CHOOSING BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES - 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 YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make for your special day. There is such a variety of styles & dresses available, that it might feel overwhelming to find a starting point.
My hopes are that the following pointers will help you discover your wedding style / wedding ‘personality’, which, in turn will help you choose your wedding dress.
- What kind of wedding do you envision having?
- What is your wedding date, time & venue / setting?
- What is your budget for your wedding dress & accessories?
- What is your wedding ‘personality’?
1. WHAT KIND OF WEDDING DO YOU ENVISION?:
The style of your wedding dress will be influenced by the formality & style of your wedding. There are no hard & fast rules, however, generally the more formal your wedding, the more formal your dress & visa versa.
2. YOUR WEDDING DATE, TIME & VENUE / SETTING:
The date will indicate the season of your wedding, which in turn will be an indicator of the expected weather for your wedding day. The most popular times of the year to get married are Spring & Summer. Winter weddings however, might qualify you for some discounted prices, as it is out of wedding season.
The time of your wedding will also be an indicator of the formality of your wedding. Morning weddings tend to be more in-formal, whereas afternoon / evening weddings tend to be more formal.
The venue / setting will also influence your choice, as an outdoor wedding such as on the beach / in the garden tend to be less formal that of an indoor wedding in a hall.
3. WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS & ACCESSORIES?
Most people don’t like to crunch the numbers but when it comes to your wedding, it is advisable to know your budget in order for you to know what you are able to spend on your wedding dress & accessories. This is also important information to relay to your dress designer.
4, YOUR WEDDING PERSONALITY:
Now that you have a general idea of what you envision for your wedding day, you should be able to determine your wedding ‘personality’.
None of us should fit into a ‘box’ and the following are mere pointers as to determine a general feel for what wedding dress style might suit you. Certain aspects about your choices for your wedding day will lean strongly into one of the following directions. You might even be a combination of 2 wedding ‘personalities’, in which case I, as a designer, can design a wedding dress capturing both aspects of your personality into your wedding dress. Alternately, you might like to have your wedding ceremony & reception reflecting one ‘personality’ & your dress the other.
If you have been dreaming about your wedding day since you’ve been a little girl, full of fairy tale expectations, you are likely to be a Romantic bride.
If you envision your wedding in an outdoor setting such as the beach or garden, you are likely to be a Natural bride.
Should you envision your special day as being semi-formal / formal, filled with lots of traditions (especially those passed on through your family’s traditions), you are likely to be a Classic bride.
If your vision for your wedding is one in an elegant setting with little traditions, 5 star food & all things modern and different, you are likely to be a Dramatic bride.
