Shabby Apple has launched a bridesmaid line that offers a modern spin on vintage looks. Made with a subtle sheen stretch fabric, these dresses are available in nine colors and seven unique styles. They are handmade to order, with intricate details including ruffled necklines, pleated busts, and floral decoratives.

“We love weddings; it’s the absolute perfect, and essential, place to wear a dress,” Athelia Woolley, co-owner of Shabby Apple says. “With the bridesmaid line, we created a continuation of the feminine, hip, vintage style that graces our other lines of dresses.”

The line features figure flattering cuts to complement the body types of all bridesmaids. Best of all? They are an affordable option, starting at just over $100. Mix and match different designs in the same color for a unique wedding style.

Launched in 2006, Shabby Apple is a women-owned, socially responsible company that has partnered with Unitus, a nonprofit organization in the micro-finance industry, to help alleviate global poverty for millions of women and their families.

Graphic Designer Emily Zych started her company, Which Goose, on whim in 2008, and it all fell into place. Her unique designs have exploded into the Etsy marketplace and beyond. Inspired by nature, thrift shops, and old movies, she creates one-of-a-kind accessories that run the gamut from romantic floral hair combs to embellished shoes. There is something for every bride in her vast, whimsical collection. To start, take a peek at her Feather Bridal Comb ...

and Something Blue embellished bridal shoes…

Depending on your style and wedding theme, Which Goose is sure to have a romantic accessory for your bridal ensemble. Don’t forget about your girls; consider Which Goose clips and combs as a gift for your bridesmaids… 

Recessionistas rejoice!  In these economic times, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to wear your wedding gown more than once (without looking ridiculous)?  NY-based designer Sioloonim offers a couture line of white silk taffeta blouses and floor-length silk skirts that – when paired together – create a one-of-a-kind look for wedding dresses.  As an added bonus, brides can get more mileage out of the top, which is simple and chic enough to be worn again for a night on the town with skinny jeans and stilettos or to the office with a pencil skirt and pumps. 

If you’re not the stereotypical poofy white dress type of bride, you may have noticed the lack of suitable alternatives that still make you, well, look like a bride. A handful of independent designers are answering that call with sophisticated and unique wedding dresses that have an artistic, edgy quality while still being pretty.  Seattle-based Chrissy Wai-Ching, an artist who forayed into dress design, specializes in custom hand-dyed silk gowns featuring color choices like golds, reds, blues and greens.  San Francisco-based Mignonette Bridal offers custom and ready-to-wear gowns with shorter hemlines, svelte silhouettes and non-traditional colors.  Both designers cater to brides all over the nation.

It may be your day to be a princess, but donning a rhinestone tiara is not required.  Handcrafted headpieces from Jennifer Behr are glamorous alternatives featuring silk camellias, orchids, feathers, or diamonds that are more avant garde than cheesy.  Since the headpieces have been spotted on the likes of Natalie Portman and featured in Gossip Girl, you can safely splurge on these wedding accessories knowing that you’ll likely sport the look again – which is more than you can say for the typical bridal crown.