Bridal Shop Special Edition

Loyola University Chicago is an esteemed and established institution that I am proud to have once called home to my college and post-graduate studies.  Loyola University Chicago is steeped in Catholic history and provides many services to those pursuing religious activities on campus - especially the beautiful Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan.

One service Loyola University Chicago (Loyola) offers is wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Loyola has been a featured venue for thirty years with the historic Madonna della Strada Chapel and Mundelein Auditorium as sites for the wedding ceremonies.

(Nicodem Creative)

Point of reference -

The bride and/or groom must be Catholic and affiliated to Loyola in order to get married in the Chapel.  The ceremony can only be on a Saturday and the cost is $2,000.

With that said, receptions held at Loyola do not require affiliation.  In fact, 10% off the wedding venue rental is provided to alum (not including catering) and 10% off is provided for Friday and Sunday receptions.  Loyola accommodates up to 260 guests with reserve of $85 per person.  Loyola goes above and beyond, though, for the bride and groom by offering a full custom reception package - every last detail for the wedding celebration is taken care of...and at a very generous rate.  A reception at the Crown Center is $2,500.  A reception at Mundelein is $5,800.  The couple is in full communication with dedicated Conference and Catering contacts.

(Nicodem Creative)

(Nicodem Creative)

Loyola University Chicago is quintessential tradition and modern - especially in campus development.  As a wedding venue, however, Loyola will always offer tradition to the bride and groom very much in love.

(Nicodem Creative)

Top 5 Favorite Bridesmaid Dress Colors - Plum

Due affiliate disclosure - I earn a commission when someone makes a purchase by clicking on a link or image in this post.

Black, for a bridesmaid, completes the ultimate formal black tie wedding theme.  The bride's white wedding gown will shine against the black dress hue bridal party.  The custom tailoring experience for him.  The upscale bridal boutique experience for her.  Black tie indeed.

Black Bridesmaid Dress Strapless Backless Lace Up Chiffon Dress
from: Milanoo.com

A larger view can be found on Milanoo.

Details -
- Chiffon fabric
- Sweetheart neckline
- Rhinestone embellishment

My take away -

Elegant and classic best define the bridesmaid and her reflection of the formal - and perhaps couture - black tie wedding.  Imagine the wedding ceremony in a luxury hotel or historic church.  The aisle either way is littered with red rose petals.  An intimate orchestral at the alter.  The bridesmaids and groomsmen come together and part ways at the alter.  The bride wears a beautiful satin ball gown wedding dress with detailed ruching in the skirt and sweetheart neckline.  I digress.  Elegant and classic truly define the bridesmaid and her dress.

Top 5 Favorite Bridesmaid Dress Colors - Pink

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Pink, for a bridesmaid, is a quintessential color best for spring weddings.  Pink is a beautiful reflection of blooming flowers, such as tulips, carnations, roses, and peonies.  A refreshing backdrop.

Pink Bridesmaid Dress Deep-V Ruched Chiffon Dress
from: Milanoo.com

A larger view can be found on Milanoo.

Details -
- Chiffon fabric
- Sheath/Column silhouette
- V neck
- Empire waist

My take away -

Imagine - as a bridesmaid - walking down the aisle set in a picturesque English garden as the wedding theme.  Imagine - as a bridesmaid - being in a cherry blossom-themed wedding.  Nature's spring color palette inspires many different wedding themes and wedding venues.  Pink, as a spring hue, truly is an inspiration.

Top 5 Favorite Bridesmaid Dress Colors - Teal

Due affiliate disclosure - I earn a commission when someone makes a purchase by clicking on a link or image in this post.

Turquoise, for a bridesmaid, is the perfect color for a summer wedding - especially for a destination wedding or coastal beachfront wedding.  Chiffon is a lightweight fabric, which is best for warmer weather.  Turquoise, for a bridesmaid, adds a touch of elegance in a warm summer wedding.

Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress Halter Turquoise V Neck Long Prom Dress Backless Ribbon Bow Floor Length Wedding Party Dress
from: Milanoo.com

(In short - A bridesmaid dress)

A larger view can be found on Milanoo.

Details -
- Chiffon fabric
- A line silhouette
- Ruched embellishment
- High rise waistline

My take away -

Regarding the wedding theme -
Destination Wedding or Coastal Beachfront Wedding

...Based on the turquoise color alone, picture this - Hawaii for quintessential romance or a Caribbean island for the ultimate destination experience or a coastal beachfront resort...Turquoise would be the inspiring color throughout the wedding plans

Top 5 Favorite Bridesmaid Dress Colors - Red

Due affiliate disclosure - I earn a commission when someone makes a purchase by clicking on a link or image in this post.

Red, for a bridesmaid, is a gorgeous color for a summer wedding.  Chiffon as a fabric for the bridesmaid dress - and even the bride's wedding dress - is ideal because it is lightweight and generally made from cool material such as cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers.  Chiffon (for a summer wedding) is best described as "a splash of elegance while ensuring the heat doesn't overwhelm the wearer." (Fabric Blog)

Red Strapless Rhinestone Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress
from: Milanoo.com

A larger view can be found on Milanoo.

Details -
- Chiffon fabric
- A-line silhouette
- Draped embellishment
- Rhinestone embellishment
- Empire waist line

My take away -

Regarding the color of the dress - Red

Red is such a bold and vivid color hue.  If for any other occasion - especially evening occasions - a red gown would be beautiful and noticeable.  Noticeable.  The bridesmaid dress featured in this post is formal and luxurious in aesthetic.  How can the bridal party guarantee proper accent to the bride's white wedding dress without stealing focus?  Brideside offers a simplistic wedding dress style - Bohemian Bride...Flowing bridal silhouette and flowy bridesmaid dresses...Keep it cool.  The Bohemian Bride style is perfect for summer weddings.  Chiffon is ideal for flowy bridesmaid dresses.  Red is best as a backdrop to a summer sunset.  In the end, red will compliment the bride's wedding dress in a striking way.  

Quote -

"...picking a bright palette of summer colors will bring your entire wedding together..."

(LoveToKnow)

Top 5 Favorite Bridesmaid Dress Colors - Navy

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Navy Blue is a classic and understated accent to the bride's wedding dress.  Satin, in my opinion, is an ideal fabric for a navy blue bridesmaid dress to compliment a satin wedding dress.  I find that this match has a touch of elegance and luxury.

In the instance below, taffeta is the fabric of choice.  However, satin and taffeta do look similar as both are generally made from the same material (such as silk).

A-line Dark Navy Sweetheart Neck Floor-Length Bridesmaid Dress
from: Milanoo.com

A larger view can be found on Milanoo.

Details -
- Taffeta fabric
- Flower embellishment
- Ruched embellishment
- High rise waistline

My take away -
Regarding one specific detail - Ruched embellishment
Whether taffeta in fabric or satin in fabric, ruched embellishment adds glamour and drama that lends to an upscale wedding theme - such as a black tie affair wedding theme with ceremony held in the evening.  The dark navy bridesmaid dress featured in this post is ideal for a winter wedding bridal party.

Wedding Bouquet

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Wedding Bouquet

by Blooms Today

$100