Bridesmaids need to seriously quit worrying about what they’ll have to wear on the wedding day. Of course, nobody wants to dress in something they don’t feel comfortable in or spend money on a gown they won’t ever wear again. Fortunately, bridesmaid dress etiquette has evolved significantly over time. Brides and their teams, who were traditionally constrained by strict regulations, now have more chances than ever to enjoy choosing the outfit for the attendants. So, what are the most recent rules? That’s why we’re here to explain, I suppose.
Here is our best modern advice for dressing your loved ones—or, as is increasingly common these days, letting them pick their own clothes! Nowadays, the key is to value uniqueness. This entails giving the bride the freedom to select the bridesmaid dresses and finishing touches that speak to her while also giving the bridesmaids a voice. We’ll explain what we mean in more detail with the advice we’re about to give.
We’ll offer you a sneak preview of what’s to come before we get too deeply into the guidelines for contemporary bridesmaid attire. First, get ready to recognise colours and materials that you may have previously discounted. Second, get ready to witness silhouettes and shapes that can surprise you. White wedding dresses and separates for the bridesmaids were formerly essentially unheard of. But now, they’re completely acceptable. You’ll also notice that the groupings we’ve depicted are less “conventional” in that many of them aren’t dressed in the coordinated appearances that bridesmaids traditionally wear. By the end of our presentation, we’ll demonstrate that that is also perfectly fine.
Dare to Be Unique
Contrary to Rhea’s insistence, your friends don’t have to wear the same cut or colour. You hand-picked each and every lady for a purpose, so let each bridesmaid radiate her unique personal flair!
Make Them Shine
Who says the people in your entourage have to be subdued? If you keep dress forms modest and necklines demure, sequins, beads, and studs can add sparkle and texture to your wedding without becoming overly spectacular. Bonus: No significant jewellery is needed.
Access Any Length
Everyone can choose the hemline height that flatters her figure best by combining them. Additionally, it gives the group a more fascinating overall appearance. Alternately, you might keep the bridesmaids’ dresses short while your maid of honour stands out in a longer one, or vice versa.
Accept Lace
Yes, lace has traditionally been used by the bride, but we also adore how it gives your girls’ dresses a lovely texture. By adding colour, you may make it lively and less bridal: Bold hues stand out at an outdoor party, while softer tones are appropriate for a formal occasion. These bluish-grey ones were made by Goddiva.
Doubles Game
By combining two excellent pieces (in this case, blouses from Anthropologie and pants from Alice + Olivia), you may create one outstanding outfit. Depending on how they mix things up, your attendants can actually wear them again as separates later—on romantic nights or to the office.
Offer Alternatives
Even if you don’t like the idea of giving each of your best friends a specific gown, you should nevertheless restrict their options. (If you let them run wild, your ceremony attire will be up for interpretation.) Allow guests to choose from a variety of gowns. To prevent any awkward who-wore-it-best situations, post them on a Pinterest board, share the link, and have each friend claim a style by adding “mine!” in the comments.
Blend Your Fabrics
Being a one-material girl is unnecessary. If they are the same colour, a variety of textures—from boho chiffon to elegant silk to flowing tulle—mingle harmoniously (s).
Create Some Hushed Noise
I appreciate it, Pippa Middleton. Bridesmaids can now dress in white and look quite stylish. Brightly coloured or shiny gold accessories can add personality.
Organize the Information
Hair and makeup can unite different looks if they’re meeting at the altar in different outfits. Give your girls red lips or the same loose waves as those pictured here.
Print them out.
Bridesmaids used to only dress in one consistent colour from head to toe. no longer. Play with pattern for a new feel. Try one on only your MOH if you’re not ready to commit to a parade of prints marching down your aisle.
Play Around With The Palette’s Prints.
These gowns all have the same colour scheme, even if only a few of them are patterned, and the result is stunning. To keep your line-up charming rather than disorganised, stick to a palette of no more than three colours. Collecting patterns with a similar subject is also enjoyable.
Early Gifts for Your Girls
Make their wardrobe coordination a gift opportunity, then spoil the surprise, please! Whether it’s the dresses themselves or current earrings like these Hart ones, let your group know what you’ll be presenting them later. They may then budget for the remainder of their ensemble and plan ahead as a result.