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Here are some new ways of using this old classic.

invitations from Brides.com

decor ideas from the knot

table settings from Brides.com

Bride & Groom style from Brides.com

cakes from the knot

bridesmaids photos from the knot

Programs and favors from the knot

If you love animal print, or plan on a Safari-styled wedding, dress your bridesmaids in this flowing Safari print gown, featuring a plunging neckline and draped empire skirts. Or, you may prefer this sassy mermaid gown in leopard printed charmeuse with jeweled beading trimming, sweetheart neckline, and corset tie back:

More colorful animal-print options include the sequined cheetah-pattnred gown with sweetheart or strapless bodice, and this flowing turquoise chiffon dress with plunging V-neckline. Rawr!

Beach wedding? Tropical theme? This pretty printed chiffon dress in sunny colors is sure to make a splash!

Going green? Garden party? Your bridesmaids will look fresh as a daisy in this elegant halter dress!

If you’re a more classic type of girl, there are bridesmaids dresses you’ll love, too! Simple, elegant, and graceful, the Ava collection features tailored gowns that are perfect for your formal affair.

There is also a Mori Lee bridal collection, but my favorites are not specifically marketed as wedding dresses. For example, the dresses below are categorized as Quinceanera/Vizcaya dresses, but I think they’d make breathtaking wedding gowns for the bride who won’t wear white. I love this strapless gold dress with waterfall ballgown skirts, and this pink corset dress. Both come with matching bolero jackets.

Beatch In

I still get messages from The Knot, despite the fact that my wedding is over and they are trying to nudge me into The Nest.

Here’s today’s depressing insight into the Wedding Industrial Complex:

“Congratulations! Now that you’ve tied the knot, we want to hear all about it. Your style, your colors, the size of your bridal party — fill us in! Take a few moments and share the details of your special day with us!”

Don’t get me wrong. The Knot is a useful resource in several different ways, but this preoccupation with the style and colors of a wedding detracts from what a wedding is really about. I wish they had asked: Now that you’ve tied the knot, we want to hear all about it. How you fostered community and connection, how you chose to express your commitment, and how much fun you had with your nearest and dearest — fill us in!

I know it’s hard when you’re immersed in the wedding planning process, but it is so important to stay grounded in what a wedding is really about. If we lose sight of that, we’re at risk for turning into robotic brides like the one featured in the sticker above on a package to my friend (Editor’s Note: You can purchase your own facetious bridal stickers at the Dollar Store.) I still get messages from The Knot, despite the fact that my wedding is over and they are trying to nudge me into The Nest.

Here’s today’s depressing insight into the Wedding Industrial Complex:

“Congratulations! Now that you’ve tied the knot, we want to hear all about it. Your style, your colors, the size of your bridal party — fill us in! Take a few moments and share the details of your special day with us!”

Don’t get me wrong. The Knot is a useful resource in several different ways, but this preoccupation with the style and colors of a wedding detracts from what a wedding is really about. I wish they had asked: Now that you’ve tied the knot, we want to hear all about it. How you fostered community and connection, how you chose to express your commitment, and how much fun you had with your nearest and dearest — fill us in!

I know it’s hard when you’re immersed in the wedding planning process, but it is so important to stay grounded in what a wedding is really about. If we lose sight of that, we’re at risk for turning into robotic brides like the one featured in the sticker above on a package to my friend (Editor’s Note: You can purchase your own facetious bridal stickers at the Dollar Store.)

Along the same lines, a post I saw on Manolo Brides called “Letting Go of Perfect.” Twistie’s words of wisdom are: Forget Perfect! “Shoot for elegant or fun or meaningful. Not only are all three of those things possible, they’re the sort of words people are going to use anyway.  Besides, you’re the only one who will ever notice whether or not the martinis perfectly match the bridesmaid’s dresses.”

She contrasts two different brides from an episode of Whose Wedding Is It, Anyway? The first bride (groom didn’t have much to say about the planning) wanted the perfect wedding.  She was obsessed with purple and everything had to be the exact, perfect shade of purple. On her wedding day she was a nervous wreck who burst into tears about everything, and then worried that the tears would ruin her make up. The second couple were delighted by everything their planner did and at their wedding lived totally in the moment. “They were relaxed, gracious, and having a hell of a good time.”

You can read the whole entry at Manolo. I suggest you do. Because, really, which bride do YOU want to be??

Gorgeous bridesmaid photo compliments of The Knot, of course! You gotta love those wedding photos even if you don’t have money like that to spend!