Explore the options for the bridesmaid’s attire in this video. We look at traditional formality rules and how modern trends are changing those paradigms. Learn the things you should consider when choosing your bridesmaid’s attire.
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The attire of the bridesmaids will also reflect the formality of your wedding. Formal weddings are either white tie, known as ultra formal, or black tie known as formal attire. The ball gown style wedding dress is considered the correct dress for an ultra formal or white tie wedding. Today, it is not that common for couple’s to host a wedding of this level of formality. The rules of attire have relaxed insomuch as the formality of the bridal party attire is not so strictly followed by the guests’ attire. In days past, if you were holding a white tie event, all guests were expected to wear the correct white tie attire—full coattail tuxedos for the men, and gowns for the women. Most people do not have this type of attire in their wardrobes, and it is not reasonable to expect all your guests to rent or purchase clothing to attend your wedding.
Usually, the bridal party will follow the formality rules of attire. Formal weddings, whether the ultra formal ‘white tie’, or the formal ‘black tie’, usually have the bridesmaids in full length gowns. Semi-formal weddings lend themselves to tea length dresses or full-length gowns.
Informal weddings have both bride and bridesmaid in a long dress, tea length cocktail dress, or couture suit.
When choosing the bridesmaid’s attire, we suggest looking beyond the bridal shops. Many beautiful dresses can be purchased at your favourite clothing stores at reasonable prices. The limitation at these stores is that sometimes you cannot get the same dress in all the sizes that you require for your bridal party.
Sometimes brides will give their bridal party the option to purchase a dress of their choosing within certain colour parameters. This does give a more informal look to the wedding, but allows the bridesmaids to choose colours and styles that suit their colouring and body type.
Whatever you decide, check out bridal shops, online wedding designers, and local clothing stores to see what is available. Remember that your bridesmaids have a number of parties to attend leading up to the wedding, and have a number of costs in addition to their bridesmaid dress, shoes, and accessories.
Enjoy shopping with your friends.