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During an uncertain economic climate, practical choices for bridesmaids in length, fabric, and style may be wise. Agreeing to dresses that the girls can wear again for social occasions, fashion classics, could be the way forward.
What if the bride’s chosen friends are all different shapes, sizes, and skin tones? It is worth considering that identical style dresses will not have wardrobe longevity. Identical dresses also may not look so good on the final photographs. Uniformity of color rather than style may be the most useful strategy.
Bridesmaid Dresses Style and Cut
Factors to consider when ringing the changes on a tradition with bridesmaid attire include:
- Neckline
- Sleeves
- Length
Brides need to consider whether to make it clear if sleeves, strappy or strapless are what is preferred for her bridesmaids. Different necklines need careful consideration; straps, halters, asymmetrical shoulder detail may all be fine among the same group. If the girls all choose different styles, various strappy styles would combine well with strapless, but not perhaps with sleeves.
Flattering styles for larger girls are often sleeveless, but with a pashmina shawl or a shrug. For larger girls are preferred frills, although full skirts and with few tweaks in waist may suit some.
Length tends to be around knee length or slightly longer rather than excessively short or touching the ground. A knee length dress can be worn again at regular social events after the wedding. A dress hem that is touching the ankles rather than the floor is better than full length and keeps clean.
Bridesmaid Fabric and Drape Choices
Consideration should also be given to:
- Fabric
- Silhouette
- Wearability
Fabrics readily available are satin, silk, organza, taffeta, silky soft draped jerseys, and chiffon. Jersey lends itself to soft ruching and cross-bias draping while taffeta weaves hold shape more strictly. Chiffon will gather or flare prettily, yet is less easy to control than some other fabrics.
The softness or crispness of the fabric will influence the silhouette of the gown. An A-line taffeta dress will stand out at the hem, a soft jersey one may cling to the body line. Bridesmaid style for the twenty-first century allows for top fashion shapes such as a chic shift shape rather than bouffant and frilly.
No Halloween or Costume Party Bridesmaid Styles
Avoid buying into a dress style that will later survive only as a fancy dress party or Halloween costume - avoid frills, flounces, patterned fabrics, bold appliques that only a bridesmaid’s mother could love. A wedding may seem as fairytale as Cinderella, but the central characters do not want to look back and see themselves like caricatures.
Bridesmaid Style Co-ordinated Footwear
Shoes are an important accessory to the bridesmaid outfit. They would traditionally be of light colored leather or fabric, either of which can be dyed the same color as the dress. Leather can be dyed again to a more durable color for later everyday use, so consider wearing classic court shoes, especially at a cold-weather wedding.
Silver or gold sandals or pumps look good with most colors of the dress and can be worn again afterward. Generally, if your girls can find their most comfortable style in the same color, differences in heel height or strap detail will not spoil the co-ordinated look.
Shoes often add the finishing touch for the bridesmaid outfit.
