Most people think of the white wedding gown as being one of the oldest traditions in the book.  When I was looking for my wedding gown, the thought never entered my mind to step outside of the white/off-white color realm.

However, trends have emerged pointing to a more nontraditional approach to the wedding gown.  A day doesn’t go by that I don’t stumble across some sort of colored wedding dress while thumbing through a bridal magazine.  Just recently, Diva Dialogue blogger Lea shared a photo of a gray dress with me:

Contrary to what you may think, colored wedding dresses are nothing new.  As a matter of fact, white dresses didn’t become popular amongst all class levels until the late 18th century.  In the case of the gray dress, this was traditionally worn by the lower class in the 18th century.

Step back in time even further and you’ll find that traditional wedding dresses in Medieval times were rarely white when planning an extravagant wedding.  Instead, they focused on jewel tones such as ruby, sapphire and emerald, and were often worn by princesses and the upper class.  Today, these choices still exist, such as this red Fiorenza dress from Maggie Sottero:

…And another example straight off the runway in emerald green…

So you tell us!  What do you think?  Do you like the colored wedding dress trend, or do you prefer to stick to the traditional varying shades of white?

As a child, I was surrounded by beautiful artwork and creative people.  My parents love the art deco period, and collect paintings, drawings and furniture from that time in history.  My mother and aunt were also fashion designers with their own local company, allowing me to wallow in the beautiful fabrics and designs that were a part of my every day life.

Although my dream of becoming a fashion designer died with my lack of drawing skills, I still admire the work of designers, both on the runway and on paper.  I think fashion sketches can be so beautiful and take a certain talent to produce.

Enter Brooke Hagel, an amazing artist that uses photos taken of you on your wedding day to produce beautiful paintings that remind me of the fashion sketches that I so adore. I will definitely be investing in one of the pieces as a way to preserve my wedding dress in a unique and special way.  Finding an old picture of my mother or grandmother and doing the same could be even more amazing.  Visit Brooke’s Etsy store to secure your own piece of art, which could also make a fabulous holiday gift for someone special!

From top to bottom, left to right: Seaside inspired candy bar from the Knot, Stylish Stripe Wedding Invitations in Aqua, Banana Republic embossed envelope clutch, Mini cake favors from Brides, Going Nautical Drink also from Brides, Dessert Buffet Chocolate and Cream from Martha Stewart, J. Crew Silk Chiffon Juliet Dress, Amsale White Gown with French Blue Taffeta Sash, Blue bouquet ribbon from Martha Stewart

A long train on your wedding dress can really make a dramatic affect when you walk down the aisle.  However, the train can also get in the way at your reception as you run the risk of guests stepping all over your gown.  To fix this issue, brides often choose to “bustle” their dress to beautifully take that train out of the way.

If you are looking for some beautiful bustle ideas, below are some images that we found at Brides.com:

From left to right: Avine Pucchi by St. Pucchi; Winnie Couture Bridal; James Clifford Collection:

Jim Hjelm Bridal; Winnie Couture Bridal ; Winnie Couture Bridal

I admit that the last few weeks there’s only been one thing on my mind…my honeymoon! I’ve searched the web for some great ways to get all of you recently wed brides geared for a romantic vacation.

1) If you’re heading for somewhere cold, this gorgeous Fair Isle Sweater dress will keep you warm and in style. The flirty little rosette dress is perfect for a night out with your new husband. The cure for the end of the summer blues? Warm sand, ocean breezes in a tropical dream. This halter maxi dress will help you get there. All from Victoria’s Secret.

2) These chic weekender bags are a stylish and useful accessory, carrying everything you need for short and long vacations. From left, Billabong Road trip bag, $74 from Swell, Victoria’s Secret Pink travel duffel $59.50, and Fossil Weekender Duffle $138.

3) Bring your wedding thank you cards with you and be inspired by the beautiful scenery to send out your words of appreciation!

I didn’t plan what I was going to wear for the rehearsal dinner prior to my wedding day, and I was TOO tired to think about it when our day got close. In the end, I disliked what I was wearing. I was cold and uncomfortable not the way I was hoping it would be the night before my wedding day. So here’s another tip for all of you brides out there: Make sure to pack everything a month or so before your wedding day. And check out these designer styles for a bit of inspiration.

For the rehearsal dinner from left: J Crew Metallic Rose Laura Shift dress, Ann Taylor Cobblestone Print Dress, Banana Republic Silk Cap-Sleeve Lady dress, and Victoria’s Secret Sleeveless Silk Charmeuse dress. Monogram Flourish Rehearsal Dinner Invitations in Dark Gray.

Shades of violet, lilac and lavender make their royal comeback this season! In everything from designer dresses to fashionable decor, this hue adds a hint of drama to everything it touches. Take a look at my idea of a truly royal wedding inspired by the color purple.

Photos from top to bottom: Signature cocktails from Brides.com, Pronuptia ‘Flash’ purple bridal gown from Bridalwave, Chrysanthemum earrings from Etsy, Chinese Laundry Satin Bow Tie Clutch from ThisNext, Wild Bundle bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Graphic flower cake from TheKnot, and Ornamental Scroll wedding invitation in deep purple from Wedding Paper Divas.

If I had to do it all over again, I might have chosen a beach wedding. There’s something so sweet about the smell of sea breezes and the cool tones that accompany a beach scene. Imagine your hair down, a flowing white dress, casual attire and the beauty of white sands and gorgeous blues and sea greens. Here’s my idea of an idyllic beach wedding.

Photos of casual wedding gowns from Brides.com. Jewelry and bridesmaid dress from Ann Taylor. Sweetheart table beneath a huppah from Alexis and Eric’s wedding in Coronado, California from The Knot. Starfish cake from La Patisserie: A French Bakery by the Sea in Cape May, New Jersey. Seaside Elegance wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas.

Bring hot pink and add a twist of orange, and you’ve got a marriage made in heaven. This color combo creates a bold, vivid and cheerful look. Here’s some glamorous ideas for how to add this color theme to your wedding.

The fuchsia and orange wedding is from Kimber and Johnny’s wedding in San Diego, courtesy of The Knot. Photo of fuchsia patent pumps and Jessica Simpson clutch from ThisNext. Dress by Shoshanna from edressme. Floral Flurry invitation in Orange by Wedding Paper Divas.