Real Bride....talks bridesmaids

For Real Wedding Wednesday, Real Bride Sarah B talks bridesmaids and international shopping with us this week....

I’m incredibly proud, and lucky, to have two adventurous and glamorous best friends (and bridesmaids), whose jobs and romances have led them around the world. Meanwhile, my sister, and maid of honour, is a teacher with the travel bug who steps on a plane and leaves the country as soon as the holidays, or sometimes even the weekends, arrive.

All this globe trotting has meant that my bridesmaids are spread across continents and time zones and there have been moments in my wedding planning, like shopping for THAT dress, when I’ve really missed having them around. Fortunately, between skype, facebook, and lots of Pinterest action, we’ve done a pretty good job at keeping in touch and I’ve got lots of other stylish friends on hand to offer sartorial advice.

The one area, however, that has proved tricky to co-ordinate internationally has been the bridesmaids’ dresses. Since an in person shopping trip is out of the question, we’ve relied on internet retailers. In general, I’d say that US companies have much more to offer than those in the UK and, with a favourable exchange rate, you can get a pretty good deal.

Here are a few of my favourites:

·     ASOS has a huge and affordable range

·     Nordstrom, the department store, also has lots of choice and a brilliant website that will calculate shipping and customs charges for you, so there are no hidden extras (I ended up getting my wedding shoes here)

·     J Crew, a favourite of Michelle Obama, started delivering to the UK in 2011 and has an excellent mid-price wedding range (as well as great workwear)

In the end, we’ve opted for this charming frock from American bridal brand BHLDN (sister company to Anthropologie, my favourite shop of all time).

Now for the shoes...

While we wait for an update from Sarah B on shoes here is a selection of dresses from Sarah's favourite shops. 

Lady in Red

by ASOS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 

A very PiP note for ASOS is that you can search by 'Made in the UK' which I love!

Midnight Magic

by Nordstrom: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Every Cloud...

by J Crew: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

Which are your favourites folks? I'm a huge fan of ASOS No.3, Nordstrom No.2 and J Crew No.4. What would you have for your lovely ladies on your big day? I'd love to know....


Stay tuned for a great post in the next few weeks on the wonderful new company Maids to Measure, the perfect site for your bridesmaid's sartorial needs!