Your friend is getting married. She’s thrilled. You’re thrilled for her. And she’s asked you to be a bridesmaid. It’s a happy occasion. Keep reminding yourself of that. When she’s freaking out about the cake, say it: It’s a happy occasion. When she picks out Plus size Bridesmaid Dresses that makes you look like a sick seal, say it: It’s a happy occasion.
You’ve agreed to be a bridesmaid, so it’s your job to help the bride. Sure, a year of planning may seem like a long time to be focused on your friend. And it is a long time. But, you knew this when you agreed to be a bridesmaid. So, don’t let her down. Follow these rules to being a good bridesmaid, and you might remain friends after the wedding.
Remember, it’s an honor
Be proud of yourself that you’re a good enough friend to rate. Maybe you were there the first night they met. Maybe you were there the moment they fell in love. Maybe you morally supported them throughout their courtship. Maybe you’re the best high school friend, the sister, the sister-in-law-to-be, or the best college friend. Maybe they just don’t have many friends and you got the position by default. Whatever the case, you’re one of their closest friends and for that you should be proud.
Don’t be the bad bridesmaid
Try very hard not to be the worst of the group. Brides remember bad behavior and nothing is worse than going down in wedding lore as the person who ruined the wedding. So, put on a happy face, be agreeable, and try to help out.
If you want to know, after the fact, if you were the worst bridesmaid, here’s how you can tell. Were you asked to stand at the end of the wedding party line-up during the pictures? This is a dead give-away. This was so the photographer could easily crop you out of the portrait that will forever hang in their living room even you are in your Strapless Bridesmaid Dresses. Curious guests now ask your former friends about the wedding party. They might even remark that it’s unusual to see that there were more groomsmen than bridesmaids.
Don’t say, “When I get married, I’m going to…”
No bride cares about your imaginary wedding. This is her real wedding. Get with the program. You can tell your other friends that you’re going to choose V-Neck Bridesmaid Dresses. Or, better yet, keep a journal (since no one really cares about your imaginary wedding). Plus, you might not ever get married. Especially if you keep talking about boring subjects such as your imaginary wedding.
Never say, “This is just like what so-and-so did”
Each bride is unique and her wedding is proof of her individuality. All weddings are not the same. She may not be the only one who ever thought to choose the Champagne Bridesmaid Dresses, but it’s a fine choice. Their decision not to shove cake up each other’s noses is an innovation to be proud of. Always praise that idea.
Do what you can
Spend what you can and bow out gracefully when you have to. No bride expects you to break the bank or attend every wedding-related event. (When bowing out, just remember: Don’t be the bad bridesmaid.)
Call for updates
Calls should be made on a sliding scale depending on proximity to the event or related events. Even if you win the lottery, cut off your hand in a freak boating accident, and get an audience with the Pope all in the same day, do not ever talk about yourself on the update phone call. Only talk about yourself if asked, and even then try to deflect attention back to the wedding. Your hand is gone. There’s nothing you can do about it now. Only mention it if gloves are not part of the bridesmaid ensemble. And even then, be very delicate about it. “What do you think about gloves? I see them a lot in these bridal magazines you sent me.”
Be agreeable about style choices
Only if you’ve cut your hand off and want to disguise it should you make any fashion suggestions to the bride. Keep all opinions about the wedding style positive. You love the Cap Sleeves Bridesmaid Dresses. You love the tuxes. Even if your wardrobe is completely wash and wear and your idea of a tux is the polyester kind from the 70s, you approve of, and wholeheartedly support, the bride’s choices.
Be nice to the goober they want to fix you up with
People in the throes of love want everyone to be as blissfully happy as they are. Pretend you believe.
Help your friend go to the bathroom
You’re on duty at the wedding. And your friend is wearing five tons of dress. So, keep this in mind when you tip your champagne flute. If you get drunk then who will hold the cream puff skirt up while she backs into the stall?
Do the chicken dance
Remember, they picked the music. So, don’t say, “I hate this song.” Also, stay until the reception hall manager kicks you out. Then go to the after-wedding party until the bride and groom go to their suite … finally.
Be amiable. Do what they want you to do. It’s only one night, so even after your feet start to bleed, hang in there. You can ice and bandage them at two, three AM, at the very latest. Plus, they probably gave you a gift for all of your trouble. You spent hundreds of dollars. You spend countless hours. And they gave you a necklace and earrings that’ll match the Silver Bridesmaid Dresses you’ll never wear again. (Remember, it’s an honor)
Of course, these tips will keep you in good stead with the couple. In fact, if you follow these guidelines, you may be their only friend. That is, of course, until it’s your turn to get married. So, if you really want to keep friends, when it’s your turn … elope! Marry in private. Sure, your friends might think they want to be bridesmaids. This might be because they’ve never done it before. So, spare them the agony they put you through and let the wife and daughter of the justice of the peace be your witnesses.
November 18, 2009
Honor or Disaster?
November 11, 2009
The Modern Bridesmaid Today
It’s a whole new day, and there’s a whole new look for bridesmaids. Which amounts to a welcome change from the past years. And it’s not just the bridesmaids getting a fashion facelift — brides are sporting a whole new look too.
Traditional wedding gowns and “bridal white” will always be a choice. That’s just not going to disappear, and that’s okay. But the choices available for the modern bride are vast — which is an invitation for those creative juices to flow, and your own personality to stand out. They are many kind of styles such as Sheath Bridesmaid Dresses, Bateau Bridesmaid Dresses and
Strapless Bridesmaid Dresses.
The history of the bridesmaids attire is colorful. In past centuries, brides wore elaborate gowns such as Basque Waist Bridesmaid Dresses, and bridesmaids dressed similarly (er, much like Queen Amidala and Sabe, her body double). The idea: to disguise the bride and protect her from kidnapping by evil spirits or feisty relatives. By the Victorian era, things had settled down considerably — so by then we had brides that wanted to stand out from the crowd. Enter the formal, ornate and very white wedding gown. Still, bridesmaid attire retained its bold and frilly look from the past.
Well, in this century bridesmaids have a lot more say. Not only have wedding gowns grown infinitely more couture-oriented, many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress, just asking they keep to a color scheme. After all, all bridesmaids weren’t created equal. When you let them choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photos.
Plus, gowns worn by the modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings — a much savvier alternative to the pricey gown that’s worn once then buried deep in the closet, never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those awful creations at some point!
Also, there’s no longer any fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids to have. The size of your wedding often correlates to your number of attendants, but these days, the choice is up to you. You can choose a Halter Bridesmaid Dresses if you like. Tradition’s gone out the window (a pleasing thought for many brides). You can even have more than one maid of honor. The rules to play by are your own.
The same freedom applies to your flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) — choose more than one, have just one, have one of each. But the best age range for this very important little person’s job is between 5 and 7, since younger children have a harder time staying focused. Still, if you don’t mind a little chaos, then by all means choose a younger child. After all, they can be awfully funny! Older children will be thrilled to man the guestbook or usher guests to their seats.
The more bridesmaids you have, the more coordination and communication you’re going to have to field. Remember: you’ll have plenty of issues to deal with, ranging from dresses to nails and from hair to jewelry. So don’t choose more maids than you can sanely handle. This is supposed to be a joyful time for you, and stress tends to knock the bloom off a little.
Also, forget the old theory that if you make everyone an attendant, from your first-grade best friend to that woman (Nicole? Natalie?) that sits in your pew, there’ll be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and understand that the modern bride has tough choices to make. Sometimes a bride just has too many close friends to make them all bridesmaids. Relax! Invite your friends to the wedding, and if you want, ask them for special favors: like doing your nails or hair, depending on their talents. Help them to make a choice for Long Bridesmaid Dresses. The maid of honor plays an important role. She’s the bride’s right arm, ready to help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help pick out the wedding gown, get the invitations in order, set up the shower, help with choosing the venue, help decorate, or even help with the food. The duties that fall to the maid of honor are endless — but be sure not to overwhelm her. Your maid of honor is like the bride’s personal first aid kit, ready and willing to fix anything that’s broken.
Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning the shower, and especially preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for it. They’re also there to support and help the bride whenever they can.
For the modern bride, these are happy times. Your choices are endless, and you can make your fashion statement while letting your bridesmaids make theirs. No more having to bow to tradition, unless you want to. Planning the perfect wedding’s never been easier!
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 18, 2009
Fitting Tips
Everyone comes in a different shape and size. Here are some tips for getting the right bridesmaid dresses to fit each bridesmaid’s body just right.
• Pear Shaped
o Halter bridesmaid dresses draw the eyes up and broaden the shoulders to minimize the appearance of full hips.
o Skirts should be A-line bridesmaid dresses or slightly flared to skim over large hips.
o Flowing dresses drift over curves without emphasizing their size.
o If skirts have pleats or if they are gathered, the detailing should be on the front or back, but never on the sides.
o Pretty details on the neckline help distract from a heavy bottom.
o Sport a cinched sash at the waist to give it more definition.
o Shawls and jackets fill out the top to balance the weight of the lower body, especially in a long dress.
• Tall
o Sashes, satin belts, and other details at the hips or waist help break up a long line.
o For ultra-long legs, tea length bridesmaid dresses balance out the body well.
o Strapless bridesmaid dresses help minimize the appearance of a long torso.
o Pretty ruffles and gathered fabric helps to add curves to narrow figures.
o Long, floor-length dresses help hide a tall girl wearing flats.
o Column shapes and sheath bridesmaid dresses look great on long, lean ladies.
• Petite
o Pairing a light sweater with a knee-length or tea-length bridesmaid dress helps elongate the body.
o Short bridesmaid dresses show off legs, lengthening them to their fullest.
o Dropped waist bodices make a stumpy torso look longer and leaner.
o Sheaths and fitted dresses with an uninterrupted flow to them are best because they keep a long line.
o Avoid dresses that end right before your feet. They make a petite person look shrimpy.
o Higher necklines elongate the torso.
• Large on Top
o Supportive seams and straps are crucial to keeping a bridesmaid dress comfortable.
o Wide straps and sleeves allow busty women to wear a full-coverage bra.
o A strapless style neckline can create a uni-breast, which doesn’t do anyone any favors! More flattering necklines dresses include halter bridesmaid dresses, V-neck bridesmaid dresses, and sweetheart bridesmaid dresses 。
o Higher necklines are sometimes more appropriate and less risque.
o Pretty accents on the waist or hips help balance a bigger bust.
• Full Figured
o The dress and the detailing should all be as close to one color as possible to create a longer silhouette.
o Slim a wide waist with a darker colored sash.
o Avoid fluff and ruffles and stick to sheaths. The less fabric, the more slimming the dress.
o Pair a puffy skirt with a cute shrug or shawl to balance out the volume.
o Crossover necklines enhance cleavage, but provide support and keep you covered.
o Halter and empire waist bridesmaid dresses draw the focus up to the face. They also help slim the torso.
o A-lines, skirts cut on the bias, and flowing fabrics work nicely to flow over problem areas.
Timeline
Start browsing for dresses early on and once you have selected who you attendants will be, make sure that they come to get their measurements taken as soon as possible. This takes place within the first few months of wedding planning. Usually, you should order the dresses no later than six months in advance of the wedding. The same goes for the shoes and accessories.
• When ordering the shoes, make sure to get them all dyed at the same time so that there are no color anomalies.
• Fittings should start no later than three months prior to the big day. When going for fittings, the bridesmaids should bring their shoes, hosiery, proper lingerie, and other accessories that they might need.
• Final fittings take place no later than one month before the wedding, after which they’ll need to be picked up.
• Have the ladies do a dry run without makeup about two to three weeks before the wedding to make sure that everything is in place.
September 14, 2009
Bridesmaid Dresses
Weddings are a big and memorable occasion. Everybody is cheerful and merry. The bride should take utmost care that the bridesmaids are also enjoying the moment. Otherwise, their uneasiness will be prominent in the wedding photos. In order to make them comfortable, their dress should be according to their choice. It would be a good idea to take them along while shopping for the bridesmaid dresses. Read on to get some tips on selecting the perfect bridesmaid dress.
Bridesmaid dresses are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and prices. The colour which complements with the hair and skin colour of the bridesmaid should be chosen. Black and red bridesmaid dresses look elegant if it’s an evening wedding. Pink give a look of innocence and youth if worn during spring weddings. People who think black bridesmaid dresses as not auspicious for wedding can opt for darker shades of brown or blue. Certain shades of green like the hunter green bridesmaid dresses are considered as clean and vivid shades for weddings. Purple bridesmaid dresses can replace red for those who feel that red gives sexual undertones. Also, purple will look good on slim bridesmaids. Pastel shades of blue, pink, green and yellow Bridesmaid Dresses go well for daylight weddings arranged during spring or summer seasons. Besides, pale colours look good only if the shape of the dress is simple. If yellow is the decided colour, then deep gold should be chosen. Darker colours like evergreen, wine red and royal blue should be chosen for winter weddings.
The style of bridesmaid dresses should depend upon their size and shape. Junior bridesmaid dresses are available at the same outlets from where bride or bridesmaid dresses can be purchased. Larger bridesmaids or plus size prefer short or cap sleeves bridesmaid dresses or spaghetti straps gowns decently covered with a shawl. Short bridesmaids look elegant in simple and short bridesmaid dresses. Slim girls can wear anything ranging from strapless Bridesmaid Dresses to A-line bridesmaid dresses. Tea length bridesmaid dresses have become extremely popular these days as they look gorgeous on all types of figure and are ideal for beach weddings. For pregnant bridesmaids, extra fabric can be attached to create a maternity panel at the side. However, some designers have started creating maternity bridesmaid dresses.
In early times, bridesmaid dresses were a costly affair. But now, due to the economic slowdown, the cost issue has also been resolved as most of the manufacturers have lowered their prices without compromising on the quality of the bridesmaid dresses. However, if two or more dresses are to be bought, they can be availed from wholesale shops or season clearance sales at cheap rates or discounted prices.
Proper care should be taken that the bridesmaid dress does not overpower the bride’s dress. But that doesn’t mean that it should look ugly and indecent. On the contrary, it should be simple, modest, informal yet unique and elegant in its own way.
