It seems that bridesmaid dresses have earned quite the notoriety. While it’s always a privilege and honor to be selected as a bridesmaid on one of the most special occasions in a person’s life, it seems to be a different story when it comes to the required bridesmaid dress.
It’s often hard enough choosing a dress for oneself. Having someone else select a dress for you to wear that should, ideally, coordinate with the rest of the bridal party, can be a little worrisome, if not down right frightening. Not to mention the fact that you’re likely wearing it to an event with quite a number of guests in attendance and where countless photos will be taken. Your look won’t only last the night, it will be immortalized in wedding albums, kept till death do the couple part. However, being assigned or, if you’re lucky, selecting the perfect bridesmaid dress doesn’t have to be a daunting experience or one fraught with apprehension. We’re here to help make the process a simpler, easier and even enjoyable experience.
What is important while choosing the right Bridesmaid Dress?
Whether you’re a bride making the selection for your bridesmaids or a bridesmaid helping out the bride, theme, color, fabric and cut are just some of the things you’ll want to consider when it comes to selecting an appropriate bridesmaid dress.
These days, there are so many ways to celebrate a wedding. Some mark the special occasion with a no fuss, day ceremony in city hall, followed by a simple, intimate reception. While others opt for a grander celebration with a traditional ceremony followed by an opulent reception. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to consider the overall theme, atmosphere, approach and preference of the couple for their big day. This will be a major determining factor for the type of attire of the bridal party, and ultimately, for the dresses to be worn by the bridesmaids.
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How to choose a Winter Bridesmaid Dress?
Now, if the wedding is during the colder, fall-winter months, you’ll want a dress in a thicker fabric, in season-appropriate colors and perhaps, with more coverage. A short dress with long sleeves in a dark green color is a wonderful option that you can wear with hosiery and either classic pumps or even luxe, evening boots. You can also wear a midi dress with a boat neckline, ¾ length sleeves and a blouson style bodice or a slightly more fitted round neck, sleeveless, A-line dress in eye-catching fuchsia color. Accessorize either dress with a chic belt for a slimming effect and with statement earrings to dress up the look.
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Long Sleeve Empire waist Maxi Dress
Short or Long Gown as a Bridesmaid Dress?
If the ceremony and reception are both to be celebrated during the day, a long gown may not be necessary. After all, you don’t want to upstage the bride on her big day. For such celebrations, you can choose a shorter dress with an above the knee, knee-length, midi or even a high low length dress. Pastel colors in a light, flowy fabric are great for warmer spring or summer weddings. Try a pastel green knee-length boat neck dress, a burgundy halter midi dress or a lavender high low maxi dress. Keep your accessories simple and dainty, to compliment either of the light and feminine dresses.
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For larger weddings with strictly formal dress codes, it’s likely that only a floor length evening gown will do. You want to be respectful of the occasion and of all the planning the bride and groom put into their event. Wearing an outfit that’s appropriate for the celebration is especially important when it comes to weddings and especially important when you’re a bridesmaid. In the words of Tom Ford, dressing well is a form of good manners.
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It’s hard to go wrong with a strapless, floor length maxi dress. You can accessorize with a fancy belt to cinch your waist and add more shape to the straight cut gown. Whether you wear your hair up or down, you can also add either a statement necklace or big, bold earrings to create a more formal ensemble. Just don’t wear both at the same time.
If you’d rather not show so much skin, a maxi dress with an asymmetric neckline, a halter style, or even a sleeveless dress with a deep v-neckline are great alternatives. Aside from the neckline style and the length of the dress, it’s good to go with a solid colored frock. This makes it easier to compliment all the bridesmaids that may be part of the wedding party and their likely varying body types, skin tones and personal preferences. Aside from that, choosing a solid colored dress gives the bridesmaids the opportunity to wear the dress again and create a different look by just switching their accessories.
Regardless of the style, length and color of dress you choose, the way it fits you and how comfortable you are wearing it are the most important things to consider. You want to put on a dress and not have to worry about it so you can fulfill your bridesmaid duties, focus on enjoying the memorable occasion and celebrating the bride and groom on what is truly their day.
If you're looking for more inspiration for your bridesmaid outfit or wedding guest attire, feel free to check out similar blog posts for additional ideas:
- How To Rock a Women's Black Tie Optional Wedding Attire
- Summer to Winter: Wedding Guest Dresses for All Seasons
- The Cocktail Attire Guide
Planning some fun activities for the wedding? Don't forget to explore our blog post on 80 Wedding Shoe Game Questions for some entertaining wedding game ideas that will add an extra touch of excitement to the celebration!
