| Choosing bridesmaids dresses is no easy task, but it's | | | | wedding is planned for a cooler time in the year, long |
| one of the most exciting and often the most | | | | skirts and sleeves are best, or include a shawl or |
| emotional parts of the wedding planning process. | | | | wrap as part of the outfit. |
| Inviting the special women in your life to be your | | | | It's a nice idea to choose your colors according to |
| bridesmaids; your sisters, your lifelong friends, your | | | | the time of year also. Fresh, soft colors are lovely |
| cousins and special family friends; is a way to seal | | | | for spring and summer; golds, copper tones and rusty |
| important friendships during this very special time in | | | | reds for fall, and deep marine blues, teal green, deep |
| your life. Choosing the bridesmaids dress, whether | | | | burgundies and plums, or platinum shades for winter. |
| you do it yourself or together with your bridesmaids, | | | | Choose colors which will match the flowers which are |
| is an integral part of the tradition. | | | | in bloom at the time of year, so your gowns will tone |
| Tips on Choosing the Right Dresses for your | | | | in nicely with the bouquets. Discussing your color |
| Bridesmaids | | | | ideas with your favorite florist will make the job of |
| Naturally, it's the bride who will be the focus of | | | | choosing colors much easier. |
| attention on her wedding day, but it's important for | | | | For a very sophisticated, formal look, black or black |
| the bridesmaids to look gorgeous too. Choose | | | | and white never goes out of style.. Alternating black |
| something simple and not overdecorated or detailed, | | | | and white solid panels has a very dramatic effect. |
| but which will make your bridesmaids look elegant, | | | | For a more romantic look, use white or a solid color |
| sophisticated and feminine. | | | | overlaid with black lace, either as a feature of the |
| It's important to choose a dress style which will | | | | dress itself, or as a shawl or wrap. |
| flatter everyone's figure. This is never an easy task, | | | | Soft, pretty pastel shades like lilac, powder pink, |
| but empire waists and A-line or princess skirts will | | | | cream, platinum and eggshell blue are always popular |
| tend to suit most shapes and sizes. | | | | colors for bridesmaid dresses, because they always |
| If your bridesmaids have very different figure types | | | | look good together with the white or ivory shade of |
| and heights, and you think they might feel | | | | the bridal gown. Adding dramatic color accents in the |
| uncomfortable in matching dresses, a nice alternative | | | | bouquets creates a very attractive look for the |
| is to choose the fabrics and colors, and allow each | | | | wedding party as a whole. |
| individual bridesmaid to choose her own dress style. | | | | Another idea which works very well for bridesmaids |
| Always keep a budget in mind for your bridesmaids | | | | gowns is to use a silk or satin fabric with a subtle |
| gowns. It's very unfair to expect your bridesmaids to | | | | crossweave in a contrasting color, and match the |
| buy overly expensive dresses, and it may damage | | | | bouquets to the crossweave color. The bouquets will |
| your relationship with some of the most important | | | | bring out and enhance the color highlights in the dress |
| women in your life. Around $100-250 each dress is | | | | fabric, which has a very pretty effect. |
| generally considered a reasonable cost. If you have | | | | Accessories for Bridesmaids |
| your heart set on a more expensive gown, you | | | | The simplest look will tend to work best, so |
| might consider making up the difference yourself. | | | | accessories should best be kept to a minimum. Often |
| Classic Looks for Bridesmaids | | | | a simple pair of earrings, a brooch or necklace is all |
| Any kind of formal gown, semi-formal or evening | | | | the jewelry you'll need. It's traditional for the bride to |
| dress can be chosen as a bridesmaids gown, so you | | | | give the bridesmaids their jewelry as a gift, which is a |
| have literally thousands of options. Satin, organza, | | | | lovely idea. |
| chiffon, georgette, tulle, lace, brocades, and crepe | | | | For a very formal look, shawls, gloves and even small |
| are all classic fabrics for bridesmaid dresses. Whether | | | | tiaras are always appropriate as bridesmaids' |
| you choose real silks and imported laces, or more | | | | accessories. |
| economical alternatives will depend on your budget. | | | | Keep comfort as well as style in mind when you |
| It's traditional to choose a one-piece dress or gown, | | | | choose shoes for your bridesmaids. Very high heels |
| but separates are definitely an option. Mixing and | | | | may be uncomfortable to stand in for any period of |
| matching separate blouses and skirts makes it easier | | | | time. Also consider the fact that the bridesmaids will |
| to find a style which suits each individual bridesmaid. | | | | most likely be wearing the shoes for the wedding |
| You should think about the time of year you plan to | | | | ceremony and the reception, so choose shoes which |
| hold the wedding, and how this will effect your gown | | | | will be comfortable to wear all day, then dance away |
| choices. Choose lighter fabrics for summer, and a | | | | the night. |
| sleeveless or even a strapless dress style. If your | | | | |