so pretty. I don't see a belt at all on the second one; do you need one?

I think you might want something like a blusher veil, ie

https://www.jjshouse.com/Cheap-Wedding-Veils-c6/Blusher-Veils_p21094i41121/

and here

https://www.davidsbridal.com/blushers#dbi

I actually really like the shoes and I wonder if you could have them treated - like a scotchguard or something so you wouldn't have to worry about them. As for a belt with the second dress, you could try a pretty ribbon in place of a belt and see what you think.

Getting close!

I saw those "blusher veils" and loved them, but I don't want anything over my face. I want something for the back of my head. That's why I have been having trouble, because the fascinators aren't really for the back either . . .

Is your shoulder length hair long enough to tie back with braids like your inspiration? Assuming it is, I think you need to combine your wish for a fascinator with whatever will hold your hair in place. Something like this from Etsy but worn in the back.

What would you call that so I can search for it?

And yes, my hair looks just about like that photo except it is brown. About the same length and texture. I may be too old to pull off the braids but something. Maybe more like this . . . but that looks messy. My cousin is doing my hair, she's a maven.

I absolutely love the first dress. Looks a little more bridal, iykwim, but the 2nd one is pretty too. And I agree with maybe a scotch guard spray on the shoes. Test a spot first, but usually it always works for me on fabric shoes.

Since it’s the end of summer season, you might find some blush shoes on sale. I think I would go very pale instead of a brighter pink if you decide on some different shoes.

I like the ideas of a fascinator. But the braids drawn up in back with a pretty spray of fresh flowers & tiny ribbon in your hair would be pretty too. You could even do a single braid down one side but toward the back if you wear your hair with a side part, then use a fascinator with the braid. Do you have a hairdresser you could discuss ideas with in advance and play around with some things?

i think some blushers you can wear either way

I'm going to have to do this virtually. I can't visit either "hairdresser" in person before the wedding for a trial. So I have to show them a photo. Thus, probably best to keep it simple.

Where does one buy shoes online other than zappos? Nothing locally. I have some pale pink shoes but oddly they don't fit any more. I doubt they shrunk in the closet. :)

I googled bridal fascinator to find that but I think it may be misleading for you. Aren't fascinators generally off-kilter and forward on the head? Or is that a more recent look? Just did an image search for 'simple bridal hair piece' and there's lots of inspiration there, too.

In addition to Zappos you can try DSW for shoes. I wore a very similar fabric espadrille type shoe to my garden wedding way back when, walked in the grass, did photos etc and they were fine.

Exciting time!

I can't help with the headpiece but I did want to warn you to test if you may have a reaction to treatment (scotchguard) on you shoes. I had a horrible experience after treating some Keds with Scotchguard. After a few minutes of wearing the treated shoes, my feet started burning, turned bright red and the skin pealed a few days later.

Try some of the online bridal retailers like usabridal.com and look at the hair pins or combs. Also hispanic dress stores usually have things like this in their quincernera lines. Or Icings or Charming Charlies at the mall have bridal/prom pieces like this.

I would not scotch guard. I would simply wear a slip-on shoe across the parking lot. Once inside change. Unless you are traipsing through the mud once outside during your wedding, I would not worry about a little bit of dirt. If you trash them by the end of the night, so be it. Which of course means you do need a second pair of shoes for your second dress.

Zappos is the best option. There are plenty of others but they either charge shipping one or both ways. And, Zappos gives you the whole year to return the shoes.

I agree with Mtn. I don't think you need a belt with the second dress. Especially since you have the cardi.

Things are coming together! Good luck with the headpiece.

I have scotchguarded shoes, but maybe I don't need to. I got the shoes pretty cheap on sale at a store that was going out of business. They are super comfy, so I hope they last for both weddings! Just found my old pink shoes, they weren't real leather and had deteriorated too much to wear anyway, even if they had fit. Had to throw them out. I kinda want a back-up pair just in case the ones I have don't hold up.

I might try a few options at zappos. I love their return policies!

Edited to add ugh, after doing some searching, everything that I like is a fascinator that goes on the side. Which means my head piece is all wrapped up in how I wear my hair. Double ugh! They don't seem to combine the floral comb look with a bit of tuile, which is what I want.

Edited to add what about this comb? https://cassandralynne.com/products/light-gold-flower-wedding-comb-with-opal?variant=1087405883418

I’m thinking blusher veil turned backwards. Sorta/kinda.

That's what I was thinking too Delilah but it sounds like pink mountain likes the offset aspect of the fascinator.

That's me, the eternal backwards woman! Can you turn a blusher veil backwards? Everything I see that I like is off set. I guess so you can see it in the pics. Maybe you don't have to off set them . . . I may have to consult with my hair stylist . . . ugh.

I really, really like that comb

Maybe I can just make a tulle or lace bow and and stuff it under the hair comb . . .

Edited to add another option for Robo . . . an me . . .
https://cassandralynne.com/products/antique-pink-bridal-hair-flower

I like this too, maybe I could put it on a comb or attach a clip.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/249318936/ivory-lace-and-tulle-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_12

The comb with the gold may be too fancy. Costs almost as much as both my wedding dresses combined! I'd rather do something chintzy like maybe 30 bucks or less.

Or maybe I should just nab something off of my Halloween costume and call it a day!

I love the top one with the pink flowers! To me it seems like it would work better with your first dress then your second dress. Really super pretty!

What pretty dresses! You are going to be a gorgeous bride. I sure like the idea of the back hairpiece.

Are you near a bridal shop? I would see if they have something you could buy.

You could buy an unadorned comb or barrette and glue netting or flowers or jewels or anything really...pretty easy DIY project.

I visited the local bridal shop and they had nothing, and I mean nothing! Really shocked me. Obviously they don't cater to older brides there. Did not even have any cocktail length dresses or anything really, that wasn't strapless and miles of plastic goo. Didn't even have a catalog or anything to order out of for something different. No tiaras, combs, hats, anything like that. And it was a huge shop!

The comb with the gold may be too fancy.

My thoughts too. Also, that one and the Etsy seem to have a creamy, maybe even vintage tone and your dresses (esp the second one) seem like a truer white?

Try googling "blusher veils in back". Might give you some ideas. I saw several.

remind me, when is the day(s)? So exciting!

Google "English bride hairstyles". Lots of pretty styles that would suit your dress(es) to a t.

On that last link from Robo, fourth row on right-single flower/clip. I think something like that or a simple longer one in back would be lovely (eta: like the one jojoco just shared!). With the floral dresses, anything too fussy would detract I think. Maybe. Not a fan of veils (front or back) on anyone other than first-time brides, plus they are a little fussy. That said, you should do whatever makes your heart sing, pinkmountain! It is your day and if you feel beautiful, you will be!!

I also agree with you, Robo-wish I could go back and redo!

Yeah, that's the thing, I don't want a veil, I just want some netted fru fru thing that references a veil. Maybe I should give that up, lol!

Edited to add that I bought this one, it's simple and goes with both dresses. Really don't need a gorgeous one, although it was fun to peruse. It wasn't that expensive. If this doesn't work, I'll go with the arm band from my Halloween costume and glue it on a hair comb or clip. It is really quite nice. Or a wild fascinator from Amazon, I have a couple in my cart.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/619073611/pink-and-white-wedding-hair-flower

I love veils, they are so flattering, too bad there are so few occasions for them. Do what you want. I understand you want to be subtle, but you also want to be bridal!

It may be more than you want, but there is such a thing called a “birdcage veil”. ( who knew?) Very Jackie 0 vibe.

Don't give up the veil. I made the mistake of telling my mother I thought I would not wear the blusher with my veil and the saleswoman heard me and had it removed. I was miffed when the veil arrived sans blusher and it was too late to do anything about it. Your rational self is telling you things about skipping the veil- but like Mtn said you are a bride-to-be and should enjoy all the anachronous and quirky fun parts of that day.

I may be able to lend you mine… (Just have to track it down as I am packing.) Let me know if this would work for you.

The weddings are so casual, I just don't seem myself wearing a veil past the ceremony and I'd rather not fuss with my hair any more than I have to.

OMG OMG, something borrowed! : )

Jo that is so generous! It just seems like the blingy ones won't go with my dresses though, but what do I know! Hey, where will you be come Sept. 29th? I'll be very close to your new home for my second wedding.

Lpink, the offer stands. (I am home that weekend… Probably still unpacking). So excited for you and your guy.

Robo, I did the same search for Etsy. Some of those are inexpensive.

I loved my bridal comb!

I picture something delicate with flowers that a woodland fairy would wear to go with the first dress. This Etsy shop has some pretty pieces.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildRoseAndSparrow/items

Something casually easy on easy off? All you would have to do is curl your hair and slip this on. Comes in many colors.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/449091968/ivory-flower-headband-floral-head-crown?ref=shop_home_active_60

Love the "hippie headband!" Costs more than my wedding dress! Not to say that is an issue or a bad thing, my wedding dress was dirt cheap! The shoes I am looking at are more than the dress too! The ones I got were very inexpensive, around 30 bucks but that's because they are fabric. The ones I am looking at are leather. I get better wear out of fabric than the fake plastic leather, which I inevitably tear or cut in some way . . . I am hard on shoes, being so outdoorsy.

chickadee now you've made ME want a do-over! Those are gorgeous and I LOVE the meadow boutonnieres

Every year at the Arboretum where I work I have a "Garden Party" so I can wear fancy head gear! We even make our own fascinators.

So cute! You can pull off a fascinator, LOL

headband fascinator?

Or hair like this with some flowers?

Nosoccer I LOVE the hairstyle that blonde is wearing! Totally homage to my mom who used to wear a french twist but fiance wants me to wear my hair down, so best of both worlds. But with that hairstyle, I should not cover it up with anything!

I have to say that I really love that hairdo, too. I would imagine that it's very flattering, classy but still relaxed, a bit boho but not hippie. Maybe a small flower?

Let us know what you're going to do.