The Other Dresses

As my last posting pointed out, the role of the bridesmaid is

very important to a bride and her wedding. A bridesmaid acts as a support for her bride and a planning companion. She also looks the part.

Bridesmaid Dresses

First, a bride must consider what style her wedding fits into and how she wants the bridesmaids’ dresses to reflect this. It would look silly to have your entourage in fancy, long gowns when you’re having a casual outdoor soiree. On the same hand, you don’t want your ladies in cotton sundresses at your art gallery evening affair.

What your bridesmaids wear should:

*Reflect the overall tone of the wedding

*Complement your venue

*Set off the bride and groom’s attire

*Be flattering for your ladies' body types

The last point might arguably be the most important. Unlike popular suspicion, a bride should never try to make someone look her worst in order to make herself look better by comparison. It doesn’t work. Believe me, you are much better off with a group of happy ladies around you in flattering attire than a surly bunch of puffy shouldered drones.

And admit it: you don’t want that in your pictures anyhow!

So once you’ve decided on a theme and color scheme, the next decision is about hem length. Long dresses are traditional for bridesmaid dresses, but new trends are leading to shorter hemlines and even statement prints.

You can go with a more conservative, fancy fabric like a satin or you can go with a cotton or organza for a more casual feel. For a fall or winter wedding, remember details like a wrap or special jacket so you don’t end up with a bunch of cold girls in hodgepodge coats.

And remember, you would never want one of your nearest and dearest to feel uncomfortable. If someone really dislikes your choice of gown for her (for a real reason), be willing to negotiate. Not every body type works best in a strapless tube dress or a plunging neckline.

If this means not everyone in the same dress...so be it! Having your ladies in a variety of gowns is a trend that’s growing in popularity after such role models as Carrie’s wedding in Sex and the City.