Right Body Type, Right Bridesmaid Dress

January 23, 2008 | Categories Fashion

The two bridesmaids for my wedding could not have been more opposite in their body types.  Cassie is shorter and bustier while Estelle is tall and thin, almost willowy.  (names have been changed to protect the shy). I think they’re fabulously gorgeous women, but they didn’t feel gorgeous in the dresses I had chosen for them!  Why? I hadn’t taken into consideration their individual body types and as a result, they weren’t comfortable.  Eventually, we chose dresses that complemented both body types and they looked just great!
Trends in modern weddings encourage the bride to set her bridesmaids apart from each other through dress style, color, flowers, accessories, etc. There is also emphasis placed on the benefits of choosing dresses that your bridesmaids can wear again and again.  I like that, it makes sense!
Do I have readers thinking…this is all well and good for brides who favor a contemporary look but, what about brides who favor a traditional look? Don’t despair; you have options, and plenty of them. With forethought, you can keep a cohesive look to your wedding. For instance, you could let each bridesmaid choose their most flattering dress style, while keeping them all in the same color.
Match the formality. Keep the formality of your wedding in mind as you peruse styles online and in dress shops, paying attention to hemlines, fabrics, etc. If your wedding is formal, the bridesmaids’ dresses should also be formal.  You can set the limitations i.e. if you feel strongly against backless dresses, just be upfront with your girls.
If you’re not sure what a scoop neckline is or have questions about your body type, visit the fit guide and dress style definitions from J.Crew. It will help with preliminary dress hunting, understanding the best style for your body type and ultimately, saving you time.
Cheers to style AND comfort!
Heidi

Related Posts

No related posts found

Post your comment

Choosing Your Wedding Attendants

December 13, 2007 | Categories Budget + Resources

You’re engaged! Let the excitement begin! One of the very first items on the “to do” list of wedding planning after setting up your wedding budget is to choose your wedding attendants. This area of wedding planning requires careful consideration and I’ll tell you why~ operation obligation.   You won’t find that term anywhere because I just made it up (lol). Although not referring to the thoughtful tradition of including soon-to-be in-laws, operation obligation describes why some of us brides feel obligated to reciprocate to those we have stood up for in the past…
I’ve been there and it is difficult to narrow down your choices~ especially if you have many good friends and lots of close family members. But, I encourage you and your fiancé(e) to make well thought-out decisions that are based on constant, loyal and responsible relationships, rather than those you simply feel an obligation towards. Your wedding day is hugely momentous and you want to be surrounded by those who love and support you and who are willing to help you during the planning time, leading up to the wedding day itself.
Once your decisions are made however, it is possible that feelings may get hurt. Me being a bit of a Pollyanna-type, I would suggest preparing a sensitive and honest explanation for your decisions. Even though it’s YOUR wedding, kindness does indeed go a long way. On that note,
When choosing attendants, consider these factors:
  • Realize that long-distance attendants might not be able to assist with as much planning help.
  • The more attendants you have, the higher your expenses: flowers, meals, gifts, accommodations etc.
  • The more attendants you have, the harder it will be to coordinate schedules.
Good to know:
  • It is acceptable to have an uneven number of attendants
  • It is acceptable to have attendants of the opposite sex
  • Attendants are typically responsible for: wedding attire, gifts to bride and groom, parties/showers, travel expenses
Tips:
  • Choose attendants ASAP after the engagement announcement so they have time to prepare for their responsibilities and wedding expenses.
  • Communicate throughout the wedding planning time so your attendants understand what is expected of them.
What do you think? Operation Obligation or Bust?

Related Posts

No related posts found

Post your comment
Next