Comments on: Ask Abby

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:30:45 +0000

Meg,
I have seen something similar to what you are describing in pictures. I really think the type of fabric plays more in to the look than just the color. I like the palette you describe and you may consider throwing in a splash of color or some added texture. (think gold strappy sandles, flowers or greens in the hair)
Beautiful!

By: meg

meg — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:01:08 +0000

I was going to have my two bridesmaids wear black dresses too for my august wedding. They are going to wear black, my dress is ivory, my fiance will wear dark charcoal, and the groomsmen will wear beige (chino/linen suits). I would love to hear thoughts on this look? The look at the alter will be black, off white, black, off white. Do you think this works?

I agree that other colors in the wedding palette should be bright and cheerful!

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:36:03 +0000

Thanks for all of the great thoughts and feedback!

By: Chic and Charming

Chic and Charming — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:10:41 +0000

My bridesmaid’s all wore black dresses, which hit between knee length and mid calf. I went with black and white with splashes of hot pink for the colors in my March wedding. I gave pink pashminas to all of the girls and the guys wore black bow ties with white polka dots with their own black suits. The look was classic, if I had to do it all again I would use the same colors.

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:58:51 +0000

I was the maid of honor in my friend’s spring wedding, and she let us all pick short black dresses. I adored her for this, b/c I was pregnant and wasn’t looking great in normal bridesmaid dresses. I think it looked great, too. Her accent colors were light blue and green, and our bouquets were lovely and fresh looking. She also gave us all blue and green ribbons to incorporate into our look. Some girls used them as a sash, some wove them through their hair, and I braided mine around my wrist.

By: Cyd

Cyd — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:16:43 +0000

I love the links Anna posted. I think what makes that work in terms of keeping it fresh and spring-like is the infusion of various black/white patterns and the presence of lots of lush flowers and greenery everywhere. Beautiful!

By: annajoy

annajoy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:14:57 +0000

I like this idea, and I would also suggest accent colors like matching earrings/necklaces/or bracelets. Also the bouquets will tie it all together. Another idea would be to get a sash or ribbon to tie around the waist of each dress (with a bow in back or front or on the side) in an accent color to tie it all in. Just a few ideas from a wedding photographer!! Good luck!

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:10:44 +0000

Perhaps, have them pick short or tea-length dresses. That will “lighten” things up a bit.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:06:08 +0000

The bride can buy pastel sashes for all the bridesmaids (after stipulating that the black dresses will be worn with sashes so that the styles will work). The pastels can make it spring-y, and the attendants are saved the expense.

Also, black dresses in lighter fabrics, like a voile, will be more spring-like than those in heavier fabrics.

By: Krista

Krista — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:52:18 +0000

Black for a spring wedding? It feels a little depressing to me but I think it will work if you pull in lots of color elsewhere (flowers, shoes, jewelry, a ribbon around the waist, etc.). good luck!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:43:31 +0000

How thoughtful of you! My initial reaction since its a spring wedding and black can be so heavy, pair it with a bright spring color. To me this just begs for yellow, or green, or yellow and green! Just make sure everything else stays bright so it doesn’t feel too dark.

By: Lillindy

Lillindy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:33:13 +0000

I think black is always classic. But, since you mentioned outdoors maybe instead of black, maybe the dresses can be brown?? I think that way it would look a little harsh for outdoors and still you can punch it up with bright shoes, sashes, flowers, etc.

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:24:22 +0000

I agree that the GM should definitely wear black suits or tuxes, and that the BM dresses should be kept short or tea-length (and preferably in a light fabric like chiffon) - and that said, my first instinct would be to pair the black with bright yellow and white (check out the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica or Palm Springs for inspiration). However, I think this real wedding is proof that black also works with a softer, more traditional spring palette as well (don't miss the bouts and tablecloths!): http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/post-6.html http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/amanda-dan-part.html

By: Meg

Meg — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:09:56 +0000

I love the idea of black dresses that bridesmaids get to pick them selves. Remember that they will most likely be carrying flowers and that will add a lot color that will tie the look together.

By: Moni

Moni — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:59:40 +0000

I think that black is always classic and does not have to look drab or dull. Pair it will some bright and lovely spring shades (especially whites, crisp and natural greens, yellow, pink) the possibilities are limitless for your flowers. If for the same reason, they do black shoes, you could also do bright sashes or fun jewelry or hair pieces.