My client Kal and her beautiful wedding party
A wedding is an important milestone in everyone's life so it makes sense you'd want it to be as perfect as can be. You've decided on the location, date, and your dress, but what will your bridesmaids wear?
Your bridesmaids are your biggest support on your wedding day, ready to assist and provide the best moral support. As much as you love them, you'll also want them to look their best too--it is your big day, after all.
In the past, bridesmaids wore matching dresses, following the theme of the wedding. Today, the trend is to mix; bridesmaids choose their style of dresses that allow their style to shine through, as long as it follows the wedding theme or colour.
The advantage of letting bridesmaids choose their dresses is they know their bodies the best. One style of dress might not work on another's body type. Everyone should find a dress that suits their height, figure, and silhouette.
If you want to make your or your friend's wedding memorable by mixing it up, this article will go over 4 designs and styles that are trending, whether you're shopping or stitching up a custom-made dress.
Minimalist Dresses
The minimalist style is in and has been for quite some time. A minimalist dress is modern and simple yet refined. This style of dress lacks design and details but makes up for sleek silhouettes and clean lines.
In the summer, you can look for sleeveless dresses with a deep V-neckline to create more shape in the front or a halter neckline to keep it safe yet fashionable. Adding a side slit is also popular. For cooler seasons like autumn and winter, a long-sleeved dress with a high neckline will keep you warm and chic.
Slip dresses and maxi dresses are timeless and can be worn on several formal occasions. It's also easy to find them readily available in most colours.
Velvet fabric establishes a refined feeling while adding to the texture. Other luxe fabrics like chiffon and satin are also great for adding texture. Weddingomania has dozens of voguish examples for some great style and colour selections.
Prints, Prints, Prints
A trend that many have noticed that is going strong in 2021 is prints. Lori Conley, BHLDN’s general merchandise manager, explained "Printed bridesmaid dresses bring so much personality and whimsy to a bridal party. Watercolor-inspired prints can be super dreamy feeling, while a bold graphic print can read very modern."
Prints are rising in popularity thanks to the creativity you can have with them. A bridesmaid's dress can have florals, geometric designs, or animal prints and is an excellent tool to emphasize the wedding theme, so why not go wild for a fun occasion?
Prints are versatile, ready to be made into a wide variety of different designs, from midi dresses to gowns. As Bride has shown, numerous fashion brands have designed dresses with prints, such as the Vera Wang Printed Asymmetric Ruffle Bridesmaid Dress. Vera Wang's floral dress uses floral motifs with shades of sage, burgundy, and rose for the perfect spring day.
Bridal Separates
Bridal separates are seeing a comeback among brides and bridesmaids. The bridal separate consists of two pieces, a top and a bottom that makes for unlimited mix and match possibilities. Many are turning to bridal separates for their sustainability and versatile ensemble, perfect for relaxed events and ceremonies.
Brands like MATCHESFASHION and BHLDN have increased their bridal separate inventory to match increasing demand. "Many of our customers were holding weddings with different parts to the celebration, from an intimate family dinner to the ceremony and then the party and the going away outfit," Natalie Kingham, buying director of MATCHESFASHION said.
Bridesmaids can match suits and crop tops with a coordinating skirt or trousers. Kate Halfpenny, designer of Halfpenny London calls the bridal separate the perfect outfit for fashion-forward brides who pick out the perfect elements to create a unique and beautiful look.
Conley has also noted that separates allow for versatility, creativity, and personality to shine through. Bridal separates have unlimited matches, from jackets to corsets, and skirts to pants, this outfit can be used again for the next wedding you attend.
Jumpsuits
This one is rather unconventional but worth mentioning. The far-out nature of jumpsuits makes them stand out from other dresses. Jumpsuits are just as classy and chic as any other bridesmaid dress and can be worn again for future formal occasions.
From Vince Camuto to Zimmermann, designers are jumping on the bridesmaid jumpsuits bandwagon. Jumpsuits bring a fresh look to the wedding attire with their bold colour, classic silhouette, and intricate details.
The ASOS DESIGN wrap shirred sleeve jumpsuit in vintage floral print uses bold peach fabric with intricate floral motifs, great for spring and summer weddings. On the other hand, something like Julia Jordan's halter neck jumpsuit is ideal for people who are aiming for a classic, timeless look. This jumpsuit uses a solid black colour with clean lines, perfect for all year round.
Preparing for the Wedding
When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, it's important to decide on the theme so everyone is on the same page. It's also important to get everyone's opinion on what they are comfortable wearing, whether it's a formal wedding or boho bride theme.
Bridesmaid dresses help show off a glamorous bride. Neutral or cheerful colours will enhance the ambiance. Look for designs that complement the body shapes of you and your friends.
There are numerous options to choose from and bridal designers if retail options aren't cutting it out for you. Not all dresses have to be cut from the same cloth, and it's more fun to mix than to match. At the end of the day, while dresses add to the overall look of the wedding, it's the bridesmaids that will help make this wedding even more memorable.