17. Bridal Party Attire

While the bride and groom steal the show on the wedding day, it is also important that the bridesmaids and maid of honour look beautiful. Choosing the right gowns for the bridal party can sometimes be more difficult than choosing the wedding gown since there are more factors and people to consider. For this process, we have provided you with some helpful tips to get you started:

• Each member of the bridal party will have her own style. Therefore, while you obviously want to choose gowns that will complement the wedding gown, it is also important that you give thought to their respective styles. You might find that one or more of the bridesmaids has her own idea of what style and colour of gown should be chosen.  Again, you want to listen to their ideas but you also have the final say. Just remember that not all women can wear the same type of gown. Therefore, try to show respect to the styles that make them uncomfortable, finding common ground.
• You might consider buying two-piece gowns since this provides the opportunity for different fits for different body types. Other advantages are that you have more options for mixing fabric types along with textures and colour. This creates beautiful contrast and if you like, you can choose different combinations for each bridesmaid.  For example, one or two of the bridesmaids might wear a deep purple skirt with a light, lavender top while another wears a deep green bottom with a mint green top. The options are truly limitless.
• While most bridesmaids wear pastel or softer colours, you might think about having the gowns made from rich, deep tones such as burnt orange, deep purple, fuchsia or a dark teal colour.
• Stay away from “fussy” fabrics such as taffeta. Although this type of fabric was very popular at one time, today many options are much better. Additionally, you want to stay away from fabrics that are obnoxious or busy.
• For most women, their number one goal is to look elegant and slim.  Therefore, look for fabrics that will accomplish this, which would include crepe and chiffon.

Your goal is to make your special day a memorable one for everyone, including the bridal party. The gowns they wear should be beautiful and blend perfectly in with your wedding gown style as well as the colour and theme of the wedding. Therefore, sit down with your bridesmaids and maid of honour to hear their concerns and then put a plan into place that will appease all of them.