Think Beyond Taffeta!
It used to be that the words " bridesmaidwedding dress" was synonymous with "a dress you'll never wear again." Not so today! When you ask your friends to be your bridesmaid, you are actually giving them a great excuse to shop for (and maybe splurge on) a special dressy bridesmaid dress that they will actually wear to another special occasion after your wedding day. Can you think of a better gift than guilt-free shopping?
While some brides allow their attendants to pick their own dresses, most brides want to have a say in what their gals wear. Remember, it is your day, and there's no reason you shouldn’t play fashion designer. Just keep in mind that in order to have happy bridesmaids you need to consider each girl's taste, body shape, and coloring.
Mix It Up
There is no need to dress your bridesmaids in head-to-toe matching outfits with shoes dyed to match. With the latest fashions bursting off the racks, be creative in your choice of design. Whatever you choose will reflect on your personal taste and sense of style.
However, if you are stuck and not sure where to start, check out the numerous wedding websites and bridal magazines that offer tips on finding the right dress for different body types, different seasons, and different times of day. For example, A-line skirts and empire waists tend to flatter all body types, and dark colors "navy blue, forest green, or black" are ideal for evening weddings and look good on just about everyone.
- Pick one designer, and then allow your friends to choose from several styles. The dresses may be just slightly different, but each girl can choose the one that suits her best.
- Settle on one color and tell your bridesmaids to find a dress of that shade in whatever cut they want. You may want to add one or two "musts", such as it must also be ankle-length or strapless.
- Compliment the wedding's color scheme with the bridesmaid dresses. For example, if your colors are white and royal blue, consider decking your attendants out in a soft sky blue.
- If you choose a revealing dress style that's off the shoulders, offer your attendants shawls or another form of cover up so they won't feel too exposed and can ward off a chill.
Be a Trend Setter
Let's say you've looked through pages and pages of magazines and scoured all the wedding websites but still haven't found the right look. For some reason, you keep imagining a less traditional bridesmaid outfit, something that is relaxed and playful, but you don't see that kind of dress reflected in any of the magazines.
It's time to take a break and go window shopping at all your favorite department stores and boutiques. While walking around, you may realize that what you really want is to dress your bridesmaids in a two-piece outfit for a more casual vibe. The options are really limitless. Don't be afraid to listen to your inner voice and dare to do something that's a bit surprising.
A special wedding flower girl dress will make your smallest bridesmaid shine.
Want a definite crowd pleaser at your wedding? Consider a flower girl. A cute, well-dressed little girl (usually three to eight years old) scattering rose petals or blowing bubbles is a sure thing. If you have a flower girl lead the procession down the aisle, you can bet your guests will be smiling and more relaxed when it comes time for the bride to take the spotlight. There is just one danger: the little lady wearing the flower girl wedding dress may actually steal the show!
With the younger flower girls, keep in mind that you can not control their behavior. They may show off in funny ways, get distracted halfway down the aisle, or they may be extremely shy and need to be encouraged to walk in front of an audience. However, the one thing you can control is what she will wear. With the right flower girl dress your flower girl will kick off your wedding ceremony with grace, style, and a whole lot of charm.
A Dress that Makes Sense
The flower girl's dress can be creative and playful, but it should somehow relate to the wedding's overall theme. Here are some basic styles that always work well on children.
- Full skirts with satin sashes
- Princess sleeves
- All white lace or silk organza dresses with sashes And here are some ideas that are a bit more creative:
- The dress could be the same color as the bridesmaids' dresses.
- The dress could be white with accents such as ribbons, flowers, gloves, or shoes that are the same color as the bridesmaids' dresses.
- The dress could be a mini version of the bridesmaids' dresses or have some of the same design elements, such as lace, hand beading, or ruffles.
- The dress could be a one-of-a-kind that echoes the theme of the wedding, such as a daisy print dress to match the spring wedding theme.
Comfort Matters
When choosing the flower girl's dress, it is important to factor in her comfort level. You may fall in love with a floor-length dress, but is the little one likely to trip on the hem when she walks down the aisle? As the bride, it is your responsibility to pick a flower girl dress that your young attendant will look forward to wearing. Remember, a comfortable flower girl will be a happy flower girl.
Finding the Wedding Flower Girl Dress
Where can you buy these mini fashion statements? The best place to get a first hand look is in some children's clothing stores, bridal shops, or specialty sections in department stores. The perfect flower girl dress does not have to be labeled a "flower girl" dress. It can be any dress that you come across that you feel is suitable for the occasion.
You may also search the numerous online wedding sites. Most of them offer tips on selecting wedding attire for the younger set, including whether the ceremony is at night, outside on a beach, in the summer, etc. In addition, these sites often showcase different collections and include the measurements and costs of the dresses.
A flower girl is a terrific addition to a wedding party. She is a natural ice breaker and an immediate conversation piece. So to ensure she makes a strong, lasting, and amusing impression on your guests, choose her wedding flower girl dress with care and pleasure.