Maryke's Blog

 

These two beautiful cousins had their matric dance in March, 2012. They each chose their own designs and I had the pleasure of turning it into reality. 

 

 

 

 

The matric dance dress on the left was an empire style, made from silk chiffon in aumbré colours, fading from charcoal at the hemline into lighter shades of grey towards the top. The bust section was rouged by hand, mimicking the aumbré colours from the skirt.

This dress had an exquisite back: dropped low to the waist with asymmetrical detail.

A beautiful Swarovski crystal & glass beaded trimming finished off the dress, accentuating the empire line on the front, continuing over one shoulder to the back of this elegant dress.

 

 

 

 

 

The matric dance dress on the right had a dropped waist with a flared skirt, giving the effect of a trumpet style. It was made from a gorgeous black lace over pewter coloured satin. The back was laced up with a black satin ribbon, which complimented her beautiful black high heeled stilettos.

This classic, elegant dress’s sweetheart neckline was finished off by exquisite, sparkling Swarovski crystals in different shapes & sizes.

 

 

Choosing the colour of your bridesmaid’s dresses goes hand in hand with your colour scheme for your wedding. Usually your choice flowers will also have an influence on your choice of colour.

Here are some options with variations to consider:

A.          Would like a monochromatic colour scheme for your bridesmaids, meaning using a single colour?

B.          Would you like to use hues and / shades of your chosen colour, meaning they all are in the same group /

              ‘family’ of colours. For example: Lilac, Lavender & Plum?

Should you wish to make option A a little more interesting, you can have each bridesmaid in a different style.  Another option for adding interest is having the same basic style e.g. the Empire Style, with each having a different neck line & straps.

Should option B tickle your fancy, I would suggest that you combine the colours into small details, such as a Lilac dress with a Lavender sash and a Plum flower with both Lilac & Lavender accents (e.g. In the form of beads in the centre of the flower; this draws all the colours together). I would also suggest using no more 3 shades / hues. You could also opt for having one bridesmaid in Lavender, one in a Lilac dress and another in a Plum dress.

From my years of experience I have found there are some timeless colours that are continuously popular for bridesmaid’s dresses:

Burgundy, which is a rich red wine colour (usually cream accents is popular with this colour)

Neutrals such as Oyster, Caramel or Taupe (usually combined with either cream / chocolate coloured accents)

Gunmetal grey or Charcoal (usually combined with either black or silver accents)

Cerise pink, also called Fuchsia pink (often combined with black accents)

For more info see my blog post on choosing bridesmaid's dresses - style as well as dress styles.

Let your heart guide you as you go & remember to stay true to yourself as well as your wedding style.

 

 

 

 

When it comes to style, it is important to take your bridesmaids figure shapes, height, ages and personalities into consideration. With the varieties being endless, chhosing your bridesmaid's dresses can almost be a more challenging task than choosing your wedding dress. To assist you in this area, I have narrowed it down to a few styles which are suitable to most figure types. The two most flattering styles are the A-line style (also called the princess style) & the empire style. Both of these styles look great in either a long or a shorter length.

A-line style:

This style can also be referred to as the Princess style. This style has a fitted bodice with a defined waist, widening gradually towards the hemline. It has multiple, vertical panels extending in an A-line shape from the waist to the hem.

The A-line is a style that suits most figure shapes, sizes & ages. In a shorter length it can be a lovely choice for your bridesmaids. This is also a very flattering style on Moms, to which a broader strap / sleeves can easily be added.

This is a timeless, classic style.

 

 

 

Empire style:

The waistline of this style is raised to just below the bust line with either a straight or flared, breezy skirt. This style is ideal for sheer, soft fabrics.

This is a ‘figure friendly’ style, which can also be a great option for bridesmaid’s dresses.

 

 

 

For more information on different styles, have a look at my blog post under Weddings, dress styles.

 

Accents:

Accents are best suited under the bust, as this is most flattering on most women’s figures. I would advise straps for bigger busted bridesmaids & a sweetheart neckline is generally the most flattering on all.

A tulle frill peeping out at the hemline of a shorter A-line dress adds a playful touch to your bridesmaids dresses. It could be nice to do it in another shade / hue of your chosen colour (e.g. lighter / darker). Alternatively, a contrasting colour could be striking.

 

 

A sash or ribbon under the bust is another accent that can be added. If you would like a softer, more feminine look opt for a rouged chiffon sash that either ties in a knot / bow, draping softly or add a pretty flower. Alternately, for a more sophisticated look opt for a diamante buckle.

 

 

 

 

Rouging on the bust line adds interest to the design & it is also a flattering way of drawing the eye diagonally, giving a slimmer silhouette.

 

 

 

 

Straps can be added to most styles & could vary from narrow shoestring straps (sometimes called spaghetti straps) to a broader, cap sleeve like strap (a very good option for a Mother of the bride). You can also have halter straps that either tie in a feminine bow at the neck or join with loops & covered buttons. Your designer can assist you in deciding which option(s) will be best suited to your chosen style(s).

For an overview on choosing bridesmaid's dresses, have a look at my blog post under Evening, Choosing bridesmaid's dresses - overwiew.

 

Choosing bridesmaids dresses are another fun part in planning your wedding; however, it could also be somewhat of a challenge. You will most likely have to juggle between a variety of body shapes, sizes, complexions, personalities and fashion senses. The final decision ultimately lies with you, the bride.

As with your wedding dress, the choice in style, colour & fabric(s) will be influenced by the time of your ceremony, the level of formality and theme of your wedding, as well as, the season (weather). It is important to communicate your vision you have for the over-all look of your wedding day to your dress designer: Be it informal, romantic, flowing & dreamy, sophisticated, tailored & modern or casual and relaxed.

Choosing bridesmaids dresses can be divided into the following main categories:

• Style
• Colour
• Fabric

STYLE:

When it comes to style, it is important to take your bridesmaids figure shapes, height, ages and personalities into consideration. The varieties are endless; however, there are a few styles which are flattering to most figure types. You can read more on this in my following blog post.

COLOUR:

When choosing a colour for your bridal party, keep your wedding’s colour scheme for the flowers & décor in mind. It doesn’t have to be an exact match, as hues and / or shades of your colour scheme would be just as effective. I’ll discuss this in greater detail in my up-coming blog post on ‘Choosing bridesmaids dresses – Colour’.

FABRIC:

The style of your bridesmaids dresses will greatly determine your choice in fabric. Other determining factors will be weather as well your budget.

TIPS & TRICKS:

When having your bridesmaids dresses made by a designer, keep the following in mind:

• Take everyone’s location into consideration:
  1. How many fittings will be needed (more or less)?
  2. How often and when would it be possible for your bridesmaids to attend fittings? (It’s best to pre-determine and book these in advance in order for everyone to fit it into their schedules along with giving your designer enough time to make your dresses)
  3. How long before your wedding will everyone arrive? (In order to have final fittings and leave room for last minute adjustments)
  4. Special requirements such as pregnant bridesmaids will also need to be specified and taken into consideration.