A Formal Affair

Let’s have a little chat about bridesmaid dresses. More specifically, let’s discuss white bridesmaid dresses.

First, Pippa Middleton showed off in that white Alexander McQueen bridesmaid dress, then the Kardashian sisters donned white, almost bridal-style dresses for Kim Kardashian’s wedding last weekend. So, what exactly is going on with this new trend?

Well…white is definitely an easy color (or lack of color) to work with. White is a clean, crisp, elegant color to work a big event around. There are endless varieties of beautiful flowers that come in white and white linens and décor are just as easy to come by. Paper products are often white anyway and white men’s accessories are certainly out there.

The issue seems to become problematic when brides think about bridesmaid dresses.

Most brides want to be the star of the show. They see their wedding day as their time to shine. They want all eyes on them and many feel white bridesmaid dresses may take away from that.

But you can stand out from your best girls even if you do dress them in white! Try some (or all) of these tips:

• Dress them in a silhouette that’s different from yours. If you’re in a long, sleek gown and are surrounded by girls in shorter cocktail dresses, there will be no mistaking who the bride is.
• Accessorize bridesmaid dresses with a colored sash. If you’re going to work in other colors, pick it up in a sash. It will make the look of your wedding cohesive while establishing a difference between the bridesmaids and yourself.
• Adorn the bridesmaids in fun accessories. Bold pieces that aren’t classically bridal will set them apart—whether it’s earrings, a necklace or a fun hairpiece.
• Style your hair differently. If you’re wearing your hair down, ask your girls to get up dos (and vice versa). Again, this will establish an obvious difference between yourself and your girls.
• Have your girls wear a bright shoe. A bright pop of color on the  feet is another way to bring in other colors. You could also put the  girls in a neutral and rock the fun color yourself.

The lesson to be learned from this chat? Don’t be afraid of white bridesmaid dresses! You can create a beautiful clean look with white and still stand out as the center of attention. It can be done!

Written and researched by Lisa M.

At one time, traditional, stark white was the only real color option for brides. At this point, brides opt for the color that is most flattering to their skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Although designers name their wedding gown colors differently, there are four basic color options for the traditional bride. Here are some general guidelines on these color families>

White: Stark white is a tricky shade to pull off, though it can be extremely flattering to women with cool undertones. (This describes you if you tend to look better in silver than in gold, and if colors like hot pink, blue, and purple flatter you.) If you have very pale skin or yellow undertones, stay away from stark white, and know that stark white fabric with a sheen to it looks even starker!

Ivory: This is a creamier shade of white. It is flattering on most women. Ivory warms up the skin tone, and is an especially good choice for women with pale skin. There are many variations of ivory; some have a bit more warmth than others. Some designers call ivory “eggshell”.

Champagne or candlelight: This tone is creamier than ivory, and sometimes has a bit of a beige undertone. It is best on women with warm undertones, and it can look great on both pale and olive skin tones. Its flattering glow and sophistication also make it an excellent choice for older brides.

Pale pink or rum: Depending on the designer, this can mean white with a pink cast or pale pink. It can be flattering on nearly everyone, though women with very olive skin may not care for this tone.

Once you select your gown, ask the bridal consultant to show you swatches of all of the available colors. This should allow you to select a color that flatters your skin tone and makes you look your best!

Written and researched by Lisa M.

So, you are engaged and ready to shop for the perfect wedding gown. You arrive to your very first appointment at a bridal boutique, and the consultant suggests that you try on all six of the classic wedding gown silhouettes. I know…you are thinking “Ugh. I already know what I want! Look, I have a huge pile of pictures of my favorite dresses!”

Your best bet in this situation is to trust your bridal consultant! She knows exactly what she is talking about and will show you options that may not have occurred to you. Since most women do NOT try on formal wedding gowns throughout their lives, most do not actually know what gowns will work with their body type. As you look through your huge pile of pictures of gowns that appeal to you, try to keep in mind that the model wearing the gown in your beloved pictures is most likely almost six feet tall and around a size 2. Be sure to give yourself the chance to find a dress silhouette that is perfect for your own size and shape!

So what are the six silhouettes that your consultant may show to you?

1. A-Line: This style is slim on top, fitted through the waist, and softly flares away from the body. This style tends to be universally flattering, as it creates an illusion of a small waist!

2. Ballerina: This is traditionally thought of as a length, rather than a silhouette, but it is a tea-length dress with a fitted bodice and a full, layered skirt. Since short wedding dresses have recently come into fashion, many boutiques do carry this option. This style has a fun, youthful vibe.

3. Ball gown: the fullest, most formal style, a traditional ball gown features a boned and fitted bodice and a very full skirt supported by layers of crinoline. The shape here is similar to A-line, but is fuller and more structured. Extremely petite brides could be overwhelmed in this style.

4. Empire: this style features a high waist that hits under the bustline. The look is elegant, youthful, and comfortable.

5. Mermaid: this style hugs the torso, then flares out from the knee, or just below. This style works well on short-waisted brides.

6. Sheath: this is a sophisticated, close to the body shape that outlines every curve.

Try to be open to trying these different silhouettes! Brides are quite often surprised to find out that a style they had not considered is actually their most flattering option!

Written and researched by Lisa M.