One of the biggest questions to ask when choosing Bridesmaid Dresses is about color. Aside from choosing a shade you like, you’ll want to pick one that fits the tone of the ceremony, like some Elegant Bridesmaid Dresses. You’ll also want to choose a color that flatters the bridesmaids.
Here are some thoughts on choosing a color for your Bridesmaid Dresses.
Black. Black Bridesmaid Dresses are most appropriate for an elegant evening ceremony. However, black can be made a bit more casual if you go with a shorter dress or by combining it with white or another light color. This color looks good on most women and is slimming, and Black Bridesmaid Dresses usually are easy to recycle for a later formal occasion. In some people’s minds, though, black just isn’t “wedding” enough because it is associated with mourning and sexuality.
Red. Red is a bold color choice. Like black, it tends to work best for the elegant evening wedding, but can be toned down if the dress is shorter or contains other colors. To avoid the ‘fire engine” effect, choose a shade that’s a little muted, and to tone down the sexual connotations of this color, choose a modest dress. Red Bridesmaid Dresses often looks best on women with olive or brown skin, and sometimes makes blondes and redheads look pale.
Pink. Pink Bridesmaid Dresses signifies innocence and youthful femininity. It’s a good choice for a springtime, outdoor wedding, but might not be appropriate for older bridesmaids. A more sophisticated choice is rum pink, which is feminine and pretty without looking too prom-like. You can also tone down the prom look by keeping the dress simple, without frilly bows and poofy stuff.
Navy blue or royal blue. Dark shades of blue can be a good alternative to black. They’re sophisticated, slimming, and look good on most women, but don’t have that mourning connotation. Dark shades of blue work well with older bridesmaids. If you choose royal blue, don’t pick too bright of a shade, because that screams bad ’80s prom dress. If you choose navy, try not to go too dark or else the dresses might clash with the tuxes.
Maroon and hunter green. Along with navy blue, maroon and hunter green are clean, vivid, “preppy” colors. They’re dark and colorful without being too overpowering. Green is hard for some women to pull off, especially if you choose a brighter kelly green.
Purple. Purple can be a good alternative to red. It’s bold and colorful, but doesn’t come with red’s sexual connotations. Like red, Purple Bridesmaid Dresses can make a woman with pale skin look paler, but it can also complement yellowish skin tones. Choose shades carefully, as some can be pretty tacky. Purple doesn’t always look good on heavier bridesmaids.
Pale blue, pale green, pale yellow, or lavender. These pastel shades are nice alternatives to pink that aren’t quite so girly. These shades typically work best for daytime weddings during spring or summer, and don’t always look so good on older bridesmaids. If you go with pastels, minimize the prom look by avoiding frilly bows and big skirts.
Orange. Orange is in vogue, especially subtle shades of peach and coral. Not everyone can pull off Orange Bridesmaid Dresses, though, especially darker and brighter shades. Bright orange tends to look better on women with dark skin.
November 18, 2009
Choosing the Right for Your Girls
November 11, 2009
wedding dresses for yourself
A couple years ago, I went to two weddings that demonstrated polar opposite philosophies about bridesmaid’s dresses. You didn’t know that choosing a dress for your bridesmaids was philosophical? Well, now you do.
At the first wedding, the brides were all dressed in a very plain, form-fitting dress. Now, I’m a guy, so I can’t say anything especially brilliant about the particular dress style, other than it was “okay.” But the color, a sort of mocha (I told you I’m a guy — this color’s probably called Venetian Arrivista), truly looked awful.
After all, this was a Sicilian wedding, and the bridesmaids were dark-skinned. The bride looked great, but the bridesmaids sure didn’t. The color of the Black Bridesmaid Dresses didn’t suit their skin tones, and the style of the Ball Gown Bridesmaid Dresses didn’t flatter. As harsh as it sounds, this bride thought of her bridesmaids as props.
At another wedding, instead of the traditional dress, the bride chose an Cap Sleeves Evening Dresses. While the color wasn’t ideal for every single bridesmaids, there were enough hues and subtleties in the sequins to soften any mismatches. Better yet, since the pantsuit consisted of separates, the bridesmaids could pair the sparkly top with a pair of jeans and sexy heeled boots for a hot night on the town. These bridesmaids thanked the bride repeatedly for choosing an Cap Sleeves Bridesmaid Dresses that they could wear to other formal (or even not-so-formal) occasions.
Of course, the most important dress at any wedding is the bride’s. But after that, the next most important is the bridesmaids’ gowns. They’re important because there’s a number of them being worn at the same time, so they make a big visual statement. Quite often, the flowers are keyed to the ‘maids gowns. And finally, those gowns vividly reflect your tastes.
Picture this: the groom and groomsmen are dressed in dodgy tuxedos — the groom’s wrists are peeking out from the sleeves, and the men are all wearing pink floral cummerbunds even though the wedding’s at 8 pm. Most people would just chuckle and chalk it all up to the groom. If the bridesmaids look similarly neglected, everyone wonders why the bride chose such ugly dresses. Don’t let this happen to you!
When choosing those dresses, in fact, it’s best to involve your bridesmaids from the start. In fact, in this age of the internet and photo-swapping by email, there’s really no excuse not to. Your first thought’s probably color, and while you probably have a favorite in mind, it may not suit everyone. In fact, each of your bridesmaids probably has a different skin tone, and it’s not easy to find one color that flatters everyone.
It’s true, your wedding’s not a democracy. But this is one area where it’s really good to compromise. This is doubly true if your bridesmaids are paying all their own costs. Find yourself getting stuck on color? Try these strategies to mix things up: choose two colors, dividing your bridesmaids down the middle. Have three buy a Red Bridesmaid Dresses and three buy a Chocolate Bridesmaid Dresses one. (If you go this route, make absolutely sure that you’re grouping your maids by shortest to tallest, or they’ll look funny.) Or single out your maid of honor with a dress in her own unique color. Being creative can go a long way toward the solution.
Price is key, too. Since most ‘maids will never wear that dress again, it’s unfair to have them pay an arm and a leg for it. Making sure it’s affordable will make you popular. Along those lines, many brides are trying harder to find dresses that the bridesmaids might wear to other formal occasions. Others are driving a deal with a local seamstress and having the dresses custom-made — or occasionally, driving a deal with Mom. Thanks, Mom.
You’re the bride and it’s your day, so the final choice is yours. But if you’re able to relax your grip and let a little give-and-take into the proceedings, your bridesmaids are sure to thank you. Choose two or three dresses that you can live with, and let the girls vote on their favorite. This way, you know you’ll like the dress because you picked the options, and the bridesmaids will feel they had some say over where their money went.
Most women who’ve served their time as bridesmaids can share horror stories of some pretty unflattering dresses. By following these guidelines, you can make sure your bridesmaids belong to happily-ever-after stories instead!
November 9, 2009
The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress
What are the latest trends in bridesmaid dresses?
A-Line Bridesmaid Dresses which look great on all different body shapes and sizes are very popular. The hottest styles right now are two-tone, two-piece floor length styles, mostly sleeveless. Also very popular are column style dresses, floor length, halter top or straps criss-crossing over the back and sleeveless. Another big trend is having a shawl accompany the dress, particularly the barer styles.
Colors - Platinum is very in style at the moment, as well as the paler colors, pale yellows, sand, and taupe. There is also a trend toward burgundy and hunter for fall weddings too. Black Bridesmaid Dresses are always in style and always a popular choice among both brides and their bridesmaids. In addition, many of the designers today are also using better quality fabrics like Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses.
Combinations - Another trend is to choose a manufacturer that offers different styles in the same fabric and color and letting each bridesmaid chose the style they look best in. You could apply some simple rules - no dress above the knee, like Long Bridesmaid Dresses or whatever look you want for your wedding. Another popular and pretty trend, especially for spring and summer weddings, is a “color run”. That means that each bridesmaid wears a different color of the same dress.
Although today there is less tradition around colors, styles and seasons, it is always wise to use common sense. For example, it would not be wise to choose Strapless Bridesmaid Dresses during the winter, while a heavy material during the summer in an outdoor ceremony.
I’ve found the bridesmaid dress I want, what should I do next?
The first thing you want to do is to have all of the bridesmaids professionally measured. This way you can cross reference them with the size chart for the manufacturer you have selected in order to ensure you order the size that is closest to their figure. Each designer uses a different size chart so you won’t be able to assume that a size 8 from manufacturer “A” will fit the same way a size 8 does from manufacturer “B”.
How can I find the best price?
Typically retailers have a lot of overhead and have to charge full retail prices to cover their costs. However, some retailers also have an online presence and offer good discounts.
How far in advance of the wedding should I order the dresses?
Manufacturers are constantly adding and discontinuing styles. As a result, it is strongly recommended that you order your dresses as soon as you have made a decision on the dress you want. Different manufacturers have different lead times. You will also want to leave enough time for alterations - usually at least 3 weeks before the wedding if not sooner.
You should order all your bridesmaid dresses at the same time as fabric dye-lots can vary. If you don’t order the dresses one at a time, the dresses might not all be from the same dye-lot so they might not all be the exact same color.
Keeping the Bridal Dress Perfect on the Wedding Day
There are steps you can take to make sure the dress stays clean and wrinkle free on the big day. Below are some great tips in making the bridal dress and bridesmaid dresses a success:
Make sure to choose types of flowers that don’t stain. You can also ask your florist for this information as well as to remove any parts of the flowers that may stain the Sweetheart Bridesmaid Dresses (if possible).
Bring an iron and spray bottle with you. It is also helpful to remember an extension chord and mini ironing board if possible.
A garment bag is key to making sure the dress stays nice, especially if you are going to change.
Use both a deodorant and antiperspirant on the big day since both will help in keeping your bridal dress clean.
If you are doing your makeup, make sure to do it before your dress is on and if you have to touch up the makeup after the dress is on, use a towel or some drape cloth to make sure no smudge hits the dress.
Use barrettes or something to hold the long dresses up so they do not get dirty on the ground before walking down the isle or taking pictures.
Make sure to think the worst when getting into a car, leaning or sitting down that there may be something dirty you will be pressing against. Always make sure to wipe off or look at what you are pressing against whether sitting or leaning.
September 7, 2009
Styling a Red Bridesmaid Dress
Bridesmaid dresses are an essential part of the wedding attire and are worn in traditional weddings as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle with the bride. Red is a popular color throughout the seasons and therefore red provides a versatile option for a bridesmaid dress.
How should you choose a red bridesmaid dress? Choosing a red dress is a bold decision that can work with a variety of seasons, through a summer wedding to make a bold color statement or though the winter season to choose a rich and luxurious color. Red can even be used through a spring and fall wedding when complimented with gold, creams and other colors.
Which types of flowers are best matched with red bridesmaid dresses? As an alternative to white flowers, cream colored flowers are often preferred to contrast with the bright red colors that are found within the bridesmaid dress.
While planning the attire for the bridesmaids, which shoes should be chosen to wear with the red bridesmaid dress? In keeping with the color theme that has been created, there are many brides that choose to go with red shoes that can be worn with the dresses. Aside from this color, you may also choose shoes that contain the accent colors of the wedding party or the reception or to go with simple black, white, silver or other neutral colors which can be used to compliment the red bridesmaid dress that has been chosen. In contrast, Black Bridesmaid Dresses, White Bridesmaid Dresses ,Silver Bridesmaid Dresses ，Cream Bridesmaid Dresses and Gold Bridesmaid Dresses can matched with red .
Accessories should also be chosen that compliment the bright red dress. Choosing muted accessories can help to avoid the overwhelming color that may come from choosing red shoes, a red dress and red accessories. The key to choosing a red bridesmaid dress is realizing that the dress is the star of the show and therefore a successful and stylish look can be created by choosing understated accessories.
August 31, 2009
Bridesmaid Dresses for a Formal Wedding
These days, there are so many different styles of bridesmaid dresses available that it is often overwhelming to choose the perfect ones. When searching for beautiful bridesmaid dresses for the most important ladies that you know, it is crucial to first consider the formality of your event. The formality of your day should match your bridesmaid dresses accordingly.
If you are hosting an ultra-formal wedding, you will ultimately want your bridesmaids to wear more formal dresses. If you choose bridesmaid dresses that are not as formal as the rest of your event, it can throw off the balance of your entire wedding party leaving you with somewhat awkward wedding photos.
There are several important factors to keep in mind as you are trying to choose the best bridesmaid dresses for your formal wedding including length, style and cut, colors, and accessories. Once you have found bridesmaid dresses that not only make you happy, but your bridesmaids as well, your entire event will be flawless.
Length
The first factor to consider when searching for extremely formal bridesmaid dresses is the length. If you are hosting a formal wedding, note that longer bridesmaid dress will always be considered more formal than shorter length dresses. If you can see the knees or ankles of your bridesmaids, their dresses are automatically grouped into the casual and informal categories, perfect for beach or destination weddings. Even the most formal styled short length dresses are not going to have the impact that a longer dress has during a formal event.
Style and Cut
When regarding bridesmaid dresses, just about any style and cut has the ability to look formal, depending on how it is worn. However, certain styles are quite obviously seen as more formal than others. High waist bridesmaid dresses, for example, give off a more traditional and classic look, and are usually better for the more formal events. Empire waist bridesmaid dresses also tend to look ultra-formal due to the way that they are cut, and the way that they so elegantly fall to the floor.
If an empire waist gown is not your idea of the perfect bridesmaid dress for the women that you feel closest to, you have multiple other choices from which to choose. For instance, both strapless and strapped gowns can look very formal depending on their length and general cut. Opt for strapless chiffon bridesmaid dresses with pleating detail at the bust and a beading neckline, or perhaps a sleeveless long chiffon dress with a Charmeuse rounded neckline and a sash at the waist. With all of the options available you can ensure that each of your bridesmaids feels beautiful in their gowns. A satin, empire ball gown bridesmaid dress, with a chiffon halter and ruched sash, can be just as formal as a satin strapless ball gown with pick up detailing on the skirt and a matching sash at the waist, depending on the style, cut, and color, as discussed in more detail below.
Colors
Another very important factor to consider when searching for more formal bridesmaid gowns is the colors that you choose. When you are looking through the multiple bridesmaid dress options, the colors that you choose are going to further define the formality of your event. For instance, darker colors dresses, such as black bridesmaid dresses , dark blue bridesmaid dresses , dark purple bridesmaid dresses , and deep red bridesmaid dresses will have a tendency to give off a more formal feel. On occasion, depending on what the rest of your wedding party and event look like, bridesmaid dresses in gold and silver hues can also look very formal. Traditionally, however, the deeper colors, as suggested by the “black-tie affair” motif, are the most formal.
Accessories
Accessories, which can accompany their beautiful gowns, are another factor to consider when searching for a formal look for your bridesmaids. If you are taking time to find extremely formal bridesmaid gowns for your bridal party, you want to be sure you devote just as much time into finding the perfect accessories for them as well. A well thought out ensemble for your bridesmaids will help to continue the cohesive nature of your event. For instance, for very formal dresses, you will want to have shoes that are high-heeled and classic looking. You might also consider pairing your bridesmaid dresses with timeless shawls, hand bags, or other high-end, formal accessories. The addition of these accessories can only further enhance the formality of your wedding day and in your wedding photos as well.
