It is an honor to be chosen by your friends or family to be a member of their bridal party. You jump at the challenge to help your bride as she sets out making plans for her big day. You are a active member in planning and arranging her shower(s), flowers, favors, bachelorette party, and even are present at her dress fittings. So much time and effort spent to show your bride how much she means to you, but what do you get in return? In past years your gift would be to exhibit a poor fitted, hideous gown to wear as you walk down the isle. A dress that you have a perfect place for in the back of your closet. A dress that truly puts anything your mother dressed you in as a child to shame!
Fear no more you forgotten souls! While the wedding day is still about the bride, the dresses available now to the wedding party are a big step forward from the past. Almost all wedding dress designers are making an effort to produce an entire wedding “collection” including dresses and accessories for the wedding party. Most are creating designs taken from their seasonal runway shows, but adding a “bridal-like” twist. I love the new line Pricilla of Boston has for Spring 2010…very versatile. While satin remains the more popular choice, I am seeing a lot of floral, lace, and net overlays in pastel shades.
Another great thing I am seeing as I research, is a trend spilling over from 2009. Last years’ big trend in bridal party wear was ditching the cookie cutter bridesmaid look. In 2009 brides were saying “NO” to the traditional style where everyone in your wedding party looks the exact same. While men’s fashion really didn’t change too much, the girls evolved in the right direction. The results…a reusable bridesmaid dress. Yes, I said it, REUSABLE!!!! Most designers are keeping styles simple, but elegant enough to double as wedding-wear or a great evening out to dinner and dancing post nuptials! The big look is to choose one color for your girl’s dresses and let your bridesmaids decide the style.
Each girl gets to pick their own dress! This can be a god-send for your bridesmaids. Let’s face it, no one has the same body-type and the same style. Following this trend will allow your girls to feel empowered and in control of one facet, probably the biggest one they care about. Every girl is worried about their image (no matter what they say!) and want to look the best they possibly can. This especially is the case on a wedding day! Allowing bridesmaids to pick their own style and cut of dress will make them feel confident that they look good, making them less stressed and able to help the bride out when they need them the most.
One word to the wise if you choose to follow this budding trend, is to make sure your girls get their dresses from the same manufacturer. Not all shades are the same from designer to designer. Pick a bridal salon that carriers a variety of designers and styles, but make sure all your colors match up…unless that is the look you are going for. A mega chain such as David’s Bridal has a wide selection of styles and colors, affordable prices, and their staff is very helpful. An added bonus…they have an in-house tailor so your girls can come in, get fitted, and leave their dresses there. No fuss and no chance they loose their dress or try any “home” alterations! Weather you choose to stick with the traditional look or go with this emerging trend, keep it simple. If you want to use more than one shade then maybe stick to one style all the girls can wear. Multiple shades and styles may actually work against you. You want to keep everyone happy but don’t want your bridal to be a distraction at the alter. Let’s face it, all eyes should be on you!
Move over Rachel….there is a new bridesmaid in town! Be not afraid ladies, 2010 is rocking fierce looks for the wedding party…dresses that belong in the front of your closet!
Images from theglobalball.com, preownedweddingdresses.com, 3click.tv, and perfectbound.blogspot.com
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