FIT:
It is, naturally, difficult to find a dress that will be a flattering fit to every girl in their wedding party. Most bridesmaids groups consist of a range of sizes, from 2 to 22.
If your maids fall into this category, we recommend a flowy style with a full or a-line skirt and a band or sash at the high waist or ribcage. The waistband serves 2 purposes: to accentuate the naturally smallest part of each girls waist, and to break up the line of a fuller figure. A sash can also be tied in front, giving an elongating line to each girl's figure.
It is, naturally, difficult to find a dress that will be a flattering fit to every girl in their wedding party. Most bridesmaids groups consist of a range of sizes, from 2 to 22.
If your maids fall into this category, we recommend a flowy style with a full or a-line skirt and a band or sash at the high waist or ribcage. The waistband serves 2 purposes: to accentuate the naturally smallest part of each girls waist, and to break up the line of a fuller figure. A sash can also be tied in front, giving an elongating line to each girl's figure.
FABRIC:
There is a wide array of fabrics available to choose from when beginning the bridesmaid selection process.
LIGHT:A few of the lighter fabrics are: chiffon, taffeta, charmeuse, organza, organdy, duppioni, shantung, and georgette. These lighter fabrics are ideal for a summer wedding as they are lighter and flowier. They are also more "breathable" than a heavy satin if you are planning an outdoor wedding--which means your girls will be less likely to have sweat stains.
HEAVY: Heavier fabrics include: All satins (bella, renaissance, duchess, empress, etc), lame, and faille. These fabric choices are appropriate for a more formal wedding, or for winter weddings.
STYLE:
The bride is intended to be the centerpiece, so you want your maids to be a compliment to your individual style. If you have chosen a lacy, romantic gown, then you should consider a light and flowy bridesmaid dress to compliment your choice. If you have a streamlined and modern dress, then consider choosing a more modern look for your girls. Think about how the pictures will look with the bridal party together.
The bride is intended to be the centerpiece, so you want your maids to be a compliment to your individual style. If you have chosen a lacy, romantic gown, then you should consider a light and flowy bridesmaid dress to compliment your choice. If you have a streamlined and modern dress, then consider choosing a more modern look for your girls. Think about how the pictures will look with the bridal party together.
THEME & COORDINATION:
Many brides are worried about creating an exact tuxedo match to their bridesmaid's gowns. Although tuxedo shops, like The Tux Room, have an array of colors and patterns in tuxedo accessories, do not fret if you cannot find an exact match (or if the groomsmen refuse to wear the color you choose!). You are always safe to select a "classic black" tuxedo with black or charcoal accessories. You can always add a splash of the matching color with a pocket square, or by coordinating the boutteirs with the florist.
Ask your bridal shop for fabric swatches of your gown AND your bridesmaids. These are very useful to have when meeting with your florist, your decorator, and your planner.
TRENDS:
What is hot right now? We are still seeing a good amount of "sleeker" bubble skirts. Many bridesmaids dresses now have pockets, which we love! It is convenient, and adds a little "personality" to the dress. Rouching is also popular and flattering. We are also starting to see embellishments, which have previously been omitted from most bridesmaids styles. Adding a brooch, 3D flowers/accents, a touch of lace, or embroidery gives the dress a bit of pizzaz, and makes it much more "wearable" as a cocktail style dress.
SIZING:
Size is always the biggest concern for bridesmaids. A few things to consider:
1. Bridesmaids dresses can run small, so never rely on your standard "street size"
2. You want to be PROFESSIONALLY measured to select your size. You can get measured at any tailor, seamstress, or local bridal shop. There is usually no charge for this service.
3. Most girls are in-between sizes when they select a size. If this is the case, it is safer to select the larger size and have the rest of the dress taken in to fit you. As a rule, it is easier to take it in than to let it out.
4. Bridesmaids are strongly cautioned against ordering a much smaller size based on plans to lose weight. Think about what would happen if the dress still doesn't fit 2 weeks before the wedding--it would be too late to order a new dress, or even more fabric! Order safe.
5. Expect alterations. Expect alterations. Expect alterations. It is part of being a bridesmaid and getting the perfect fit foer your friend's event.
ORDERING:
You want to make sure to order your bridesmaid's dresses from ONE store, all at the same time. That way, the dresses are all cut from the same dye lot of fabric, and there will be no chance for color variation in the dresses. Most bridal salons should keep track of everyones sizes and payment status for you so that they can submit the order in its entirety.
