- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee Blog
I have a confession to make, hive. When it came to picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, I gave the girls zero say in what they would be wearing on our day. Now before you go thinking I’m some crazy control-freak bride, let me plead my case. See, about a month before me and Mr. CC officially started planning our wedding, I stumbled upon and purchased this pattern by Cynthia Rowley.
It’s safe to say my love for this pattern runs pretty deep. Originally I had planned to use it as a base for my own wedding dress, but as time passed and my vision for my dress evolved, I decided that the Cynthia Rowley pattern was no longer a fit for me and filed it away for the future. It wasn’t until I was discussing possible bridesmaids’ dress options with my mom that I remembered my beloved sewing pattern and dug it back out.
I decided then and there that this would be the dress my girls would be walking down the aisle in. The dress is wonderfully modern with a bit of girly fun in the ruffle, and since we’ll be having them made by the same seamstress who’s contracted to make my dress, the girls will be able to alter the skirt and bodice to flatter their unique figures. Win-win all around!
The seamstress is still digging up fabric swatches for us to choose from, but as of now my heart is leaning toward a rich silk shantung in gunmetal gray.
Oh, and then there’s Mr. CC’s little sis who’ll be standing with us as a junior BM. She’ll be rocking this skirt, also by Cynthia Rowley, in the same fabric as the older girls. I’m not exactly sure what type of top she’ll be donning on the day of, since a cardigan may be too hot for our June nuptials and a tank may be too casual.
So tell me, ladies, am I forgiven? Has anyone else picked their BM dresses without any input from their girls? And what the heck is Mr. CC’s little sis going to wear with her skirt? Because I sure as hell can’t send her down the aisle half naked!
I love these patterns! I bought them for myself, but have yet to actually make anything. Ah, well.
Love the cynthia rowley dress, CC. 
I gave my girls options but at the end of the day they just wanted me to make the decision - funny huh?
As for your junior bm, I’d rock a shimmery gold or silver top (crewcuts/j crew has a few) with the skirt. She’d look so cute!
That’s an adorable dress! Sorry I don’t have a good suggestion to go with the skirt, I’m not a very good fashionista!
I think the patterns are fabulous! They look chic and modern.
I think it’s fine to pick something without their input as long as you’re looking out to make sure it’s flattering on them. Sometimes I have the sense my bridesmaids would actually prefer I just saved them the effort and told them what to wear - instead I’m saving myself the effort and just telling them to wear something. (we are all quite lazy apparently)
love it! Its the same pattern I’m doing for my bridesmaids. We’re thinking a dusty rose pink silk shantung!
Gorgeous patterns, I think your BMs will love wearing them And now I want to make that skirt for myself!
Love both patterns sets and I might just have to steal them! My MOH and I were just pattern shopping today and couldn’t find anything we loved.
I really like the blouse-looking shirt they have paired with the skirt. Perhaps something similar would work for Mr CC’s lil sis? A blouse would be nice on a hot day, but still looks fresh and dressy enough.
I gave my girls the option to pick at first but they were so resistant to it I ended up picking for them.
The dresses you picked are adorable though, I’m sure there are no hard feelings.
You have a great eye, CC! Love both of the patterns, and they’re going to look great since they’ll be custom made. Maybe a cute embellished tank top with your Junior BM’s skirt?
I have personally been a BM where I didn’t have a say in the dress. The dresses she picked were flattering and very affordable so I didn’t mind and I don’t think any of the other BM cared either. Also, the pattern you picked out is really pretty and should be universally flattering.
This is such a good idea! At first I thought that you were going to be making them and I thought that would be a huge undertaking, but getting you seamstress to do it is perfect. I can’t wait to see how they turned out!
These dresses are totally re-wearable, too! I’d wear one to a nice dinner or another wedding! Good work!
I’ve been in multiple weddings where I was not consulted on my dress and I was not offended at all!! Signing on to become a bridesmaid is a privilege, no matter what you wear. So, don’t feel bad about assigning them a dress, especially one as lovely and customizable as this one!
No wonder you didn’t let them “choose” - that pattern looks great. Really since they’re customizing it to their figures, it’s got to be a fun process. Much better than hours of dress shopping!
i picked mine out with out any input from the girls .. i told them it was my wedding and when they got married i would wear what they wanted .. p.s i picked a alfred sung dress very similar to the patter
First of all, I have both of those patterns! I haven’t made them, but a LOT of girls in my classes have made the skirt, and it is REALLY pretty.
I would suggest a ruffly top of some kind for your JBM… since I don’t know how old she is, I’m going to assume she still wears girls sizing.
Maybe something like this ruffle tank from J.Crew?
I just picked a BM dress without input, too. My girls are spread around the country, so we’ll never get together for try-ons. I figured it was easier this way!
Cynthia Crowley has a fine rep for knowing how to dress any woman’s body. I think you made a good choice.
I wonder, though…will you allow them to have individuality in some other way, say, for example, in the color of flowers they’ll carry, the shoes, or jewelry?
WOOT! Totally love custom made bridesmaids dresses. We went this route and they turned out amazing!
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Mrs. Cotton Candy, Riverside, CA Age and Occupation: 29, Field Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Process Server Engagement Date: July 5, 2007 Wedding Date: June 2011 Venue: Riverside Art Museum About Me: I’m a girl in love with her best friend planning a small mid-century modern inspired wedding that’s been a long time coming. I love all things design, sewing, flea markets, and a good book. I’ve been known to swoon over a well-designed chair and often find myself craving a new addition to my chair collection regardless of the lack square footage in our home. I’m Mexican American girl who hates all things spicy but loves her rowdy Mexican family and her Latin roots. My wedding muses may not be your typical wedding superstars, but with a lot of DIY, a dash of offbeat style, and lots of love and laughs, Mr. Cotton and I plan to create a day that is unmistakably us.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
Latest Gallery Pics