Your wedding dress is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment, a reflection of your taste, and a remembrance you’ll cherish forever. Selecting the suitable fabric is a critical decision that influences not just the look of the dress but also how it feels against your skin and how it moves with you.
This guide will provide all the information you need about different wedding dress fabrics, including insights based on personal experiences, expert opinions, and current trends. Prepare to embark on an exciting journey as unique as the wedding day.
How many of you brides have been searching for inspiration in your mother’s wedding album when choosing your bridesmaids dresses? Not many, I believe!
There is no surprise here, for bridesmaids dresses weren’t always inspiring in the past! We have all heard notorious tales of dresses that resembled cotton candy and fabrics that would be better off as drapes!
Nonetheless, we live in a time when many things from the past seem to reappear on the wedding scene. From heirloom wedding dresses to vintage themes, décor and classic venues, couples have embraced many elements from weddings of the past. While this trend continues, it is only right that we visit bridesmaids dresses inspired by fashions from the past.
Today, we will look at bridesmaids dresses that are suitable for different vintage eras. I found this article on the Bustle extremely helpful with this. It gives us a clear idea of the trends that were most happening during the past, with some really interesting pictures to support it. Let us try to find inspiration in these dress styles and locate dresses from our current bridesmaids collections to reinvent the look. We can assure you that they will not look out of place in the modern wedding scene. So, let’s begin!
The 1850’s
Women’s clothing in this era was rather elaborate, with corsets and wide skirts supported by hoops and crinoline. The ball gown was popular in evening wear and formal dresses. Your bridesmaids may not appreciate being weighed down in a heavy ball gown dress at your wedding, nor is it appropriate. Nonetheless, there are other dress features from the Victorian era that you can easily incorporate into your bridesmaid’s looks. Here they are.
Low-necked and off-the-shoulder styles were big hits during this era. Many designer collections today feature these in their bridesmaid’s dresses. Here are some!
The dress has the opulence and fitted bodice style that is reminiscent of the 1850’s. However, the fitted silhouette continues into the skirt, allowing for easy movement. The off-the-shoulder neckline and details in the bodice are suitable for a Victorian vibe.
The Angelina Faccenda 20453 dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline and has embellishments on the dropped sleeves. The criss-cross bodice results in an empire waistline. The ruchings in the front continue into the back of the dress as well.
Early 19th century
During the Edwardian era, defined waistlines were created using tight-fitting corsets. The ideal female figure resembled a pigeon structure. This was characterized by an upper body that thrust forward, while a thin waistline emphasized the hips and bust. An air of opulence defined most dress styles. Frilly embellishments like ruffles, lace and floral details were very popular. By the year 1910, the empire line was preferred over the corset. Pastels were preferred for daytime dresses, while dark, deep rich colours were chosen for formal evening wear. Here are some dresses that recreate this effect in bridesmaids’ dresses.
Here is a dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection with a well-defined waistline and structured silhouette. The dress has plenty of lace embellishments strewn throughout the length. These add an air of finesse. The satin waistband defines the waistline and the full-length makes it suitable for a formal wedding ceremony.
This dress from the Jasmine dress collection has full-length sleeves and a defined waistline. Although no corset detail exists, the silhouette is structured and fits tightly against the natural curves. The full-length sleeves are actually a removable shrug. This feature also gives the dress a two-in-one look. The embellished bodice has details that compare with the luxurious finishes of Edwardian dresses.
The 1930’s
Most dress silhouettes had one striking detail in this era—tiered skirts. This is a dress feature that many wedding dress designers have openly embraced and included in wedding gowns. Although there are few bridesmaids dresses with this feature, it is attractive when present. Huge collars were another big fashion feature in this decade. Here are our picks that bring back these styles.
A modern-style tiered A-line dress, this Mori Lee 123 brings tiers to life, albeit in a contemporary style. Gentle tiers are fashioned in chiffon to create an almost rippling effect and a smart silhouette, unlike the over-the-top dress styles that were popular in the 1930s.
Inspired by the elaborate collars that were the highlight of the 1930’s, this After Six bridesmaid dress is a very stylish variation of this style. A ruffled overlay drops off the halter-neckline over the fitted silhouette, making this florentine lace gown a vintage beauty.
Sassy, stylish short dresses in 1950
Short, but voluminous skirts were stylish in the 1950’s. These added a youthful vibe to the overall look. Although short, the dresses usually featured layers of taffeta and net that formed buoyant skirts. Bows were an essentially important detail at this time. This feature, in fact, found its way to not just dresses, but even hats. Let’s take a look at some of the dresses from our collection which bring back the memories of this era.
Here is a tulle dress with a bouncy skirt that was a favorite in the 1950’s. Perhaps a tad shorter than was the norm, this dress has a thick voluminous skirt that is still acceptable to the modern woman.
This dress from the After Six Bridesmaid collection features a bodice that has a different color than in the skirt. This was an essentially common feature in the dress styles of the years we discussed about. The defined waistline and smart silhouette with the halter neck are smart and will suit women today, as they did back then.
1960’s poufy dresses and sheath silhouettes
At the beginning of the decade, many brides chose to dress their bridesmaids in shiny dresses with voluminous skirts. Silky sateen finishes were popular, so the look reflected opulence and luxury. As the decade progressed, the silhouettes slimmed and the sheath was the chosen style for most women. The white glove was an accessory that rendered itself to any dress style.
This dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection has a layered net skirt and is in a rich color that was popular in the 1960’s. Even so, the dress has the poufy look that characterized formal dress styles at the time. Imagine this dress when worn with a pair of pristine white gloves. That should give you a clear idea of what we mean.
As women stepped out of corsets and stiffly structured dress silhouettes, the sheath became the favorite. Here is a sheath silhouette from the Angelina Faccenda collection, with all the glitz and glamour that reflects the style of the 1960’s. The cap sleeve and accessories like hats and white gloves worked well with this design.
Vibrant and colorful 1970s
Patterns and prints in big and bold proportions entered the fashion scene in the 1970s. Appliques and patchworks as well as vibrant, colorful designs were trendy at this time. Dresses flowed to full length and loosely draped around the natural silhouette.
This dress from the Alfred Sung collection could easily pass off as an original from the 1970s. With bright floral prints on a loose silhouette, the colors on the dress stand out. While it would look good at a garden wedding today, you would have seen it any type of wedding in those days.
The After Six Bridesmaids 6556 is a dress with a variety of colors that recreate the 1970s vibe. Despite a fitted waistband, the dress is loose flowing and comfortable with its soft fabric and drape.
The rich and flamboyant style of the 1980s
With the 1980’s the entire fashion scene underwent significant change. Everything was done in bigger and bolder proportions. As hairstyles grew bigger and shine and shimmer was seen in the makeup and accessories, outfits were generally colorful, lively and unusually interesting.
Everything about this dress from the Jasmine Bridal collection, including the color, fit, ruffles, drape and even the sleeves are signature features. This is a style that is typical of the 1980’s. The interesting part is that the dress is interesting in the back as well, with a V-neck formed of bell sleeves.
Here’s another dress from the Dessy Bridesmaid collection that would pass off as a suitable choice for the 1980’s. The dress has loose sleeves which were a characteristic feature of those days. The silhouette, although fitted, is one that flows loosely without too much structure. The criss-cross detail in the bodice and the shimmering waistband are toned-down versions of popular dress details that added to the 1980’s appeal.
Fashion in the 2000’s
With the new century, fashion began diverging in different directions. Unpredictability reigned high, as everyone sought unique styles. No longer did brides choose cookie-cutter weddings or bridal parties similar to those seen at other weddings. There was a general mash-up of styles, adding to the appeal of bridesmaids outfits. Metallics, neutrals and casual styles became part of mainstream fashion.
Stylish, elegant and figure-flattering, this is a dress that the women in 2000’s would quickly approve of. The sweetheart neckline is delightfully feminine and has a romantic appeal. The neckline drapes to one side and pinches at the side, with a layered look. The shimmering color is attractive, but distinct from the typical shiny dresses seen in the years leading up to the 21st century.
This dress is from the Alfred Sung Collection and is a sateen twill dress. Tastefully designed with a gentle sheer scoop neckline over a sweetheart bodice, the dress has an A-line shape. The length gives it a smart look. Despite its simplicity, this beautiful dress will appeal to almost anyone. Another good thing about this dress is that it doesn’t need many accessories.
And finally this decade
Fashion has grown by leaps and bounds in the second decade of this century. Every year brings in it’s wake new and interesting changes on the fashion scene. With the evolution of wedding fashion, changes have arrived in the world of bridesmaids dresses too. Brides now recognize the individuality of the women in their bridal party and consider matching bridesmaids outfits boring and unnecessary.
Hence few rules define bridesmaids fashion these days. It is as unique as the wedding, woman and theme itself. Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses is no longer just a trend, but is considered an essential part of a wedding. Over the last few years we have seen everything from color-block prints to rich jewel colors and pastels rule the scene at different points of time.
The revival of traditional elements like lace, vintage elements like ruffles and accessories have all arrived and stayed on.
Bridesmaids dresses with bold elements like 3-d florals, geometric patterns and oversize embellishments add a modern effect to unconventional wedding themes.
Both loose drapes that resemble masculine styles, as well as soft, feminine romantic styles have appeared on the wedding scene. So, it is hard to predict what a bride expects when shopping for her bridal party outfits.
At Best for Bride, you can find dresses of every style, fitting every era and matching the uniqueness of your bridesmaids. To take a closer look at any of the dresses featured here and check out more options, visit our bridesmaid dress collections here. Please find all the inspiration and information you need to make your wedding vision a reality through our bridesmaids collections.
Flower girls are precious little angels who add a touch of innocence to your wedding ceremony! Little girls dressed in beautiful dresses, and scattering flowers as they cruise down the aisle are absolutely enchanting. Although flower girls are not an essential part of the wedding party, the beauty that they bring to the ceremony is unbeatable. Hence, it is no wonder that many brides decide to have them at their wedding.
Since they are part of your wedding party, it is important that their outfits also match the theme of your wedding. You may not have as many options as with bridesmaids dresses, in flower girls dresses. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing them.
Your flower girls will typically be between the ages of 3 and 8. At this age, they are not old enough to manage a high-maintenance dress. So, choose one that is simple but effective.
Young girls grow quickly. Hence, it is best that you buy the dress closer to the wedding. This way you can ensure that it will fit her.
Comfort should be one of the most important factors when choosing your flower girl’s dress. Avoid dresses that are too long, too tight or too warm. This can irritate your flower girl and spoil her mood.
Don’t expect your flower girl to sit still and take good care of her dress, so she looks fresh at the wedding. Not all girls are capable of doing that at their age. So, choose fabric that is wrinkle free and you needn’t worry about her spoiling her dress.
Although the common practice is to choose a dress that is a miniature version of the bride’s outfit, this isn’t necessary. Your flower girl can have a dress that is colorful, matches the bridesmaids dress colors or in any way ties to the theme of the wedding. If you choose a white or ivory dress for your flower girl, consider adding accent colors that match the wedding color palette, with suitable accessories.
Flower girl dresses can be expensive. So, be mindful of the parent’s budget when you choose a dress. Also, it would be a good idea to pick a dress that can be used by the girl again, so she gets more use out of it.
If you have more than one flower girl, either dress them up in the same dress or mix and match styles, colors and features, just like you would in the case of your bridesmaids dresses.
If your flower girl isn’t comfortable wearing a party dress, have her dress up in an outfit with pants or divided skirts that match the bridesmaids dresses. It doesn’t really matter as long as it comes together with the overall look.
Don’t forget your flower girl’s accessories when planning her look. Simple and convenient pieces of jewelry are the best. You can also think of adorable accessories like flower crowns and pretty waistbands for that extra dainty touch.
Your flower girl’s dress should match the formality of the event. A fancy-looking dress would be appropriate at a formal function. For a casual, outdoor event or an informal wedding, light, airy dresses would be better.
Now that we have covered the essential points that you should keep in mind when choosing your flower girl dresses, let us take a look at the various dress styles that are available to choose from.
V Neck Ivory Satin Champagne Tulle
Fairy-tale flower girl dresses
If you have your heart set on a princess wedding gown, a fairy tale flower girl dress would go well with your outfit. These dresses are typically miniature versions of ball gowns, with embellishments like lace, beading and hand embroidery. The dresses are usually floor length, but you can also have them altered to just skim the ankles, so it is comfortable for your flower girl to move around. Although fairy tale dresses are typically available in white and ivory, you may also be able to find them in different colors also.
Two-piece flower girl dresses
This is a versatile choice for brides who want to mix and match the top and skirt, to create the intended look. Here, the dress has a separate bodice and skirt, but when worn together, it will resemble a single dress. There are different options when you choose this alternative, and you can either have poufy flower girl dresses, or choose simple silhouettes that are easier to carry and comfortable to wear. The added benefit of a two-piece flower girl dress is that it allows you to mix and match different sizes, if your flower girl doesn’t really fit into a specific size. Thus, you can find a dress that fits her shoulders and her height correctly.
Full-length gown
Perfect for a formal wedding, these dresses are full-length, and extend just beyond the ankles to make sure it is comfortable for the little girl to carry it. Since it is a long dress, it is best to keep the details simple on it, so the bulk of the material isn’t overwhelming on the small frame. These dresses are usually created in A-line style, since this is easy to wear and looks good on most children. Full length gowns are available in color or white, and the skirt may either be pleated or plain. The dress shown here is from the Mori Lee collection, and features an empire waistline and sleeveless neckline.
Tea length dresses with poufy skirts
Very ornate and voluminous, this is a party dress style that is sure to look perfect at a formal ceremony. Usually fashioned in an A-line silhouette or ball gown style, the dress is characterized by the volume of its skirt. The fabrics used are net, tulle or organza, and sometimes it may feature a satin finish in the bodice and the lower layers of the skirt. Although the dress is short, it is still very effective as the skirt adds a dramatic overtone to the overall look. It is common to find the skirt gathered at various points and little flowers scattered at these gatherings for a beautiful effect.
A-line skirts
A-line dresses are a flower girl favorite, and can be either short or long. Like the name suggests, the dress silhouette resembles the shape of an A, with the top part fitted closely to the body, and the skirt flaring out into the shape of an A from the waistline. There may be a demarcation at the waistline with a sash or waistband, usually in a different color. When choosing this style, you can consider adding a waistband in your theme color to match it to the overall look easily. Many variations are possible with the humble A-line silhouette. This includes a dropped waist, draping on the bodice, embellishments along the skirt and many more options.
Pick-up skirts
Another style that instantly dresses up your flower girl, dresses with pick-up skirts are elaborate and stylish. Here the hemline is gathered and pushed upwards at regular spacing, along the length of the skirt. This is usually done in different tiers, adding more texture and volume to the dress. This Mori Lee flower girl dress looks like it is bubbling with excitement, as it features a ruched skirt with several pickups along the length. The dark sash at the waist separates the bodice from the textured skirt.
Tiered skirts
Adding more volume to a buoyant skirt are tiered skirt styles that feature a layered arrangement of tiers. These make the dress very interesting. These are usually fashioned out of lace, tulle or similar soft fabrics, so it bounces along. For the tiers to be evident, the skirt has to be long, and so it usually ends at the ankles. Although the tiers are spectacular by itself, this dress may also feature other embellishments in the bodice or at the hemline. This is a dress pattern that will be loved by most little girls.
The Mori Lee 575 features three tiers, each of which is trimmed with a hint of dark color like red or black. The sleeveless dress is simply embellished with a bow at the waist, but it can be accessorized with a bolero-style jacket if desired.
Cap sleeves and short sleeve dresses
If you aren’t fond of the sleeveless feature that is common on flower girl dresses, you can consider dresses with sleeves. There are different sleeve lengths to choose from. These include cap sleeves, T-shirt sleeves and longer styles. The cap sleeve style is particularly endearing, especially when they are embellished with lace or hand embroidery. Short sleeves can also be done with lace, and this will help you match it to a vintage-inspired wedding theme.
The dress featured here is the G339 from the Aglaia collection. This dress not only has lace cap sleeves, but the pretty embellishments continue into a scalloped neckline and further into bodice and skirt You may also like to check out the dresses here and here, done in similar styles.
Dresses with colorful accents
If you want your flower girl to be dressed with a little dash of color in her dress, you have two options—either choose colorful accessories like a sash or bow to go with her outfit. Otherwise, choose a dress that has just the right amount of color in it. Colors like red, blue and pink are easy to come by in flower girl collections. These dresses are usually in white, and have the hint of color done at the neckline, in the sleeves, waistline and in scattered embellishments.
The G3327 shown here is from the Aglaia collection, and is a beautiful dress in white, with red as an accent color. You can see how the red is kept to a minimum to just create the right impact without overpowering the white. Other white dresses with pretty accent colors in embellishments can be seen here and here.
Colorful flower girl dresses
If you wish to dress your flower girl in rich color, there are plenty of choices. From full-length dresses to shorter tea length dresses, these are available in a range of colors, designs and silhouettes. While colorful dresses are always attractive on young girls, ensure that the dress color goes well with the bridesmaids dress colors for a cohesive effect. Since you may not have as many color options as you have with bridesmaids dresses, you will have to choose from what is available or settle for the closest available color. Also consider the rest of the outfit like the shoes and other accessories. Make sure that they complement the color, so it doesn’t look weird together. A safe option would be to choose white or black shoes and socks, or those that match the color of the dress.
The Aglaia collection at Best for Bride contains plenty of colorful flower girl dresses. Most of them can be ordered in colors beside those shown in the pictures on our website. Shown here is the G3307 in a soft shade of blue, that is perfect for outdoor weddings in terms of silhouette, fabric and design. This dress has more embellishments and would be good for a formal ceremony,while it is also an in-between choice that would work for both a formal or informal wedding.
We hope this post has helped you understand the various options in flower girl dresses, for you to pick for your wedding day! This is just another detail you must plan, and it is easier than dressing up your bridesmaids. One factor in your favor is that dressing your flower girl wrong is almost impossible. So, have fun choosing her dress.
Take a look at our gallery of flower girl dresses for more choices and options. Head over to this link at Best for bride for this.
There is more to bridesmaids’ dresses than just colour and style. The fabric is an equally important factor. The material you choose has a significant impact on the overall effect of how your bridesmaids will look on your wedding day. For example, the same colour can be entirely different when done in two other fabrics. Similarly, the same dress pattern will drape differently depending on how structured or soft the fabric is.
Just like wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses are available in different fabrics. When you know your options, you can find a dress that is better suited for the formality of your wedding. It is equally helpful to know what you will be getting if you are ordering your dresses online or aren’t attending the shopping session.
This primer on bridesmaids’ dress fabrics will provide you with the information you need to make your decision.
