Dresses
Even if you are not planning a temple wedding, members of the church are often expected to select a modest gown, one that could be worn with temple garments. That leaves out strapless, halter, spaghetti strap-in other words, pretty much every wedding dress that isn't manufactured by an LDS company.
Even when a bridal store tells you they can convert a dress for you, they don't have the experience that stores that specialize in LDS gowns have and you will likely be disappointed with the results. Ask to see a sketch or better yet, a photo of what the dress will look like.
We thought this was a lovely way to make a dress more modest. A version of this could be used for the bride or the bridesmaids. (Note: the bodice of the first dress is too low - there should be no cleveage showing). Here is another option for covering up a strapless gown (the "cleavage" would be covered by the strapless gown - and of course you would use white lace and satin cummerbund:
# 2
#3 
#2 The white satin bolero jacket is available at David's bridal for $49 (our tip: if you purchase a bolero, stitch it to your dress once you are in it, to keep it in place)
#3 The third option is from www.buyer100.com for $59.99 It comes in matte satin (style J503) or taffeta (style J505) in white or 60 other colors.
Pick the wedding gown first and then worry about the bridesmaids. Start as early as possible as it can take three to four months to get your gown. There's no time to lose! If you don't have three to four months, you'll have to call around first and see who can get you a gown faster. if you are from Utah or a predominantly LDS community, there may be many bridal options for those with short engagements. If not, your choices will be more limited. You might ask around and see if anyone in the ward has a dress you could borrow or buy. (Try to think of someone close to your size so you won't need major alterations.)
Watch for sales. Some bridal stores often have inventory sales where you can find a great bargain (usually late April to May and late September to October) or sample sales (which are great if you are a size 6, 8 or 10)
Don't be alarmed at the sizing of bridal gowns. They usually run small so if you are a size 6, you may have to order a size 8 (or even a size 10!) It's not you. You haven't gained weight. It's just the way it is.
Surprisingly, we found some really nice dresses at amazon.com There are a number of modest dresses, and many choices for plus sizes 0X to 6X. - and very reasonably priced.
It is pointless to search for a dress in bridal magazines or the big bridal websites. There are very few modest gowns there and you will waste a lot of time and become frustrated. Do your searching at sites that specialize in modest gowns (we've included some below to help you start your search).
Here are some lovely choices from eternitygowns.com
Favorite sites for bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses:
If you are having a hard time finding a dress you love, it would be worth the trip to go to St. George and try on the dresses at Totally Modest. They have over 152 styles to choose from in your price range. You WILL find your dress. (and no, they're not paying us to say that)
If your measurements are not a typical dress size or you'd like to avoid paying the $30 per hr. alteration fee, have your dress CUSTOM MADE at Dressandtux.com you can choose from many styles (most 50% off retail), or even send them a photo of a dress you like and they will tell you how much it will cost to make it for you. Here is a sample: Satin Split Front Tulipe D102 is $1,000 but made for you, it is only $599.
See some of our favorite dresses in our PHOTO ALBUM
The bridesmaid dresses should be of a style that compliments the bridal gown. They should be modest as well (even if the young woman has not been endowed or is not a member of the church). It would be inappropriate for a bridal party to take photos in front of the temple in strapless or sleeveless gowns.
One of the current trends is to have the bridesmaids each pick their own style dress as long as they all coordinate - you can give them a swatch of the color, or give them all fabric to have a dress made. In this case, a non-member could have her choice of dress and could wear a sweater or have a bolero type jacket made to cover up for the wedding and then she'd have a dress to her liking to wear after the event.
We've noticed that J.Crew has offered a modest choice each year in their bridesmaid dress collection (and their dresses often are less expensive than those in bridal shops). They also have sweaters in the same colors as the bridesmaid dresses (which can mix or match the dress selected). Fortunately, "dresses" are in right now, so you may be able to find what you're looking for in your favorite store.
Have you heard about the 7-way wrap dress? It's only $98 at Etsy.com and comes in 19 colors. Your bridesmaids can each wrap it the way it looks best on them.
We found this DKNYC dress (in radish or black - $139) and this Lauren by Ralph Lauren empire waist dress (in Red, dark lilac, or black - $130) at Bloomingdales. (The DKNYC dress is a wrap bodice so the deep V can be easily adjusted. the Lauren dress might need an insert of fabric or lace.) Sizes are availabe from 2 to 16.
Don't overlook Target. Their party dresses start at $24.99. Colors are limited (usually just one). But we found a cute black pin tuck dress by Mossimo for only $29.99 comes in sizes XS to XXL:
But if you have a particular color scheme in mind, or your bridesmaids run in sizes from 4 to 28, you have no other choice than to shop the bridal stores. Here are a few of our favorites from Latter Day Bride: These all come in at least 33 colors, in sizes from 4 to 28, and most come in your choice of tea length or floor length:
If you don't find what you're looking for there, you're sure to find it at Totally Modest. They have literally hundreds of dresses to choose from, in sizes 0 to 28 and in over 50 color choices. They even have separate tops and skirt choices.
We also found a few options at www.buyer100.com:
Dress 2 piece $114.99 Yellow Dress $95.99 Floor length green $119.99
Jacket in black or white/ skirt in 19 colors Both dresses available in 16 colors
These beautiful yellow wrap dresses are one of our favorites. I wish I knew where they found them. (photo by Jonathan Canlas Photography)
Here is another wrap dress we thought you'd like - imagine it in your colors.
If one of your attendants needs a maternity bridesmaid dress, latter Day Brides has several from $195 to $255 (See Margo, Corinne M and Karina M - they come in the same choices of colors you have for the other bridesmaids so they easily coordinate)
If you need an inexpensive dress, and need it in a hurry, this is your dress (with a little fabric or lace to conceal the cleavage). Order it from keepmeinstitches.biz for the bride in white, and/or for the bridesmaids in one of six colors and in sizes XS to 3X for only $83 !
If you are having a hard time finding bridesmaid dresses, try searching "mother of the bride dresses" Here's one we thought was a possibility. It is only $185. It comes in sizes 4 to 28 and comes in 26 colors (including white - for the bride):
Find it at: http://www.hibridal.com/592-mother-of-the-bride-wedding-dresses.html
Real Bride #1
Abbey had all the bridesmaids wear a black dress of their choosing (a perfect solution for friend's with varying body shapes and sizes and BONUS! every girl needs/owns a black dress!) Black made it easy to ensure that all the dresses would match (there aren't a lot of varying shades of black) and made it a cheap alternative because most girls already had a black dress in their wardrobe. Each bridesmaid also chose her own "RED" shoe. (photo by You Look Nice Today Photography, Portland Oregon)
Real Bride #2
Picked a color at David's Bridal, and then had all of the bridesmaids choose the dress in that color that flattered her body best. The colors all matched (because it was all the same fabric) but each girl was happy with her dress because it was her choice. Although there were VERY FEW modest dresses, they each wore a cardigan over her dress to bring all of the looks together. It was a specific cardigan in a color from the wedding color scheme which they bought from a certain store to wear over their dress-- (This could be as simple as ANY black or white cardigan, depending upon the color you chose for your dresses and/or the season the wedding will take place. - you could add lace to the sweater, or change the buttons to dress it up a bit.)
Real Bride #3 I don't know how these girls got so lucky! They found these vintage "prom" dresses and saved money. It's worth a try.
Lauren picked a skirt and a blouse combination. Groomsmen wore ties to match.
Real Bride #5 Vanessa, got married in the Bountiful Temple. She too liked the idea of a skirt and blouse combination (allowing bridesmaids to select their own blouse).
Bride# 8 Megan says, " Don't be afraid of patterns"
Bride #10 Kristen isn't LDS, but we like her Mexican theme wedding. Embroidered Mexican dresses are inexpensive and very festive.
(We think by belting the dress, you get a more flattering look - try a contrasting colored sash)
We say : When all else fails,don't forget that you can have dresses made to match ANY dress you find in a store or on the internet. This way, you can ensure that you get the right color/fabric for your dresses and that the dress is modest... and the dress will fit each bridesmaid like it was made just for her! **This isn't necessarily a cheaper option- be careful when choosing fabric!- but if you know of an affordable seamstress it may be a better deal than buying from a bridal salon.
mother-of-the-bride dresses we think you'll like:
from left to right: The Tippi Hedren Jacket and Back slit skirt, The Tuxedo Jacket and double slit skirt, and the Biltmore Dress (which is available in three fabrics and over 50 colors)
Call Siri San Franciso 415-431-8873 for stores near you that carry their dresses.
( prices vary depending on the fabric choice).
We also found some choices for you from www.buyer100.com in 16 colors sizes 2 to 28:
Veils:
Here's a handy chart to educate you on veil lengths:
SHOES:
The best option is to try on the shoe to make sure it is comfortable. The last thing you want to be thinking about on your wedding day is sore feet and/or blisters. However, you may not be able to find what you are looking for locally. If you want to search online, your best option is myglassslipper.com They have the largest selection we've seen (including a very large selection of discount shoes). All styles, all heel heights (including flip flops!).
Color schemes:
Don't be afraid of color. The colors readilly available are the colors in fashion, so go ahead (and don't be afraid to combine colors). Here's a fun color scheme which was perfect for their "Carnival" themed reception:
OUR TAKE:
My Grandmother's Wedding Photo - 1919 Enough Said.