subject: Tips For Selecting Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses [print this page] Your bridesmaids are an essential part of your wedding ceremony, offering vital support for the bride. And during the ceremony, they are front and center, preceding the bride down the aisle and setting the tone for the ceremony. That is why it is essential that you take great care and ample time to select the dresses that will complement your ceremony and your wedding theme, as well as your bridesmaids unique and individual styles. Fortunately, the days of the ugly bridesmaid dress are dead. Todays wide selection of styles, fabrics and colors means you can choose a dress that satisfies the needs of your weddings theme and style, as well as the tastes of each and every bridesmaid.
When choosing a dress, once the color is chosen your next consideration is style. For modern or contemporary themed weddings, choose a style that offers a streamlined profile or bold lines or accents. Look for a flared trumpet skirt or a ruched bodice. The use of bold outlines creates a modern, contemporary feel. Paired with a surplice sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps, this look is also an ideal choice for an evening wedding.
Another option that is well-suited for a modern or cosmopolitan style affair has brocade fabric and a rollover collar. This short dress is simple yet citified. Classic yet contemporary, gowns featuring elegant, slim-fitting lines and a sleeveless satin V-neck would do the trick as well.
For a classic, traditional profile, a sleeveless V-neck gown is the way to go. Many of these dresses include latticework embroidery and a cascading front panel that reflects classical Grecian influences. Ideal for traditional ceremonies, as well as more contemporary events, a strapless bodice and A-line skirt with cascading back offers a profile that accentuates tall figures and elongates more petite body types, as well. Or, a sleeveless chiffon dress with a rounded neckline and waist-cinching sash would fit in this category too.
Flowing and feminine lines are an ideal complement to a formal princess- or fairytale-style wedding. Double spaghetti straps and layers of fluid chiffon fabric are complemented by a stylish beaded empire waist and an included wrap, making it ideal for formal and evening ceremonies, as well.
Satin strapless ball gowns complete with beautiful embellishments will absolutely complement a fairytale style wedding. Ball gowns with halter sweetheart style necklines are also acceptable for this type of event. Look for gowns with side ruching and an overlay skirt accentuated by subtle sheen of the satin fabric.
For some ceremonies, shorter styles of bridesmaid gowns are often preferred, especially for garden ceremonies and more contemporary weddings and receptions. If you prefer the idea of a shorter bridesmaid dress, you still have the option of selecting a more formal style or a more casual or contemporary design.
A great choice for nearly any type of ceremony, sleek-fitting knee-length dresses with striking and unique lines are sure to turn heads. Many similar dresses offer a trumpet skirt and sweetheart neckline, offering options that range from traditional to contemporary.
Strapless, flowing front details and asymmetrical hems make dresses such as these ideal for more contemporary occasions. Or choose a tea-length style, which offers spaghetti straps and an empire waist, highlighted by a matching grosgrain ribbon.
While many traditional ceremonies rely on the same style and color of dress for every bridesmaid, more and more often contemporary weddings are choosing to incorporate coordinating separates in the same color and fabric to create styles that are cohesive, yet which are tailored to suit and even flatter the body shapes of each bridal party member.
By selecting the color and leaving the choice of separates up to your bridesmaids, you get the look you want only better. For even more versatility and a look that is both modern and classic, consider choosing pieces in two coordinating tones, like royal blue and violet, or rose and cerise. Many designers offer separates in the same colors as their complete dresses for additional options.
No matter what type of bridesmaid dress you choose, its a good idea to have a shoe height in mind before making any deposits. Especially with long gowns, you will want to be sure the final hemmed dress will rest at the right spot on the foot, offering just a glimpse of the shoe. If you are planning on having your bridesmaids wear high heels, take a sample pair of the same heel height along for all fittings to ensure the dress hits the foot at the right spot.
Your bridesmaids dresses can set the tone for your ceremony, and are a great way to highlight your wedding theme and colors. Take your time to consider several styles to ensure the choice you make is the one that is best suited to your wedding dreams.
