Hi readers! So many of you probably don't know this, but I'm getting married in just a few short weeks! I haven't mentioned it much because I usually start stressing out when I do and also because it's going to be a really small wedding (only close friends and family). We invited under 50 people and are only expecting about 35 to come. We're going small because 1) Neither one of us has a big family, so I really don't think we could invite more than 100 people if we had to; 2) I want to be able to spend a lot of time talking to each person at the reception (I don't live near any of my family, so I only see them a few times a year) and 3) I'm not a "big wedding" type of girl (I don't like to be the center of attention and I just can't see spending thousands of dollars for one day).
So this is where all of you come in. I need some help deciding which dress to wear for my rehearsal dinner. It's going to be at a cute little restaurant in my hometown and there will be about 20 people there (parents/grandparents/bridal party/a few out of town family members), so it's pretty casual. I've narrowed down my choices to these 8 dresses (some I own and some I would have to buy), but I'm also up for any other suggestions that you guys have. I'm going to put a dress poll over to the side, but you can also leave your ideas in the comments.
I can't wait to hear what you guys think!
1. Beda Dress
2. Vagabond Dress
3. Fragrant Valley Dress
4. Perilla Dress
5. Vappu Dress
6. Horizon Line Dress
7. Ablaze Dress
8. Night Blooming Dress
Ohhh, congratulations Sara! How exciting for you!!! =D
ReplyDeleteMy #1 vote is for the Beda Dress, but a close second would be the Ablaze Dress. Both of those dresses are truly special, in my opinion. I just love those bold colors on you and think they'd work great for a rehearsal dinner.
Oh how wonderful! Congrats! ANd I looooove small weddings! My vote is the Ablaze! The second I scrolled through, that really caught my eye! You look darling in it!
ReplyDeleteSara, this is a tough choice! You look so happy in each one of them! I think my vote will go to the Night Blooming Dress - it's gorgeous on you! I also really, really like the Perilla Dress on you, too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming special day! Enjoy it - it goes by way too fast :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...well, I subscribe to the opinion that you should wear white (or light colors) to your rehearsal dinner too, since you are the bride!!! I wore a little white sundress to my own rehearsal dinner 3 years ago :)
ReplyDeleteSo, with that said, I think you look darling in all of these dresses, but my vote is for the Perilla Dress! It looks gorgeous on you, and the light colors are so pretty and perfect for a bride-to-be.
Congratulations!!!!!!!
Beda, Parilla, Night Blooming- Not necessarily in that order.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think Rehearsal Dinner, I think something that looks similar to one of those 3. :-)
Oh, and I do think the Fragrant Valley Dress is gorgeous for a special occasion...I'm going to a wedding on July 9th, and I plan on wearing it myself!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I chose the Fragrant Valley Dress!
ReplyDeletethe fragrant valley dress looks special occasion...they all look great on you but I would stick to one that does not have the skirt&blouse look. lucky you to have so many pretty dresses! I have such a hard time getting a good fit.
ReplyDeleteOops....I said Beda above, but I meant to say The Fragrent Valley...I think I had Beda in my brain because I was looking for it online today! LOL
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Even though this is a smaller wedding, I still think you should wear something fancier to your rehersal dinner - it's YOUR wedding, afterall. So that brings me to the Horizon Line Dress and the Fragrent Valley Dress, however the Ablaze Dress is awesome, too. I would just avoid anything jersey, but that's just me. Let me know what you decide on!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sara!
ReplyDeleteThey all look great on you. I can see why you wanted some help with choosing one. I vote for the Perilla Dress. I think that it looks very pretty on you. It's a great light color and the flowers make it really feminine. I think it would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner. My second choice would be the fragrant valley.
I vote for the Perilla dress or the Vappu dress - both are so lovely on you! I splurged on something new for my rehearsal dinner (I got married in February) and bought the Daisy Quarters skirt, and now that skirt has the best memories associated with it. Congratulations - I love weddings!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Perilla dress on you! I think since you'd want to aim for a more classic silhouette (that way you're less likely to cringe when you look at your wedding pictures 30 years from now) I'd go for either that or the Ablaze dress. Since it is a summer wedding, the Vappu dress is my third pick.
ReplyDeletethe fragrant valley of the ablaze for sure! These are the two "most special" ones.
ReplyDeletefragrant valley is my choice, because it is so feminine. I like the vegabond too because it is very swingy and also very feminine.
ReplyDeleteWe are having similar -type weddings. Mine is around 60 people and I really really really fought hard to keep it at 50, but I lost that battle. I am still shocked how much money it is costing, but we are having ours at a very $$ restaurant. I don't talk about getting married much either because it tends to stress me out and I'm not even having a monster sized wedding like most!
I hope you will post some pictures of your big day :)
My choices are Fragrant Valley, Ablaze, and Night Blooming -- I think those three really pop for me out of your list and as the bride to be, you want to be the most eyecatching gal in the room ;).
ReplyDeleteFragrant Valley! So, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteCongrats. I hope all the planning hasn't been too stressful! I voted for the Fragrant Valley Dress. I love all of the dresses but I think some are too "day timey" for such a special event. I also agree with no jersey for a rehearsal dinner.
ReplyDeleteFragrant Valley is my choice since it looks very much like an occassion dress.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sara!!! My vote is for the Perilla Dress with some killer nude heels. It's just so soft and romantic and the perfect pre-wedding dress in my opinion. My second vote would be for the Night Blooming Dress. I'm still sad that I missed out on that one. I'm planning my wedding as well, but it's not until June 2011. We are planning on inviting about 120 people, but I'm sort of hoping it'll dwindle down to just under 100. I'm exactly like you in that I'm not a very wedding type of girl either. I did have fun when I finally found my wedding dress though! :) I can't wait to see pictures of your wedding!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely fragrant valley or night blooming! I think either one would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteHey Sara, all those dresses look totally cute on you. But when I think of rehearsal dinner, I don't necessarily think floral. I guess that's more of a bridal shower thing. I love the perilla dress on you and I know you can dress it up with heels even if it's jersey material. And although it has the cinched floral decoration, it's not truly a floral dress. I might be in the minority but I also love the vagabond dress. I think when I wear it, it makes me feel really mature and in charge! Maybe you'll wanna feel high and in charge that day? :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the fragrant valley dress. It feels much more wedding-y than the other dresses, and will look fabulous in your photos from the rehearsal. I'm coming up on 2 years of wedded bliss myself in August, and I remember the stress I was under coming up to my wedding. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I vote for the Fragrant Valley dress...it looks more special occasion to me.
ReplyDeleteI like the Perilla, I think, with the Ablaze a close second. Oh, so excited for you! Sometimes, I wish I could get married again, just for all the fun party-planning and opportunities to wear party dresses! =D
ReplyDeleteI think the Fragrant Valley, it's a bit dressier than the others and more fitting for the occasion in my opinion. Congratulations and try not to stress out too much!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I like the Vagabond dress or the fragrant valley dress the best. The others seem to casual to me.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Fragrant Valley! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I love the ablaze but would like to see it without cardigan. Second vote goes to Fragrant Valley Dress maybe with a different belt..
ReplyDeleteYou look super cute in all of them...
Yay! I think you look really pretty in the Fragrant Valley Dress. My second choice is the Ablaze dress. You should choose the one you feel the best and prettiest in- you look great in all the dresses though. Congratulations!!! You will be a beautiful bride!
ReplyDeleteAck I love them all! I'm partial to the Fragrant Valley Dress because I loved it so much and then spazzed come sale time and missed out. I also love the Vagabond Dress (and people were seriously falling over themselves to compliment me in it today so that could be good for your wedding weekend!). The Ablaze Dress is really flattering on you too (but might be too hot for July - wow, that material was heavy!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sara!
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely awesome in all of these, but I vote for the Fragrant Valley Dress because 1) it's dressier 2) it's special for such a special occasion, and 3) it speaks romance.
BTW, I'm so jealous over your night blooming dress. I wish I had it.
The fragrant valley dress screams, "wear me! Wear me!!"
ReplyDeleteThe Fragrant Valley dress is perfect for the occasion! And you look darling in it! The others are too casual in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think The Fragrant Valley dress would be perfect for the rehearsal dinner! I had a small wedding too! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the fragrant valley dress.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeletemy vote is for the night blooming dress as it is so pretty. They are all pretty but i like how that looks the most. Good luck and have fun on your specail night
I think the Vappu Dress is so adorable on you! It's bright and sunny and isn't too busy. I personally think it's perfect for a little family rehearsal dinner :)
ReplyDeleteAll of the dresses are lovely! I voted perilla...
ReplyDeletehere's why not on the fragrant valley, and this is just my opinion, and i think fragrant valley is a gorgeous dress... when you look back on your photos in 20 or 30 years, the floral print may seem dated, whereas a solid color or subtle stripe may seem more classic (rather than trendy) think about old photos you've seen of crazy old beehive hairstyles or cats-eye glasses :)
that being said, you must wear what makes you happy and remember that you wear the dress, it should not wear you :)
Maybe I'm weird... but the Vagabond is my fav! It's so classic and fits you like a glove.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I vote the Fragrant Valley Dress - it seems perfect for a special occasion and has just the right amount of formality.
ReplyDeleteYou could not go wrong with any of them!!! I say Fragrant valley dress because you alredy own it and look AMAZING in it!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the Vagabond dress. It looks great on you! (The others do too...but this is my favorite. It is simple yet elegant.)
ReplyDeleteGo Fragrant Valley! It's your party - what better reason than to dress up!
ReplyDeleteSara - congratulations! That's so exciting. You look beautiful in all of these dresses. It's hard to choose my favorite for a rehearsal dinner. I'd say any of them except the Perilla or the Vappu. You look cute in both of those, but they seem super casual. But, then again, if your dinner will be casual, then these might be perfect. I know. I'm absolutely no help at all!
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies for all the opinions! You've given me a lot to think about. I will tell you that the dress I was leaning towards wasn't the one that was in the majority here. I'll post a picture of the one I choose soon and I might need some help with accessories. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI'm jumping in late and didn't read the other comments, but I love the Fragrant Valley dress on you!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you!!!! Congrats! I remember the stress of finding a dress for that occassion! My personal opinion is that you should dress up somewhat so you should wear a dress that you would wear to a nice dinner ONLY. Don't wear something that you would wear just going a round town, to a movie or lunch. Feel special girl! It's your time! That being said... I vote:
ReplyDelete1. Horizon Line Dress
2. Fragrant Valley Dress
3. Ablaze Dress
The reason I chose the Horizon Line is because it looks very bridal to me for some reason, you have the white on top, something blue, and black to dress it up. Absolute perfection for your rehearsal dinner :) Have a blast!!!!
Apparently I am deeply weird since no one else thinks this, but I loved how you look in the Vagabond Dress and think it's the best choice for a rehearsal dinner. It's simple and elegant, while still interesting, and just incredibly flattering on you. The jersey drapes beautifully, has a nice sheen, and would be really comfortable for a long evening of mingling with people. Maybe I'm just channeling my own wishes, since I want that dress!
ReplyDeleteBeth
congrats, how exciting!!! Please post pictures of the wedding, I love to see wedding pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteI voted for the Perilla dress, it's very sophisticated and sweet, perfect for a rehearsal dinner!
YAY for getting married! :) My vote is the Fragrant Valley dress... you look amazing in it and it's such a beautiful dress!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your wedding! A small intimate celebration sounds just wonderful. My vote for rehearsal dinner dress is the Night Blooming Dress -- the beautiful silky top dresses it up, while the skirt keeps it grounded. Plus it looks like it would be fun to accessorize. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Vagabond Dress! It's so understated and simple that it really allows you to shine. Plus, you can definitely dress it up with some great accessories and shoes :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
I like outfits #3, 5, and 7 :)
ReplyDeleteI am following you now.
Hope you will enter my giveaway of a J Crew pearl bracelet at petitegorgeous.blogspot.com
congrats on your upcoming wedding by the way.
ReplyDeleteMine is on July 11th. We're expecting about 50-60 people. One side of the family is from out of state.
Go with the Vappu - it's the lightest , brightest dress of them all and most appropriate of the group for summer.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Congrats - so exciting. I just got married last October, and while I wasn't 'bridey' either, the day was lovely and one I will always remember... well duh, I guess that is to be expected. Anyhow, my vote is for the night blooming - looks gorgeous on you, and is such a special dress!
ReplyDeleteEmily @ http://spillingthebeans-emily.blogspot.com/
Congratulations Sara,
ReplyDeleteU'll b a beautiful bride. I love the Perilla dress the best on u...=D
You look beautiful in all of them. But my vote is for the Perilla, the Vagabond or the Vappu, pretty much in that order. Again, you really can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm a HUGE fan of the Beda dress. BUT, this is your rehearsal dinner. So, I think you want to go a scootch more dressy. I would go for the Vagabond or Perilla, whichever dress you feel the best in. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteWell, I would NOT pass up the opportunity to buy something new for your rehearsal dinner - seriously, if ever there was an excuse to pick up a new pretty, this is it! Need it or not, I would have to take advantage, lol.
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful in all the choices you posted, I voted with my gut reaction which was Fragrant Valley. I think my second choice would be the Horizon Line.
My gut reaction was the Fragrant Valley Dress, so that one gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteYou'll look lovely in whichever you pick, though ... and congratulations!!
Perilla for sure, it's lightly colored and it fits you AMAZINGLY
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteNO doubt, the Vagabond dress!
It is simply lovely on you.
you look soo pretty in all of them Sara!!
ReplyDeletei think you would look soo beautiful in the Stemmed Sweetbriar Dress!!
the color is so lovely on you...like it was made for you :) have a great day :0)
♥Meg
Vappu or Perilla Dress - and Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI would say narrow it to the Vagabond, Vappu and Night Bloom. I own two of the three in that mix, as well. :) Personally and with it being summer partial to the Vappu. Looked cute on you (I, too, belt the dress). Also like Horizon - but with sweater on, cant get complete view on it. Anyhow, that's my two cents! :0 good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThey all look amazing but the fragrant valley dress is PERFECT for the occasion.
ReplyDeletePlus, with you being the bride I think that you should err on the side of formal. It looks amazing on you, by the way. I saw it way back when you reviewed it and was thisclose to buying it because of you!
Oh and congratulations!!! :D
I vote Night Blooming! And congratulations. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Fragrant Valley for sure. It's the most special! And I'm so happy and excited for you. Will you post pictures of the wedding? I would love to see your dress.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all congratulations.
ReplyDeleteEither the perilla dress or the vagabond dress.
My vote is for the Fragrant Valley dress because it is the most special out of the bunch and has a very timeless design.
ReplyDeleteHi......My mom and I where reading your lovely blog and we vote for the
ReplyDeleteVagabond dress. Have a great time and enjoy your day!!!!
I'm voting the Perilla - looks utterly gorgeous on you! Congratulations, I hope you have an amazing day.
ReplyDeleteFragrant Valley all the way! You look gorgeous in it and no one else will be wearing it. Second choice: Ablaze dress. I can't wait to see what you'll pick :)
ReplyDeletewww.likelybadger.com
Hi Sara! I'm new to your blog and wow! Congratulations!!! That's so exciting and I think small weddings are always so much more intimate and memorable for the guests as well as the bride and groom! I think the Parilla dress would look just darling with the light colors. The Vappu dress looks like a great contender too, dolled up with some cute heels and a necklace? My 3rd vote goes for the Vagabond dress because the fit is IMPECCABLE on you! Congrats again and I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeletexx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com