As many of you may know, selecting THE color (or colors) for bridesmaid’s dresses has been quite the journey. Initially, I didn’t really care much about their dresses. My main priority was (and still is) for them to be happy, beautiful, confident, and comfortable. While I still want all of these things, I’ve come to realize how much their dress color drives the event’s coloring. Everyone looks to their dresses for cues to THE wedding colors. SO much pressure!! 

I want the whole wedding to have a very warm, welcoming vibe to it. We’re getting married on the 5th day of Christmas (5 golden rings), so we’ve thought about incorporating that, esp. in a logo. Also, I prefer gold to silver anyway. It’s just a much warmer metal, so we’re thinking gold accents.  My favorite color is orange but I couldn’t imagine putting my best friends in orange dresses. I do still want them to like me after this is all over! To bring in the orange without being garish, I’ve decided to use copper wire. Our centerpieces will be copper wire trees. (They came to me in a dream (no joke!). But that’s a whole number blog!) 

With all these different ideas, we’ve been through several different fabrics, in several different colors. Satins, tissue taffetas, crepe back satin in gold, sable, taupe, navy, burnt orange, crimson, black and FINALLY – dark rust.

This past Saturday, after a rather disappointing trip to Jefre Bridals in Green Brook, NJ, Mom and I took a little trip to 4th Street in Philly (commonly known as “Fabric Row”). The fabric stores on this strip are typically small with bolts upon bolts of fabric stuffed, stacked, and wedged in every possible corner. Not a place for the claustrophobic! We went through bolt after bolt and paged through sample book after sample book, studying our options.

In the 2nd store, Jack B.’s, we found it. On the bottom shelf, tucked behind a bolt of chocolate brown was a full bolt of “Dark Rust” crepe back satin. Yes that’s right ladies and gents – “dark rust”. It is the perfect color. A little red, a little coppery, with just enough orange undertone to make me happy. I’ve scanned in and uploaded a picture of said fabric. But be warned this picture does NOT, in any way shape or form, do justice to this fabric. It looks rich, luxurious and has a great luster. It’s also easy to work with, totally machine washable and only $7/yard. I think it’ll really compliment everyone’s skin tone.

THE bridesmaids fabric

What do you think ladies? I really hope you like it.

I know this begs the statement – but it’s only fabric, not a dress. You are correct and I hope you’re as excited as I am. Because I have picked a fabric, each one of you will be able to select (or design) the bridesmaids dress of your dreams! Each one of you is as different as you are perfect, so I couldn’t imagine you all in the same style (unless of course, that’s what you want).

Now’s your chance to browse designers, patterns, magazines and pictures. We will be purchasing the fabric and letting everyone make (or have made) their own dress. Since they’ll all be in the same color, I’ll get my warm color. But because each one will be different, your personalities will really shine through. Also, this should save you some money. (YAY saving money!)