I don't post often, so feel free to ignore anything I say! My sister got married last summer and also felt strongly about wanting her bridesmaids to like and be able to wear their dresses again, and also had a very garden party kind of vibe. We wore this dress: http://m.davidsbridal.com/mt/w.....id-Dresses

And I meant to say above that I really like the dress and have worn it since.

K, sounds like you are well on your way to a perfect and memorable wedding. xo

You look gorgeous in your wedding dress. I love it with the red shoes.
How very special it will be to have your grandpa officiate the ceremony.
It sounds like you have everything nicely planned out. I don't have any suggestions, I am just popping in to congratulate you and to wish you the very best.

I absolutely LOVE your dress! Gorgeous! It's like something Vera Ellen (one of my absolute idols) would wear to dance with Danny Kaye. You look so lovely

Your wedding should be whatever you want it to be. This is your day. I've been a bridesmaid several times in my life, and in truth, even the dresses that were 'dresses you can wear again'... I never have. And I have been fine with that.

I think your plan sounds very good! But I will say from a costumer/theatrical point of view, there is a risk in letting everyone get their own red item without direct supervision - you may wind up with some reds that really clash - even if it is the same company making different styles.

For that matter, you may have to be very specific about what 'don't clash' means, with everyone. Don't be afraid to stand firm, and remember to be patient.

You look so very pretty in that dress, K! It's just perfect for you -- so ladylike but also a bit relaxed with the tea length. Love the fun idea of wearing the retro red shoes. It's going to be a beautiful wedding!

I'm late to this discussion but my only concerns were along the lines of what Diana and E mentioned about the colour combos for the males of the party -- but at the same time, I think what you suggested could also work extremely well if you are going for a somewhat casual feel.

If so, I do think there are additional reasons to reconsider satin for the bridesmaids, however -- just to keep everything cohesive. Also, I have to agree with Caro that satin can be quite unforgiving and tends not to be worn afterwards, especially if in a heavy stiff fabric. I was a bridesmaid in blue satin and never, ever wore the dress afterwards. That's significant because you know how much I love blue - and I didn't dislike the dress, either. It just never seemed right to wear anywhere but that wedding.

The dress is gorgeous and suits you perfectly! Love the idea of a hat with birdcage veil - so elegant. The apple red color is beautiful and I always enjoy seeing bridesmaids in slightly different dresses. It's going to be amazing - have fun with it!

That dress is so lovely it made me cry. Sorry, I haven't read the rest of the posts. I'll try later.

Just wanted to chime in that your dress is so beautiful!

Your dress is perfect for you:)

What a gorgeous dress on you! I love your hat/veil idea and support small weddings with re-wearable dresses. Even if the girls don't choose to. Congratulations!

You look absolutely beautiful, and that dress is perfection! Love that you actually have a sleeve!

I'm not sure just how ivory is your dress, but my DD's wedding dress was ivory--though not a deep antique ivory--and the groom and groomsmen still wore white shirts, and the photos did not look odd at all ( that's me saying, though). That could work better than trying to get ivory men's shirts--you'd almost have to hand-pick them to avoid that yellowed or beige look.

I applaud your trying to keep utility in mind for the guys, but as some others said, jackets and khakis will create a lot of motion in the groomsmen (all varying lines for where the jackets hit) so I'd still think of some kind of suit, whether it's a rented tux or navy or gray suits.

My DD also used David's Bridal and picked a purple color and knee-length styles, but each bridesmaid picked her own style from 6 or so available. Straplesss, halter, V -necks were represented, and I was really knocked out by how each young lady knew what suited her, and so each was comfortable and pretty, instead of trying to make one style work for everyone. They also went with nude-type shoe color but each used or found her own, and that worked fine, too. This was all outdoors in a rustic setting, too.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful compliments!

I hoping that as long as everyone gets the same fabric and color, there shouldn't been much, if any, clashing. I know different dye lots can do funny things, but hopefully it will all work out. I'll also talk to my ladies about satin and get their opinions. I'd like for them to have the option of wearing it again, even if they choose not to.

And Joyce, I'm thrilled that my grandpa will be doing our service. I think that will end up being one of my favorite memories from that day.

Just wanted to add my compliments to the gorgeous bride. The shoes delight me- so beautiful and original. The dress on you is perfection.