#tulipandnettle

[themumdaytimes]

The Bridesmaid Files

When my brother got engaged and his two nieces (my girls!) were finally invited to fulfil their destiny as flower girls, I promised you reams of taffeta and tulle, nosegays and grosgrain ribbon. Well, after months of research here it is: My Bridesmaid Dossier.

If I we had a mega budget (the dresses I love are around £300) I would definitely plump for one of these beautiful dresses from Nicki McFarlane who kitted out the bridesmaids for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding. Was sorely tempted to lie about the price and go for it but then realised I was high.

Can't afford the Nicki McFarlane dresses but we can afford the shoes that she uses in all her shoots and that were indeed used for the royal nuptials!

Rainbow club Abigail Bridesmaid Shoes, £30-£35, John Lewis 

This simple covered button dress looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. Silk Bow Dress (3-12yrs), £85-£89, Next. Yes indeed!

Here's eldest madam trying on a Dessy Flower Girl dress which she instantly fell in love with and threw herself sobbing onto a chaise-longue in despair when I told her that it might not be the bride's choice. Yikes! Bridesmaidzilla! 

Here it is full length: The romantically named Dessy Flower Girl Dress fl4038

Another very rich seam of bridesmaid dresses is notonthehighstreet.com, (Who knew?!) which has a really wide selection of pretty dresses. Love this shade of green. Amy Jewel Dress, £175, Little Bevan, notonthehighstreet.com

Perfect vintage style dress for a Kate Moss style country wedding. Faralaes Dress, £132, The Traditional Children Company, notonthehighstreet.com

This Misty Dress festooned with hearts would look adorable at a chic city wedding. Love the scalloped neckline. £70 (age 2-14) Stella McCartney Kids

Tulip & Nettle have some really pretty, traditional dresses with a more laid back feel at really reasonable prices. Dresses are from £50 -£95

Tulip & Nettle also do great Page Boy pieces. Velvet Breeches and highwaymen shirts that don't look too Fauntleroy.

This is the dress that the bride favours so far. Clean lines and lace from John Lewis. Empire Line Lace Dress, £65-£70, John Lewis 

I love the idea of going a little bit kitsch and having lots of flower girls in all different sugared almond shades. Rosie Corsage Dress, £50, Monsoon 

The ilovegorgeous store in Notting Hill is a fantastic destination for unstructured heartbreakingly pretty dresses. They have a designated flower girl room at the back of the shop with lots of gorgeous accessories to try on and toys to play with for bored bridesmaids who are sick of taking their clothes off.

More ilovegorgeousness

And some more.

These would look great for a vintagey evening wedding  - in fact I'd quite like one for me. Girls Star Crown Headband, £26.50, J.Crew

I also love these grosgrain bows that would look lovely on their own or clipping in a delicate spray of flowers. Big Bow Clip, £4.00, La Coqueta Kids

Here's littlest madam trying on a red velvet cape in the ilovegorgeous flower girl room. I'm a tiny bit obsessed with Little Red Riding Hood capes and think they would look gorgeous as a cover up for a Winter wedding. 

Winter Cape, £107, ilovegorgeous.com

Silk Matilda Dress, £160, Sue Hill, notonthehighstreet.com Cute!