Dear Sugar
I recently went to a wedding and was horrified by the bride's choice of dress for her bridesmaids. The cut (strapless and tea-length), the color (a pea green with yellow trim), and the material (think loads and loads of tulle and taffeta) were truly horrendous. That got me to thinking, could you suggest a cut and style of dress that is universally flattering, as well as any particular colors or materials. If I'm going to make my future bridesmaids wear dresses of my choosing, I at least want them to look and feel beautiful. Thanks a lot! Bridezilla Brianne
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Dear Bridezilla Brianne --
I can completely understand your frustration with bridesmaids' dresses, as most of them are odd and overpriced. You're the bride, which means how you dress your friends for the big day is ultimately up to you. Since your friends are bound to have all different body types, the most flattering dress shape, without a doubt, is the A-line. While some consider this style boring, it hugs the right curves while providing leeway for others. As for length, it all depends on time of year and location. For winter, I would suggest keeping the dresses long; for summer or spring, you can go with a knee-length hemline, which is usually the most flattering length.
If you choose to keep all the bridesmaids dressed alike, you'll need to use your own discretion when choosing the neck line. If your friends will be more comfortable with the extra support, I'd opt for something with straps; if they don't have a preference, I think a halter or strapless cut is the most flattering.
Color and fabric can be tough decisions, too. Again, the season will play a significant role. There's a lot of sitting, waiting around, and a little sweating throughout the wedding day, and you don't want your ladies to look messy. Besides, wrinkles can ruin a dress. Silk charmeuse would be the least fussy fabric, while taffeta can be disastrous. As for your colors, that decision rests entirely with you. You'll need to consider your flowers, the skin-coloring of your respective bridesmaids, the time of year, and most important, the room where you'll be married.
I am a big fan of J Crew's bridesmaids collection. Not only do they have an array of styles, but the colors are vibrant and the dresses reasonably priced. Some brides prefer to find a dress their friends can wear again, but no matter how cute or flattering the dress, most of us really don't wear the dress again. Just go with what you thinks looks best.
It's good of you to be concerned with how your friends will feel and look on your big day. Don't fret too much, as all eyes really will be on you and your future husband. Good luck on your big day!
they were cocktail dresses with a very dramatic cut out in back, velvet and a jacket that could be taken off for the reception. the dresses were more expensive than i would have asked them to pay, but they were beautiful. i let them select their own shoes (it's not a drill team after all) and i provided the jewlery.
I can tell already i will be a bridezilla just because i am so OCD with details!
Pick a colour that looks good with all of your bridesmaids skin-tones. You could even ask them the top 3 colours they think look good on them, and then try to see if there is one that all of them have chosen. Try to pick something affordable so your bridesmaids don't have to break the bank to participate in your special day, keep in mind they will have other expenses associated with your marriage aside from the dress. Have fun on your big day
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