Bridesmaids outfits

I am feeling so proud of myself right now!

I always thought that I would never have bridesmaids when I got married, but I am so touched by my friends' generosity and support in coming to Israel to see me get married that I want to honour them. I haven't finished the asking, because I want to do it in person if possible, so I will introduce you to my lovely bridal party later.

For now though, let me share with you what they will wear. I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of bridal matchiness (I know that's not a word, but please bear with me). I like it enough for other people's weddings, but not for mine. Also, in England the bride pays for her girls' outfits, and prices are so high here that this would set me back nigh on $700, for dresses I am pretty certain the girls wouldn't wear again. With that in mind, I wanted to do something a little different. Something a bit vintage.

I settled on each of the girls wearing a black dress of her choice. I will give each one a chocolate brown shawl and a brown/pearly necklace. She will wear a sash with a hand-made corsage on it. I saw these in a London department store and they were so expensive. But it was love at first sight, so I thought I'd buy them. Then I decided that I should at least try to make them myself. If it didn't work I would not have wasted too much money. And I am so glad I tried because I LOVE the outcome and I am so happy that my girls will be getting something that I made. I think that's so much more special than a shop bought piece. I was going to make the necklaces too, and even ordered the beads, but when I found a pre-made one that was perfect I thought I'd cut out the hassle.

I didn't have instructions on how to make the corsage flowers so it may well be that there is a better method out there than mine. If you know of one please comment. Otherwise, this is a method that anyone can use to achieve a good result. I will provide instructions soon, but in the meantime here is the outfit!

Please let me know what you think!