hair Type

Once you’ve chosen your wedding attire, the next step is to choose your wedding hairstyle. The endless bridal hair inspiration photos on the internet can make choosing your wedding hairstyle difficult. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind your specific hair type as you choose your wedding hairstyle. To help you decide, we put together some great advice on which are the best wedding hairstyles for your hair type.

Half-Up/Half-Down Hairstyle

A more modern option for wedding hairstyles, the half-up/half-down hairstyle, can be done in many ways. It is important to think about whether or not your hair holds curls if you want to have a curled half-up/half-down hairstyle. Even with heavy-duty hairspray some women’s hair simply will not hold a curl. Your wedding day is not a good day to try to defy the odds, so maybe choose a sleek updo instead. You want to be sure your wedding hairstyle will hold all day long. Do you have long hair or thick hair that holds a curl well? A half-up/half-down hairstyle is a great option for you.

Half-Up/Half Down Hairstyle

Hair: Hair By Hannah Taylor
Flowers: Deer Pearl Flowers

Sleek Updo

Speaking of hair not holding curls well, a sleek updo is a great option if that sounds like your hair type. A sleek updo is also a great timeless option, perfect for a formal or semi-formal wedding. There are many different options from a French twist, to a top knot, to a low bun. For thinner hair it’s important to talk with a hairstylist to ensure you can make this style work. Hair extensions are an easy option for your wedding day if you’ve fallen in love with an updo but do not have enough hair.

Ponytail Hairstyle

This hairstyle has become more popular recently. It is a great option for multiple hair types as there are so many ways to do a ponytail. For thin hair that doesn’t hold a curl, you can do a mid or low ponytail with some extra volume from teasing on top. A mid or high ponytail is a great way to keep your hair out of your face, but also to show off long, thick hair. A ponytail is also a great option if you have curly hair, or like to keep your hair au naturel. Ponytails are no longer just for playing sports! However, they are a great way to have modern, sleek formality with a stress-free hairstyle.

Short and Sleek Bridal Hair

There is something so beautiful about simply highlighting a bride’s beautiful face with a short haircut. If you aren’t a fan of growing your hair long, never fear! The options are endless from a cute bob, to a pixie cut, to a sleek, shaved look. A short and sleek hairstyle is definitely one of the most stress-free and low-maintenance of options. These hairstyles will definitely pull the eye to your face. Similarly, a large statement earring can achieve the same to compliment your hair’s face framing beauty.



We hope these tips will help you easily choose your wedding hairstyle! There are certainly many options. However, if you remember to keep your hair type in mind; your choice will be much easier. For more wedding planning inspiration and advice check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy Planning!

2021/2022 Wedding Dress Trends

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Thank goodness 2020 is coming to an end! Looking ahead, 2021/2022 weddings have some amazing wedding dress trends. This coming year simple, sleek is the name of the game. That being said, you’ll see there are many ways to accomplish that look to fit any bride’s style. Here are the 2021/2022 wedding dress trends you will love as you begin your wedding dress shopping.

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White wedding

Return To A Classic Wedding

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Return To A Classic Wedding

For 2019 we are going to see a return to classic wedding! We’ve seen so many rustic and bohemian themed weddings that it’s a breath of fresh air to return to classic elegance. What should you keep in mind for a classic wedding? We can help.

First, the color white.

Weddings are usually symbolic of the white (in various shades), but a classic wedding keeps white flowers. If you want a pop of color stick to greenery. The classic wedding is clean and elegant. Choose clean and classic  flower arrangements, and avoid a floral crown. It’s best left to the flower girls.
A simple décor with white flowers is classic. Too much decoration is distracting for your guests. This will create stunning photos with clear crystal chandeliers or sleek draping.

Second, you’ll want to wear a more traditional dress with a long veil.

A classic style also utilizes long sleeves on the wedding dress. There are several styles right now that are stunning, even a little Victorian. Keep the accessories minimal. You want be the center of attention and not your baubles. Your groom and the groomsmen should also keep things simple with dark suits or tuxes. The boutonniere’s should be simple florals as well.

Third, the wedding cake will complete your classic wedding.

A multi-tier white cake with tasteful décor and topper are perfect for the return to classic. The flavors inside can be where you get adventurous and bold!

The classic wedding also pays homage to tradition. You can re-create an old wedding photo of your parents’ day. Think clean lines, elegant refinement and a neutral color palette for your classic wedding!



Are you going to have a classic wedding? Did you apply this classic wedding style to your wedding? E-Mail us your photos with credited vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com