In search of bridesmaid dresses... again

I am having the hardest time trying to decide on what to ask my lovely bridesmaids to wear. I have probably searched every dress website there is. First, I hate the idea of matchy-matchy dresses, and I also think that weddings are a good occasion to purchase a dress you like (and more importantly - will wear again). I think I am down to a couple options.

Option 1. I start searching for dresses in eggplant colors that I think will look good together then email my bridesmaids every couple weeks with dress options. Then they buy the dress they like the best (they can look for dresses too of course). This is a little more work for me but who doesn't like to shop on the internet?

Option 2. I emailed J. Crew's "Ashley" about their fall colors to see if there was an eggplant color in the fall line-up. J. Crew got back to me super quick and was very helpful. Here's what they had to say:

"We do have a preliminary list of colors that are scheduled to be offered in the fall, but the only color I see that is close to eggplant is called Plum in the cotton cady fabric. We may also offer Vintage Burgundy in the silk tricotine fabric, but at this time, the Fall colors have not been finalized and are subject to change. The styles and colors we will offer should debut around the end of July. I can certainly follow-up with you as more information becomes available."

Do I hold out until the end of July to see what they have? Part of me feels like I won't be able to wait that long without worrying a little. What if I hate the plum color?? My bridesmaids would only have 2 months to purchase dresses if we decided against the J. Crew. At that point we would have to commit to some hard core off the rack shopping.

Option 3. I'm really beginning to like the bridesmaid dresses from twobirds (pictured below)
Not only are these dresses super cute, they look super comfortable and each lady can wear it in her own style. I love the individuality of these dresses and they travel well. I would have to pay a little extra to get them in an eggplant color but I wouldn't mind. Here's a review of a similar dress called Butter by Nadia and pictures of a wider range of female figures. And, they carry them at Bella Bridesmaid which has a location in Chicago. So I guess I could always go see them in person.

Now only if I could decide...

Dreaming of shoes... Stuart Weitzman to be exact. I found the pictures on the website but these beauties are nowhere to be found! I can't even find their name :(



In keeping with the gold and eggplant them what about these (I know, a little crazy but totally cute)? Say hello to Bouffant. I should have made my shoe budget larger!

Purple (eggplant)?




Or Gold?

So, my "i'm really getting married" reality check came last week when I bought my dress.

On Thursday I went to pick up my dress. Since I bought it at a sample and consignment store - white Chicago - I had to take it home with me. Then in June I can call them and set up my fitting. So this is my official reminder to myself to call them in June. I also have to have purchased my shoes by then too. Not that I should worry about shoes anytime soon, but I have to ask, how does one shop for bridal shoes? It's not like you can take the dress into the store with you and I hate online shoe shopping. I guess this will be an early spring task. Also, I have to say that finding a place to hang the dress was next to impossible. My dress doesn't have a long train but it is still in a giant garment bag. I finally found the perfect spot in the coat closet but it took awhile to make room!

Henry's reality check came today when we didn't have anything to do so I suggested that we go to Crate and Barrel to look around and register for gifts. He was fine until we had the scanner in hand... then he was definitely freaking out. After we got over it I realized that although it is fun to register for gifts it might be easier to do it online - especially if you know what you want. Speaking of registries, I am trying to limit myself to three places. So far it's Crate and Barrel, Bed Bath and Beyond, and I think either Bloomingdale's or Macy's. I started a Target registry and then came to the decision that BB&B has a better selection of sheets, plus they also carry Dyson vacuum cleaners which is why I originally went to Target.

My take-away for the day is that even if your man likes to shop he may not really care what goes on your wedding registry (unless it's a flat screen tv).

I just bought this Melissa Sweet dress! Actually buying a dress is making all this wedding stuff more real. When I called the store to confirm my interest I didn't know how to tell them that I wanted it. So I explained who I was and that I had a dress on hold then I just blurted out - "I'll take it!" It was very surreal, but I'm super excited about the dress.

I'm nearly done with wedding stuff. I just need a dj, florist (or at least figure out what I'm doing for my flowers), and then figure out bridesmaid stuff, oh yeah and invitations too. Okay so I'm more like half way done but I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit! Hooray!

Trying on dresses is exhausting - here's one I liked the best from Saturday's extravaganza.

hmm... what can i say for myself these days? My fiancee has joined me in Chicago so things are well. I've been working on a wedding website! My goal for September is to book blocks of hotel rooms for guests and find a wedding photographer. I also think I found a place that will make me a silkscreen so I can start making save the date cards.

Oh yeah - Save the Date - September 27th, 2007!

Hooray.

ugh. First on the list of things to do is decide on a place. I'm kinda focused on the MCA right now.

I ruled out the Garfield Conservatory this past weekend - based on the lack of good dancing space. However if you're in Chicago I would highly recommend seeing the "Niki in the Garden" exhibit - it was amazing. Although it is beautiful place it's not quite right for me. I decided it's important (for me at least) to have my wedding at a place that is not run by the parks district (for today at least).

I also found the Chicago Illuminating Company which looks to be an amazing space!

Anyone have Chicago-area wedding planner suggestions?