Bride vs. Bridesmaid Dresses

[PGDesigns]

I just came across this forum today, and I'm so glad I found such a great group of people.

I'm newly engaged, and my fiance and I will be footing the bill for everything. Few of my friends are married yet, and I don't have anyone in my family I can ask about these things.

We want a wedding that will cater to about 75 people that will be simple but elegant basically.

My bridesmaids are spread out between GA, MI, and DE, so I have been trying to come up with some possible bridesmaids dresses that are nice and appropriately priced. While looking for their dresses, I ran across a dress that I just can't stop thinking about. I think it would work as a simple wedding dress, too. (If we choose to keep it that simple.)

Some people have suggested that I wear the dress in ivory with a black sash and the bridesmaids wear it in black with an ivory sash. At first, I was turned off to the idea, but the more they talk about it, the more I am entertaining the idea...

Since I can't post images or links yet, it's Bill Levkoff, style 808.

[katiepf25]

That dress is gorgeous! I think it would make a beautiful wedding dress. As for your bridemsaids, I'm not sure I'd like having them in the same thing, but that could be just me...What about this by the same designer

http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php?productid=14951&cat=443&page=3

Its a bit shorter, might give you some distinction

[pinkcherry83]

I love that idea. :) I'd say go with it if you honestly like the idea. It's easy to give in to something you hear over and over... Just make sure you do what you really want.

[shawnsgirl]

While I think that dress would make a beautiful wedding dress I would be cautious in having your bridesmaid wear it.

IMHO: I think the bm dress should definately compliment the brides' but I don't neccesarily think they should be the same dress in different colors. That's just me though and my opinion!

It's your wedding and you are the bride. If you really like this look and want to be less distinctive then go for it!

[NicksBride]

That dress is beautiful but I agree with Jonelle. Possibly find something for the BM that offsets your dress a bit. Just differnet in some way so that the bride stands out.
That dress is really pretty for a wedding dress though!

[PGDesigns]

Thanks for the replies ladies!

I have been having such a hard time narrowing down the dress selection. I'm trying to keep the BM dresses close to $150-175 max and $500 max for mine. We haven't set an exact date, but we are aiming for Fall '08. There is a possibility that we will have the ceremony outside with the reception inside, but in GA, the temps should not be too chilly by then.

[Panthers Bride]

If you like that bridesmaid's dress, and want a complementary wedding dress, Raylia has a wedding dress "Stephanie," that's similar. It's a beautiful dress and at the shop I tried, it was $528. Only problem is, I can't find it on the Raylia website. I did find it at online stores (one for cheaper). You might still be able to get it, even if it's not on the Raylia site. This is the dress on me:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/Panthers_Bride/modeled%20dresses/100_2140.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/Panthers_Bride/modeled%20dresses/100_2143.jpg