Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating experience for a bride. But, as her bridal gown is one of the most expensive dresses she will wear in her life, this can also make her nervous. Fortunately, you will have your entourage and bridal consultants to help you make your dress decision. And, as with everything wedding-related, there are specific etiquette rules that you should stick to when shopping for your wedding dress too. Let us take a look at what they are.
Being successful in your search is easier said than done. There are several factors to consider and work with when choosing your bridesmaids dresses. From budget constraints to matching body shapes and personal preferences to making the choice from thousands of options, you are in for a long ride.
Do you already think your head is spinning? Don’t worry, because we have the solution. Follow this list of ten top things to consider when you decide to go shopping for your bridesmaids dresses, and you will have your bases covered.
1.Budget
Your girls know that a new dress is on the cards when they sign up to be your bridesmaid. But, don’t make them cringe and cry by choosing an expensive dress that is way over their budget, and will most likely never be used again. Bridesmaids dress collections are rich and diverse. So, you have plenty of choices to match every budget and still get the look you envisioned. All you have to do is start your search early and search for the best deals. This way, you can find the perfect dress that doesn’t put a strain on your bridesmaid’s pockets and still have a picture-perfect bridal party.
Unsure of how to find the best deals that are budget-friendly? We suggest you start with the clearance and discount section on the website. This is where you can find the latest and most enticing offers. Also consider placing a bulk order, as many dress shops offer attractive discounts when you do so, and your bridesmaids can save some extra cash this way.
2.Body shape
Mori Lee
Different women have different body structures, heights, and shapes. So, choosing a single silhouette for all of them may not be the best idea. There are universally flattering silhouettes if you must have matching outfits for all of them. The modified A-line dress, that drapes close to the body all the way from the bust to the hips, and then extends into the shape of an “A,” is one such silhouette. The empire style dress with a raised waistline also looks good on most body types and is even suitable for the pregnant bridesmaid.
Nevertheless, we suggest having your girls pick dresses that enhance their best features, but on condition that all the dresses look good when they come together, and not totally disjointed. Or, choose multi-way dresses that allow your bridesmaids to drape it in different ways and find the style that looks best on them. This way, you will see more smiles than frowns, and your girls will feel comfortable and gorgeous on your day. It is a win-win situation, don’t you think?
3.Comfort
Mori Lee
You may have your heart set on a strapless bridesmaid dress or one that is really short and just perfect for your laid-back, casual wedding style. Before you make it your final decision, make sure you check with your bridesmaids. Not all women are comfortable wearing certain styles. Now, if your choice isn’t one that they’ve ever tried before or stay away from because they aren’t comfortable showing so much skin, it will be a mistake to force them into it on your wedding day. Although you shouldn’t be worried about satisfying everyone with every detail of what they wear on your wedding day, you should consider their opinions when choosing something that they are extremely uncomfortable in. It can be awkward if your bridesmaid is forever tugging on the neckline of her dress or acts oddly because she is uncomfortable in the style you choose.
If you have a junior bridesmaid, make sure you check with her parents on whether they are fine with her wearing strapless styles or a dress with a very short hemline or long slit.
4.Personalities
After Six Bridesmaids
Some women are more fashionable than others, and we know how every woman has her own perspective on what styles are great and what don’t make the list. So, while some of your bridesmaids may be super-excited about a certain style, silhouette or fabric, others may feel it isn’t even remotely their style. As a bride, you have a tough job of finding that right balance. You can either go with what you think is best, or be flexible with your options. This doesn’t mean you will have to compromise on your idea, as you will still have plenty of ways to have a wonderful looking bridal party without choosing the exact same dress. Mix up the looks, play with textures, fabrics and styles and come up with an interesting combination, that will still be cohesive with the help of few unifying elements.
One word of caution: don’t give free rein to your bridesmaids to pick their dresses. Set the guidelines that they have to stick to when choosing a dress. This could be the color, neckline, hemline or any two or more factors. The girls can then choose dresses that match their personal choices, while still meeting your conditions.
5.Colors
Jasmine
There is an enormous variety of colors available in bridesmaids dresses, and this can confuse an already flustered bride. Rather than look at all the available color choices, you should focus on just two factors: the colors that match your wedding theme and colors that will look good on most of your bridesmaids. Remember to stick to this exact order. First, think of the colors that will be best for your wedding theme. Draw inspiration from photos, magazines and online content, and narrow down your choices to a select few. Then, choose the color, or colors that will suit most, if not all, of your bridesmaids. You are done! Since most bridesmaids dress designers offer dresses in several shades, finding the color you want shouldn’t be an issue once you choose the dress. It is best to place your orders together, so all the dresses come from the same dye lot and have the same color.
However, remember that you may not always get a proper idea of what the color will be when you place your order based on the small color sample available at the boutique. Check whether the boutique carries a dress in the color you choose. When it is from the same collection, you will get a better idea of how the color will be, even if it is not the same design you chose. If they don’t, then search online for real pictures of dresses from that collection in the color you chose. Basing your choice entirely on the tiny swatch of fabric you see may give you a result that is entirely different from what you had in mind.
6.Going shopping
Jasmine
Bridesmaids dress shopping is a lot of fun, especially as you aren’t the one who has to try on dress after dress, and look for approval. As the audience, you have a more relaxed role. However, prepare for the shopping well in advance, and go with a definite idea of what you want. If possible, we suggest you go out by yourself the first time and take a look at your options and shortlist the ones to choose from. This will save you the trouble of walking in with all your bridesmaids and finding yourself buried in choices, opinions and preferences.
We think it is best if you take along no more than four bridesmaids for one appointment. It can get too chaotic otherwise. If you have plenty of time before your wedding, try to plan your shopping for the off-peak season time, so your appointment isn’t rushed.
7.Timing your appointment
Tutto Bene
As with everything wedding-related, start your bridesmaids dress shopping early to get everything done on time. Selecting the dress design is only half the work. You will then have to place the order and wait for the dresses to arrive. Then there will be alterations, to get the dresses fitted and just right for your wedding day. So, it is best to book your boutique appointment early, and with sufficient time to get all the remaining things completed. This will help you avoid rush fees or disappointment if the dress you choose will not be available within your deadline. Avoid shopping on the weekends, as this is when the boutique will be most rushed. Also, you will have to round up your bridesmaids for their appointment, and it is best to save time by taking at least a few of them in one go. You will have hundreds of other things to attend to as well. So, consider delegating the responsibility of getting the girls to their alteration sessions to your Maid of honor, after the decisions have been made and orders placed.
8.Expect the unexpected
Dessy Bridesmaids
If you have a long engagement, it is wise to not place your bridesmaids dress orders too early. Since your bridesmaids are obviously not going to put their personal lives on hold till your wedding is over, don’t be surprised if one of them announces that she is expecting, or even has a baby during the long wait. When you order the dress closer to your wedding, you have more flexibility to accommodate such changes. Your bridesmaid will also appreciate wearing a dress that is more comfortable for her condition. Simple dresses that do not require too many alterations to fit well, and those that are available in a range of sizes are your best bet. Also, remember that women change sizes all the time. They may gain or lose pounds from the time the dresses were ordered, to when it is actually time to wear it. So, keep an open mind and leave enough time for last minute alterations, so there are fewer hassles as the day draws closer.
9.Practicality
Dessy Bridesmaids
Expect your bridesmaids to be very busy on your wedding day; getting dressed on time, attending to guests, helping you with your needs and more. So, the dress you choose should allow them to move around comfortably and it should also withstand strain without becoming wrinkled and dull. Another factor to consider is the weather at the time of your wedding. A dress that is perfect for an outdoor summer wedding may be a disastrous choice for a winter wedding. So, keep all these things in mind when making your choice. Consider your venue, weather at the time, and the duties that the bridesmaids will have to busy themselves with on the day, and then decide the silhouette and fabric that will be appropriate.
10.Cohesion
Alfred Sung bridesmaids
We talked about mixing and matching dresses, so you get a perfect balance that matches your bridesmaid’s personal preferences as well as the wedding theme. This is a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. Random dresses that you expect to go together, may entirely spoil the visual impact of your wedding scenery. Your bridesmaids should look great together, so your photos are picturesque and all your effort in planning your wedding theme isn’t wasted. Mix and match dresses, but do so sensibly. Don’t forget to decide upon the unifying factors in advance, and make sure they are ones that will bring the overall look together. Additionally, the bridesmaids dresses should also complement your wedding dress. So, if your dress has abundant lace details, it may be a good idea to go with classic designs and lace as the fabric for your bridesmaids. It needn’t be the fabric either. You can tie your look to your bridal party’s by finding one similar fabric. This may be the neckline, sleeve length or embellishment style.
We would love to hear what factors were most important to you, when you chose your bridesmaids dresses. Do let us know in the comments section.
Best for Bride offers bridesmaids dress collections from leading designers in sizes ranging from 0-34. You can find every silhouette, every pattern, every fabric and design to make your dreams a reality. To make your pick today, come visit our online gallery and find out which is your favorite.
The most romantic wedding dresses harmoniously blend timeless elegance with contemporary style. When traditional favorites are reinvented with modern touches, the result is astonishingly attractive. Wedding dresses have evolved in terms of silhouettes, necklines, sleeves and hemlines over the decades. Nevertheless, it isn’t uncommon to see interesting trends from the past being reused in wedding dress fashion now.
With more and more brides opting for vintage style wedding dresses, but updating them to suit their modern taste, one thing we know is that our favorite features will never be lost forever.
Today, we will discuss about how old meets new in the world of wedding dresses. We will visit some of the beautiful designer dresses from our collection at Best for Bride, that bring together contemporary styles with timeless classic features. These dresses will appeal to both the modern bride and the bride who favors classic styles for her wedding. So, take a look and don’t forget to tell us which of these are your favorites when you are done.
Fishtail Gown With V-neckline
The mermaid style fit and flare gown is a current favorite with many modern brides. This silhouette allows them to flaunt their beautiful body shape on their wedding day. The characteristic feature of the mermaid gown is that it clings to the body, and draws attention to every natural curve. So, this silhouette is anything but traditional. When it is paired with strapless necklines, the result is often an ultra-modern and extra stylish gown that only a confident bride would be comfortable in. The V-neckline on the other hand, is a timeless favorite. The length and depth of the V has often varied, and it is possible to both look modest or show off your decolletage and cleavage with a beautifully designed V.
This is an elegant masterpiece that has both the modern fishtail feature and the timeless V-neckline. With thin straps that support the neckline, and an embellished bodice that scintillates with crystals up to knee-length, it is a statement gown.
Ball Gown With Illusion Neckline
The illusion neckline is a recent entry into the wedding fashion scene, and ever since it made it’s appearance, brides have accepted it with open arms. The thin sheer layer of fabric that barely conceals the skin that lay beneath it, gives rise to breathtaking effects. This is what makes this feature a winner. Many modern designers make the most of illusion details by extending it to beyond the neckline, the into sleeves and back as well. It is often seen as a combination that is modest and sexy at the same time. Ball gowns, on the other hand, have always been an age-old classic style. At Best for Bride, we often notice how mothers want to see their daughters in elaborate and heavy ball gowns on their wedding day. On most cases, the bride disagrees (sometimes vehemently!) to this idea. We’ve seen many heated debates and tears at such dress selections where opinions clash.
While the neckline and illusion cap sleeves are sexy and mysterious, the ball gown is still there, although a little less poufy than in the traditional way. Even so, it will be favored by the older generation. Crystal beaded embroidery adorns the bodice and extends into the skirt in tiny clusters here and there. The illusion layer sits atop a stunning sweetheart neckline, that is bound to be a favorite with the modern woman who wants subtle glamour. This dress is just right for a formal church ceremony, and the best part is that the bride will not feel weighed down in a heavy skirt with more layers than is actually necessary to get the shape right. The beautiful illusion details also continue into the back, with a wide V-cut framing the intricate beading at the back.
Princess Seams and Illusion Neckline
Princess seams were details added to the bodice and skirt of wedding dresses in yester-years, so it looked tailored to the bride’s actual measurements. These rounded seams added definite structure and made the dress look fitted. However, it was often a style that extended continuously from the bodice, all the way to the skirt. Adding an illusion neckline and ornate embroidery details on the bodice can add an innovative touch to this classic element, and make it much more interesting.
The sheer bateau neckline and sleeves continue into a pretty sweetheart bodice decked with intricately woven lace details. Artistically placed crystal beading enhances the beauty of the gown, by adding sparkle to the waistline and decorating the lace applique above it. The satin skirt, in contrast, is simple but lustrous and luxuriant, as it softly glides down to full-length.
Fit And Flare Dress With Lace Details
Lace is synonymous with vintage, and a favorite with brides of all generations. However, it is not often suitable at modern weddings, and is usually preferred for traditional style weddings. However, lace is an element that can do wonders to the bridal ensemble, when chosen properly. It renders itself suitable for any style of wedding, when used in the right doses and paired with the right features. When lace appliques tastefully adorn a fit and flare gown, it can be stunning and the onlooker will have a hard time deciding whether the dress is more contemporary or classic.
Another ravishing beauty from the Mori Lee Spring collection, is a gown that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the most modern design. The fit and flare silhouette is embellished from top to toe with fine Alencon lace appliques, and the embellishments on it extend all the way to the sheer train. The dress has a snugly fitted scalloped sweetheart neckline supported by scintillating shoestring straps. The back features a daring deep cut that gathers into a train of fabric buttons that run all the way down to the derriere. Alencon lace appliques frame the back and are truly mesmerizing.
Fit And Flare Dress With Tiered Skirt
Tiered skirts were a big thing in the 1910’s and they perfectly fit the picture for a vintage-inspiredwedding. Fit and flare silhouettes, on the other hand, are a contemporary fashion feature. Combining the two together gives you an unusually appealing combination of old meets new, with no compromise on style or elegance. With the fit and flare silhouette, the upper part of the dress allows a bride to show off the figure she is proud of. The lower part that has the tiered skirt, gives the dress an unexpected twist that can also tie it to a vintage theme.
This dress features both the elements, and also has elaborate lace details that make it a work of art. The gently scalloped lace details on the hemlines of each of the tiers creates an exquisite overall look for the dress. Additionally, the entire silhouette up to knee length contains beautiful Alencon lace details created with finesse, and the sweetheart neckline makes it glamorous too.
Draped Bodice And A-line Pick Up Skirt
Many fairy tales have featured pick-up skirts, but this feature was always associated with ball gowns. The pick-up style later disappeared from the scene. It has reappeared now, but this time with a modern twist that is more charming and appealing. The characteristic rolling up of the skirt at specific points, which made it look heavy and difficult to manage, is now updated in an A-line silhouette style. This considerably reduces the volume of the skirt, instantly adding a touch of sophistication to it. When the bodice has a ruched style, with gentle pleats coursing over the torso, there is an almost seamless integration of the bodice with the skirt. The effect is stunning.
This imarvelouslous dress in a modified A-line silhouette with the pick-up skirt detail being its most spectacular feature. A sparkling waistband defines the end of the bodice, which drapes around the body in gentle pleats. This design instantly adds extra inches to a bride, and is a beautiful gown with its strapless soft scoop neckline and simple, but luxurious details.
Lace Gown With Full-Length Illusion Sleeves
Illusion designs have not only braced the neckline, but we often see them on the back and sleeves too. Although the original illusion styles were relatively simple, with just a thin layer of fabric over the chosen area, lace appliques and motifs are more elaborate today, making them splendid works of art. Most wedding gowns with illusion necklines feature cap sleeves, or are sleeveless. However, illusion full-length sleeves have a breathtaking beauty, as you will soon see. When this feature on the sleeves is combined with the traditional vintage element—lace, in the body of the gown, the dress is happy harmony of old and new.
Beautiful full-length illusion sleeves with exquisite beading along the length of the sleeves almost look like a bolero over the ruched sweetheart neckline and bodice. The entire gown is created in lace over satin with the dress featuring a draped design all the way from the bodice to the end of the skirt.
A-line Silhouette And Plunging Sweetheart Neckline
The A-line dress was one of the first design innovations in wedding gowns, introduced soon after women started shedding corsets and dressing up in garments that embraced their natural body shape. Since then, the appeal of this silhouette has only grown. It still continues to be a favorite among brides, with the simple pattern helping them create a sexier look with the illusion of curves. The strapless bodice, has also been on the scene for a while now, but modified sweetheart necklines with a plunging section in the center are a novelty, that only bold brides are ready to consider. However, when the silhouette with long sleeves is updated with the strapless plunging sweetheart neckline, the result is a gown that is glamorous, interesting and most of all, stunning.
This dress from the Sophia Tolli collection shows us how magnificent this combination is. This figure-flattering gown almost snugly fits the torso all the way to the hips, from where it gently flows into a modified A-line skirt. This modest design is contrasted by the plunging sweetheart neckline which goes deep down in the center, albeit with a modesty piece. The dress features a corset-back, but don’t worry about it shrinking you in with it’s tight grip. It is nothing like the corsets women in the Victorian ages wore! Beading and intricate crystal work throughout the length of the gown make it picturesque.
Now tell us, which of these combinations did you like the most? At Best for Bride, you can choose from a wide variety of gowns of different styles. Modern or traditional, classic or contemporary, we have them all. As one of Canada’s most reputed wedding shops, we are here to help you realize your dream vision of dressing up as the most beautiful bride in town, and also having the dream wedding that will forever be remember by your guests. Choose from our extensive wedding gown inventory, by clicking here.
For many women, being tall is a dream! So, if you are taller than average, you will most likely have had others tell you how they envy your height. However, you know how this factor makes it exceptionally difficult to find dresses that fit you. As the general fashion industry is more geared towards creating dresses for women of average or slightly above average height, both tall and short women do not find as many options when they go shopping.
Fortunately, wedding dress shopping is not as tricky as finding regular dresses for your tall figure. Most wedding dresses are longer than average gowns and evening dresses, but finding one that covers your toes when you are six feet tall or more can still be challenging.
Here are some tips to help you find the dress and complete your look so it matches your expectations.
