New online resources for the stylish bride-to-be

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Have about 10 or so taffeta bridesmaids gowns been collecting dust in the garage? Or are you a youthful and super stylish bride-to-be who has been perusing bridal dress websites online and just can’t find anything but the usual strapless, poufy and generic looking gown with accessories that are a total snooze fest or too reminiscent of 1994?

A couple of popular online retail sites are adding bridal components to their offerings, increasing the options for less traditional brides and for bridesmaids who don’t feel like dumping a fortune on a dress she’ll never wear again.

Rent the Runway launched their bridesmaid dress component Tuesday. Now Brides-to-be can select a style from the site and her maids can merely rent and return the dresses after the big day is done. Designers such as Nicole Miller and Robert Rodriguez have designed dresses exclusively for Rent the Runway. And some non-exclusive styles will also be available from Shoshanna and Calypso St. Barth’s. Accessories fit for a wedding are available from designers such as Miriam Haskell and Badgley Mischka. Wedding accessory rentals start at $10.

Shopbop, the go-to site for contemporary and some edgier designer wares, will also be adding bridal to the website starting in March. [Updated 1:25 p.m. Wednesday: An earlier version of this article said the bridal component to the website would be added in February.] The bridal gowns on shopbop’s Bridal Boutique will include pieces from smaller, lesser known New York designers as well as more established brands such as Halston Heritage, Thread Social, Rachel Pally, Lela Rose, Notte by Marchesa, Temperley London and Calvin Klein.

-- Melissa Magsaysay