Maryke's Blog

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.

 

Getting engaged is such a special time in a woman’s life. There is so much to look forward to when planning your wedding day and dreaming up your wedding dress is one of those exciting things. It is advisable to start looking for your wedding dress 3 - 6 months before your set date.

Some of the benefits of having your wedding dress made by a professional designer, such as myself, are that it gives you the opportunity to combine different elements from various dresses and styles you like. Another is that your dress will be custom made according to your personal measurements, ensuring that it will fit you like a glove. As a designer, I go through great lengths to capture your personality and individuality in your dress. This ensures that you will look and feel your best version of yourself on you special day.

Once you have contacted your chosen designer to set up an appointment, the designing process of your dress is about to begin.

During our first meeting I would love to hear about your plans for your wedding: what are your chosen colours, flowers, venue etc. This will give me some insight into your personality as well as an idea as to which styles would suit you. We will discuss your preferences and specifications pertaining to the dress you have in mind. I will advise you on the different fabrics and which colour would be best suited to your complexion. I will make suggestions on which style would be most flattering to your figure type (it usually means small tweaks to your chosen design). We will discuss the finer finishes such as lace and / embellishments such as bead work, appliqués etc. I will make a sketch of your design, outlining details such as colour, use of fabric(s) as well as the finer finishes. I will also assist you with planning the dresses for the bridal party, such as your bridesmaid(s), maid of honour, Mother of the bride, Mother of the groom, flower girl(s) etc.

After our first meeting I will send you a quotation, usually via email / fax. Should you accept the quotation a deposit will secure your booking, with the balance due before / on the day of collection.

The next step will be sourcing the fabric for your wedding dress. Should it be something very specific, I will ask you to accompany me and choose your lace or beaded fabric etc.

After this I will take your measurements and make a basic garment from an inexpensive fabric to be fitted (sometimes also called a toile). During your first fitting you will be able to get an overall idea of the silhouette of your dress and simple changes can still be made at this point. From here your fabric will be cut and your dress will be sewn. Within 3 – 4 fittings you will have the finished product of your dream wedding dress having been turned into reality. I prefer having wedding dresses finished 5 -7 days before your wedding date in order to alleviate extra stress for you, the bride.

 

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Follow your heart.

Be true to yourself when choosing your wedding dress.

Incorporate elements of your favourite things in both your wedding as well as your wedding dress. This ensures a wedding that will be uniquely you.

Remember to bring pictures and clippings of different dresses and styles that appeal to you to your initial appointment with your designer.

It is wise to set up a budget for your wedding dress beforehand. It is important to inform your designer of this at your first meeting.

Bring the correct underwear you are planning to wear on your wedding day to each fitting, as this may have an effect on the fit of your dress.