Mix and Match

June 20, 2011
Matching dresses are a thing of the past so let your friends mix it up! However, mixing it up a little should not stress you out. Here are a few ways to make sure your bridesmaids can be unique but still look fabulous standing side by side.1. Choose a color palette with swatches of fabric from a fabric store. These colors should all complement one another as well as your wedding theme. Then, let the girls decide what colors are the most flattering for their body type as well as skin and hair color. They can take the swatches with them and find dresses that show off their own personality.

Tip: Give the girls a few guidelines such as dress length, formality level, or a general silhouette, but let them do the rest.

 

(Courtesy of weddingbee.com )

2. For a bride who is a little more conservative, change the neckline and silhouette of the dresses while keeping the same color and texture. Also, use different jewelry in the same colors for each bridesmaid and let them pick their own shoes.

 

(Dresses can be found at David’s bridal)
Top Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lakeshorecreations4u
Bottom Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoreleisAtelie

3. For bold brides, choose a color palette and let the girls pick their own prints. This goes really well with a wedding that has a vintage or whimsical theme.

 

(Courtesy of Perfectweddingtouches.com)

Filed Under: bridesmaids, colors, wedding party

BHLDN by Anthropologie

April 25, 2011


If you have ever walked into an Anthropologie store and wished they offered its style in wedding gowns and accessories, your wish just came true! Anthropologie has its own wedding store, called BHLDN. This online collection will feature everything from heirloom quality wedding gowns to bridesmaid and party dresses, vintage-inspired jewelry, feathered headpieces and lingerie.


These dresses are to die for! And of course, there are the shoes! Everything is so sweet, stylish and beautiful.

Anthropologie doesn’t disappoint when it comes to accessories either! From jewelry to headpieces and clutches, they have you covered.


In May, BHLDN will be carrying invitations, decorations, glasses, plates and much more for your big day. You will see the same Anthropologie-essence in BHLDN, including soft colors, draping fabrics, and ruffles, florals and lace, oh my!

For more advice with all your wedding planning needs, remember to contact As you wish…!

Filed Under: bridesmaids, lingerie, shoes, style, wedding dresses

Brilliant Bridesmaids’ Gifts

March 15, 2011

Planning your wedding can feel like a whirlwind. It’s so easy to get caught up in the cake, the flowers, the band, the color of your mother-in-law’s dress, you name it! Don’t forget to put the same thought and creativity into buying gifts for those nearest and dearest to you to say thanks for participating in your big day! We have assembled a few of our favorite gifts that would work great for your bridesmaids, your mother, aunts, shower hostesses, you name it! If you need more advice, you can always contact us at As you wish…! The Satin Keepsake Clutch by J. Crew works double duty: you can stuff it with goodies and they can use it the night of the wedding!

We love OPI’s new Texas-inspired nail polishes! On the left, Big Hair Big Nails, on the right, Guy Meets Gal-veston!


A wrap or pashmina is always a good idea, especially useful for outdoor weddings on breezy spring and summer nights! Pictured: Refined Silk Cashmere Wrap by J. Crew.

It never hurts to throw in a pair of flip flops for the all-night dance party at the reception! We love these by Havianas.

Filed Under: bridesmaids, bridesmaids gifts

Hot Colors: Blue Curacao and Peapod

December 29, 2010

We continue our series on up-and-coming colors for 2011 with these dramatic peacock shades. We love the blue greens of Blue Curacaoand Peapod. Make a statement! Top dresses by Pronovias, bottom dresses by Lily Pulitzer.

Jewelry by Kate Spade

Filed Under: bridesmaids, colors

Going for the Gold…

October 8, 2010

{…or silver, or bronze!} With these styles, there’s no first, second, or third place, we think they’re all winners! This fall, consider adding a metallic gleam to your wedding fashion.

Martha Stewart recently featured these styles in her magazine, and we’re head over heels in love:

As you wish… has put together a few more of our favorites to inspire you. What do you think?

Copper and bronze: Jim Hjelm and Watters


Pewter or Silver: Priscilla of Boston and Romona Keveza

Kate Spade accessories

Filed Under: bridesmaids, colors, style, trends

Trend Alert: Hats off to Style

September 29, 2010


This season’s trend alert is the fabulous, boho chic, fedora! Part vintage, part modern, we love how these hats are a great complement to the wedding styles shown below. So if you’re looking for an accessory to top off the perfect wedding style, ditch the sprig of baby’s breath in your hair. Top it off with a fedora!

Melissa Sweet dresses, images from aisle dish via edyta

Your bridesmaids will love you forever if you have them wear one of these straw fedoras down the aisle! {Bonus style note: aren’t these dresses a fabulous color?} Dresses by Melissa Sweet.

We hope you enjoy this style as much as we do! If you want more style tips or need help planning your wedding day, contact us at As you wish… we’d love to help!

Filed Under: bridesmaids, groomsmen, style, trends, wedding dresses

Carol Hannah’s Creations

June 1, 2010

You may recognize the name Carol Hannah Whitfield from season 6 of Project Runway. Even if you haven’t heard of her, it’s time to get acquainted! She’s debuted a line of bridal gowns that are to die for – inspired by her childhood in Charleston, South Carolina and influenced by a luxurious bohemian vibe, her dresses are sophisticated and sweet.

Brides check this out: Carol Hannah has a line of bridesmaids’ dresses available in a variety of colors all made of jersey knit! Comfort is probably the best gift you can give your bridesmaids in a dress {besides an affordable price tag.} With these dresses, you can have both! Check out her fabulous creations at http://www.carol-hannah.com/

Filed Under: bridesmaids, wedding dresses

Clutch Hitter

April 14, 2010

We love these elegant handcrafted bags, made of detailed embroidery and dupioni silk, with floral, peacock and damask patterns. Be a trend-setter, and have each of your bridesmaids carry one of these down the aisle. Makes a fashion statement , and doubles as a fantastic gift! Still want flowers? Have the clutch open and brimming with beautiful arrangements. For more fashion or floral advice, consult us at As you wish…!
Filed Under: bridesmaids, bridesmaids gifts

Men of Honor and Best Women

July 9, 2009


We’ve all seen Made of Honor, right? The 2008 comedy starring Patrick Dempsey fictionalized a growing trend that I absolutely love. So many brides and grooms these days are choosing opposite-sex “honor attendants” for their weddings, and if that’s who their very best friend just happens to be, then more power to ‘em! The rules of weddings are changing, and this is a great example of a non-traditional twist that can make a wedding all the more individual and unique.

Men of Honor

Maybe you grew up as next door neighbors, riding trikes and pestering the ice cream man. Or maybe he copied your notes in sophomore chemistry, and you’ve been best friends ever since. In any case, he is your first and only choice to stand by your side while you say your “I do’s”. Here are a few pointers to help your Man of Honor do his duty:

* A Man of Honor (or Dude of Honor as I’ve sometimes heard) can definitely plan a wonderful shower for the bride-to-be. If he’s comfortable being the only guy in the room, a traditional event is always an option, or go for a couples’ shower so all the boys can join in the fun.

* However, you may or may not wish to ask him to head up the Bachelorette Party detail. This element depends on so many factors: Is he married? Does he know the other members of your bridal party? Is he comfortable with the situation? Are the rest of the girls? Consider this one carefully.

* As for the various other events and decisions the Maid of Honor traditionally helps with – fittings, rings, toasts and such – your main man can certainly do all that and more. He can also lend all the support and assistance you need on the big day.

* And when it comes to suiting up for the ceremony, a tux to match the rest of the guys and a tie in the color of your bridesmaids’ dresses is the perfect look for the Man of Honor. Add a boutonnière to match your bouquet and he’s good to go!

Best Women

For as long as they can remember, they’ve been two peas in a pod. Whether she’s a sister, a cousin or a dear close friend, the groom’s Woman of Honor holds a very special place in the wedding party. In some ways her role is the same as any man who holds the title, and in others it is quite different.

* One of the Best Man’s most notorious pre-wedding duties is planning a Bachelor Party for the groom. With a few notable exceptions, this job should almost always be passed to male member of the groom’s wedding party. This guys’ night tradition is just no fun for girls.

* On the other hand, a Best Lady can make a great toast, keep an eye on the rings and handle just about anything else the role might throw her way!

* And when it comes to outfitting this special gal, the options are many. How about a tux? No, really – it could look great! (See the look above from Ralph Lauren as a case-in-point.) Also, a special dress that compliments the bridesmaids’ dresses could also work well.

Finally, below you’ll find a few links to help you plan ahead for your special Man of Honor or Best Woman. Best of luck!

Shari

The Knot: “Men of Honor and Best Maids”
eHow.com: “How to Be a Female Best Man”


Brides.com Forums: Best Male Friend for Maid of Honor

Peggy Post Etiquette: Male Maids of Honor

Filed Under: bridesmaids, ceremony, groomsmen, trends