Menu
When it comes to weddings, everybody knows that the bride is the one whose outfit is meant to grab all of the attention. The bridal gown can be many different things, ranging from highly elaborate to exceedingly minimal. There are some brides who will ditch dresses altogether and choose a jumpsuit instead, or those who feel like white doesn’t suit them and a different, bolder colour would be a much better fit. Depending on the venue or the theme, wedding dresses can look nothing like the classic, princess-like gowns most people have in mind when they think of bridal attire.
However, one thing remains unchanged regardless of what the bride chooses, and that this is her day, and nobody should upstage her. That is in very poor taste and can genuinely affect relationships between people, sometimes irredeemably. This is particularly important for the bridesmaids since they will be part of the bridal party, so having clashing or too eye-catching outfits is a no-go. Which is why choosing the right bridesmaid dress can be a complicated and challenging endeavour. Luckily, there are several different styles and designs you can always rely on, and they will make you feel stylish and relaxed at the same time.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/bride-holding-bouquet-of-assorted-color-flowers-standing-on-grass-field-EzDd5mfoqdg
Ample designs
If you know the wedding you’re attending will follow a traditional ensemble, with the guests wearing formal clothing and the newlyweds in classic garb, you’ll want your dress to reflect the same sensibilities. Anything too daring or bold is likely to draw excessive attention instead of helping you blend in with your surroundings and have your dress act as a way to enhance the bride’s looks. The classic dress is floor-length and comes in a large variety of shades and hues, with jewel tones being the most popular due to their richness and ability to create a beautiful contrast with pristine white.
Cinnamon rose, navy blue, emerald green, pearl pink, dusty rose, or slate blue are great, timeless options that will never go out of style. Some of the additional features you can consider for your dress to enhance its look include cowl necklines, slits, asymmetric hemlines, and belts or sashes to accentuate the waist. A more modern variation of this well-known look features an A-line silhouette and is typically a comfortable tea-length. Some gowns also come equipped with concealed pockets nowadays, for extra convenience.
Sculptural designs
If the wedding is an elaborate affair and the dress code calls for sumptuous looks, you need to make sure your dress features unique patterns or cuts. Materials and designs that drape are the best choice in this regard, as they will look uniquely statuesque and create the visual trick of an elongated silhouette. A column gown with an open back and which only covers one shoulder will always look luxurious and elegant. Ruffles are similarly lavish, especially with a dramatic V-neck and delicate spaghetti straps, all wrapped in a flowing slip dress. Tiered ruffles create the best detailing as they move as you move, creating a dynamic layer to your outfit.
If you prefer long sleeves, a column gown made of silk satin is the best way to achieve a mature and tasteful look. A keyhole neckline paired with balloon sleeves and a twist front bodice will contrast perfectly with a simple, minimal skirt, and a simple buttoned back.
Florals
The floral dress is a quintessential feminine piece that can work perfectly if you’re attending a rather informal wedding that takes place in a garden setting. It is also a nice choice (and even somewhat obvious) choice for ceremonies taking place in spring. If you know that the newlyweds are set to say their vows in a blooming courtyard, wearing a dress with floral prints is the most suitable choice. The most common colour for these dresses is pink, and if you want your choice to be extra special, you should consider getting a gown with a pattern that combines different shades of rose, as it evokes warmth and whimsy at the same time.
While florals are typically the preferred choice during the spring and summer, that doesn’t mean you cannot don florals at an autumn wedding. The same cheery palette won’t work as well, and you should instead focus on reds, soft purples, and burnt orange. Accessorise your dress with a faux fur stole that won’t just keep you warm but will also make the look more glamorous.
Navy and yellow
Yellow and navy are a classic, timeless combination; you can never go wrong with this pair. The yellow provides brightness, while the navy is more mature and reminiscent of nautical landscapes. A strapless tiered tulle dress in navy and yellow will make you feel like you’ve stepped right out of the pages of a fairytale. A backless halter gown is a more tried-and-tested choice, but adding some cross pleating at the waistline will make the whole ensemble more form-fitting without negating its formality.
Wrap-around waistlines are also becoming more popular, with dresses having a silhouette reminiscent of the Empire line popular during the late 18th century. Ruched velvet gowns in navy look incredibly luxurious, especially with a high-neck design and if they are completely sleeveless. This sophisticated look is intricate and works surprisingly well, although it may seem that many design choices would clash with one another.
Slip dresses
Slip dresses had their first time in the spotlight during the 90s, as part of the underwear as outerwear trend. Although they were forgotten for a while, they enjoyed a moderate resurgence in the 2010s before skyrocketing to the popularity they’ve enjoyed since the beginning of the 2020s. Many designers have included the garment in their ready-to-wear collections over the last few years, and the slip dress has also become a favourite among celebrities and a red carpet staple.
Slip dresses come in all possible colours and hues, have shoulder straps that are sometimes adjustable, feature V-necks, cowl, round, or square necklines, and are made from lustrous, fluid, slinky satin. Some can be pulled over the head, while others are a little more intricate and include wrap-tie closures. Slip dresses are not stretchy at all, so you’re going for a more relaxed look that is, nonetheless, still refined and stylish.
Have an open communication to ensure everyone is aligned
Choosing a wedding outfit can seem quite challenging when you’re a bridesmaid, but it’s essential to approach the process in a casual, confident, and open-minded manner to find the perfect gown for the special day. Keep communications open and have all parties involved in the dress selection so that the bridal party attire is not only cohesive but everyone will feel delighted in their dresses.
