Black Bridesmaids Dresses

We here at Smart Wedding planning despair for those brides who have to hear over and over again how "a wedding is not a funeral" and "isn't that a little morbid?" when they choose to dress their bridal attendants in black dresses. Black bridesmaids dresses have traditionally not been in vogue because black was seen as being inappropriate for the occasion. That, however, has changed in recent years, leading to an upswing in the number of black bridesmaids dresses for sale in bridal salons.

If your wedding colors include black -- and don't be afraid to choose a wedding color scheme that includes it -- you will soon discover that there are benefits to dressing your bridesmaids in black. The little black dress never goes out of style, which means that your bridesmaids will likely be able to wear the dress you have chosen again in the future. Black is slimming, and we've yet to meet a bridesmaid who wouldn't like to appear just a tad skinnier. Black also looks good on many complexions so you don't have to worry about one of your gals looking greenish at the altar.

Are there downsides to choosing black bridesmaids dresses? Well, yes. Older and more traditional wedding guests may wonder just what your color choice means, even though it likely means nothing at all. Expect to hear from friends and family that Aunt So-and-So said your ceremony looked like a funeral. But we say ignore the haters! Black is a chic and elegant choice for bridesmaids dresses, and it doesn't look like it will be going away any time soon.


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Advice for Brides / Advice for Bridesmaids

When it comes time to choose the bridesmaids' dresses, many brides choke. Sure, the bride-to-be knows what she wants and what she likes, but how can she translate that into dresses for bridesmaids of different shapes, sizes, and styles? When it comes to bridesmaids' dresses, compromise is the key. It's the bride's wedding, so she ultimately has the final say when it comes to what her wedding attendants will be wearing. At the same time, bridesmaids shouldn't let themselves be suckered into wearing hot pink polyester!

We've compiled a shortlist of advice for brides and advice for bridesmaids that will help stave off conflicts over dresses and hopefully ensure that everyone is happy with what they are wearing when the wedding day rolls around.

Brides:
When selecting your bridesmaids' dresses, it is always best to try to keep your bridesmaids' tastes in mind. As the bride, when you look back on your wedding, you probably won't care all that much about what your bridesmaid dresses looked like. Their budgets, personalities, shapes, sizes and opinions should all be factored in to your decision. Try not to forget that the reason they are standing up in your wedding is because they are the ones that have been there for you in your life. You don't want to embarrass them or make them uncomfortable just for your happiness. Although some dresses are more reusable than others, eventually all styles go out of fashion. However, your friends and family never will go out of style and will always be needed.

Bridesmaids:
As a bridesmaid, try to be flexible and be willing to compromise to a certain extent. This is your dear friend's or relative's special day and you want her to be happy. Don't let a dress that you may only wear for one day get in the way of a long-time friendship that will hopefully last a lifetime. If you really don't like the dress, take it to a local consignment store soon after the wedding while it is still in style. Otherwise you can donate it to a local charity. Someone else out there will love the dress and be thrilled to get a bargain. Then you will have made another person happy, too!


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Bridesmaid Dress Trends

How do you, the bride-to-be, choose the perfect bridesmaids dresses? Hopefully, the same way you decide on anything else having to do with your wedding... You research, listen to wedding experts like us, and follow your heart. Honestly, your bridesmaids' dresses aren't going to make or break your wedding, but they might just compromise your friendships! Be careful and be nice, and make sure you know what's in and what's out before you outfit your bridesmaids.

Here's a basic bridesmaid dress primer:

Styles: Sleeveless styles continue to outsell dresses with sleeves, even in the dead of winter, so think about buying matching pashminas for your bridesmaids. Tea and ballet length dresses are gaining in popularity for bridesmaids and brides alike!

Colors: Two tone dresses are hot right now, so you don't have to choose just one color. Platinum is in style at the moment, as well as pale colors like yellows, sand, and taupe. There is also a trend toward burgundy and hunter for autumn weddings, and black is always in style (though your older female relatives may not really get that it's okay to choose black).

Hemlines: The old rule that states that the bridesmaids' hemlines must match the bride's hemline have gone out the window. If you're wearing a floor-length bridal gown, you can still dress your bridesmaids in tea length dresses or knee length dresses. If you love a bridesmaid dress, don't worry about the hem. Better yet, switch up your hemlines!

Fabric: Many of the designers today are also using better quality fabrics like dupioni silk, silk chiffon and satin, velvet, and crepe. Note that these don't always come cheap, so don't be shy about asking for volume discounts or buying last season's styles.

Although today there is less tradition around colors, styles and seasons, it is always wise to use common sense. For example, it would not be wise to choose a short cut and strapless bridesmaid dress during the winter, while a heavy material during the summer in an outdoor ceremony may cause fainting, or worse.


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Bridesmaid Dresses

As a bride, it's your privilege to select your attendants' dresses, but take our advice and don't be a dictator about it. You should select a style, color, and fabric, but many of today's brides are letting their 'maids choose the cut that flatters them best. It only makes sense, considering that one of your bridesmaids may be 5'1", busty, and voluptuous while another is a six-foot-tall beanpole with no boobs. Those bridesmaids, in turn, have the responsibility of choosing a cut that compliments the bride's wedding gown, is comfortable, and is attractive.

Don't forget to take your girls' budgets into consideration. While you may have fallen in love with a $600 designer frock, you may have friends and family who are currently scraping by on rice and bean budgets. The Internet is a wonderful resource for finding gorgeous bridesmaid dresses at great prices. We also recommend that you thumb through the more popular wedding magazines, such as Brides and Modern Bride.

So how do you go about choosing bridesmaid dresses? The first thing you should do is brush up on the latest trends.

Styles
A-line dresses look great on all different body shapes and sizes, and never really stop being popular. The hottest styles right now are two-tone, two-piece floor length styles...mostly sleeveless (sorry, wintertime bridesmaids!). Also very popular are column style dresses -- floor length gowns with halter tops or skinny straps criss-crossing over the back. Another big trend involves buying a coordinating shawl to accompany the dress, particularly with the barer styles or in colder seasons.

Colors
Platinum is very hot at the moment, but paler colors like light yellows, sand, and taupe are also chic. There is a trend toward burgundy and hunter for fall weddings. Black is always in style and always a popular choice among both brides and their bridesmaids, but don't overdo it lest you look like a funeral procession. Many of the designers today are also using better quality fabrics like dupioni silk, silk chiffon and satin, velvet and crepe.

Combinations
Another trend is to choose a manufacturer that offers different styles in the same fabric and color and letting each bridesmaid chose the style they look best in. You can set some simple ground rules -- no dresses above the knee or no strapless dresses, for example. Another popular and pretty trend -- especially for spring and summer weddings -- is the "color run." That means that each bridesmaid wears a different color of the same dress.

Although today there are fewer rules about colors, styles and seasons, it is always wise to use common sense. For example, it would not be wise to choose a short cut and strapless bridesmaid dress during the winter, while a heavy material during the summer in an outdoor ceremony will give your 'maids heat stroke. In hot weather, soft and flowy materials are best.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

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