little white dresses for Everything But The...

Dress by - Diane von Furstenberg (Zarita Lace Dress)

Some girls wait their whole lives to wear that white dress on their wedding day, but when it comes down to picking out the perfect style, length and shade, it can be difficult to pick just one! What if you see yourself walking down the aisle in a fitted, lace gown with a long train but can't deny how fun and flirty a lace mini dress would look?

Not to worry! Leading up to your big day there are plenty of occasions in honor and celebration of your engagement and wedding, giving you an excellent excuse for a little white dress (LWD)!

Dress by - Marchesa (Fall 2012)

Taking a note from the popular saying is the idea of the LWD for "Everything But The" wedding! This white dress is your chance to wear a flirty and fun, non-traditional dress that makes you feel your very best, but might not be the best fit for your actual wedding.

The "Everything But The" dress is perfect for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or after party because it makes it clear that you're the bride. Plus who doesn't look amazing in shades of white and creme?

Dress by - Free People (Lurex Starlight Party Dress)

Thankfully many designers and department stores have taken note of this trend and are currently offering some amazing "Everything But The" dress options! Whether you want to look glamorous, sexy or demure at your upcoming celebration, there's bound to be many couture and budget-friendly choices fresh off this season's runway!

Dresses by - from left to right: Nanette Lepore (Ponderous Dress), Watters (Melbourne Dress)

Monique Lhuillier's current Spring 2012 collection is made up of structured mini dresses that are more fitted and flirtatious while her Fall 2012 collection offers playful, pocketed dresses that remind me whimsical springtime sundresses.

Dresses by - Monique Lhuillier, top row, from left to right: Taylor Dress, Pippa Dress (Spring 2012); bottom row, from left to right: Posey Dress, Lili Dress (Fall 2012)

BHLDN, much like their mother company, Anthropologie, is showing dresses with a cool, retro vibe in a number of different styles, from sheaths to baby-dolls.

Dresses by - BHLDN, top row, from left to right: Saturnalia Dress, Dainty Diversion Mini, Tracery Dress; bottom row, from left to right: Spun Sugar Shift, Quatrefoil Sheath, For Esme Dress

You can also check out tons of online stores such as Net-a-Porter and the British shop, Asos, as well as American department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales for other great options!

Dresses by - top row, all available at Asos online, from left to right: Asos Brand (Skater Dress with Lace and Mesh), Whistles (Large Spot Dress), TFNC (One Shoulder Dress); bottom row, all available at Nordstrom online, from left to right: Maggy London (Tie Waist Metallic Lace Sheath), Antik Batik (Ilka Sequined Tulle Dress), Nordstrom BP Brand (En Creme Lace Illusion Dress)

As you can see, the options for fun little white dresses are seemingly limitless! When choosing your dress for your upcoming bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or after party, just make sure to pick something that speaks to your personal style and your beautiful bride-to-be glow will do the rest of the work!

**This post can also be seen on the blog for Stellina Events, a New York and San Francisco-based wedding and special events planning and design consultancy for which I have interned since November 2011. The Stellina Events article, posted on January 26, 2012 can be seen here**