Bridesmaids
Although I usually devote time to the bride to be, this time I decided it’s time to talk about bridesmaids. Years ago being a bridesmaid meant wearing some monstrosity of a gown in colors that defied explanation. Frankly I think the idea behind it was to make sure the bridesmaids didn’t upstage the bride. Thankfully both the times and the designs have changed. Today’s bridesmaids’ dresses range from the practical to the sublime and all points in between.
In fact there are so many styles to choose from a bride can easily be overwhelmed. How can she pick something that will flatter the figures of all her bridesmaids without breaking the bank? My advice is to keep things as simple as possible. Does this mean that she has to forgo style in favor of boring looking dresses? Absolutely not! This season‘s dresses offer bold new colors and slim silhouettes to flatter every figure. Just remember that fabric counts, so look for gowns made of soft fabrics like organza, chiffon or silk. Soft fabrics drape curves making them look more appealing, while stiffer fabrics (such as taffeta) draw attention to figure flaws and problem areas.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that of shape, silhouette and skirt. This season marks a few new trends in bridesmaids’ dresses and it can be confusing for most brides as they are trying to determine what will look good on all the bridesmaids. To make it easy I’ve narrowed it down to the most popular trends I’ve seen along with the pros and cons of each choice
A Line Skirts -- Waist and bodice form a line that looks like the letter A.
Pro: This silhouette works well for all body types
Con: Very popular, may seem like the model T Ford if you’re interest in doing something different.
Mermaid Silhouette -- Body hugging silhouette
Pro: Very sexy silhouette
Con: Not figure friendly to all body types
Tea length Skirts -- Skirt hangs at the ankles
Pro: Very lovely length with no risk of tripping
Con: Honestly can’t think of one, it’s a matter of taste
Bubble Skirts -- Skirt forms a bubble just below the waist.
Pro: Very modern look
Con: Doesn’t flatter petite frames, works better on taller frames
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Coat Dress -- Think Caroline Herrera and Diane Von Furstenberg. Dresses usually have the look of a wrap dress or straight bodice flowing into the skirt.
Pro: A very modern, clean and crisp look that can be worn again
Con: It draws attention to midsection (tummy) and tends to pull for those with larger busts.
Strapless --
Pro: A flattering neckline for a size 2 or 20 bridesmaid.
Con: You may still hear a protest or two from those who don’t like their arms
With so many choices available I tell brides that they should begin shopping for bridesmaid dresses at least 10 months before the wedding. Why? Because it’s been my experience that most women know who’s going to be in their wedding even before they know who the groom is. So why not gather the girls together, have them choose a few styles to try on and narrow it down from there? The final decision is still the bride’s, but her attendants will appreciate having an opportunity to have a say in the matter.
Bridesmaids are the women a bride feels closest to, they are her truest friends and confidantes. They should have the opportunity to feel just a beautiful as the bride herself. Don’t worry brides, they won’t outshine you. As a matter of fact beautiful bridesmaids will only add to your radiance. Besides who doesn’t want to hear what a beautiful wedding party she had?
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