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Redefining Elegance: The Bold Choice of Dressing Bridesmaids in White!

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If you thought that white was for the bride, it is no longer the case. Ever since Kate Middleton introduced us to her bridal entourage in white, it’s been a hit and more celebrities have followed suit.

One reason why white isn’t usually chosen for bridesmaids, is to avoid any confusion on who the bride is. Interestingly, this prompts us to take a closer look at the tradition of having bridesmaids in the first place. Did you know that bridesmaids originally had a far more important role in a wedding, than they do today? It was to protect the bride from evil spirits! In order to achieve this, bridesmaids were intended to dress just like the bride.

Where modern weddings are concerned, the last thing you want is to see the entire bridal party looking the same. So, while we toss superstition aside and step away from dressing up the bridesmaids to resemble the bride, let us not write off white as a dress color for the bridal party. Here is why!

White balances and blends with any color palette

White is refreshingly beautiful and renders a casual, relaxed vibe to the ceremony. This is a neutral that blends into any décor, and if you have some unusual color themes at your wedding, you can create a balance with white as your bridesmaids dress color. Also, with white, you will be spoilt for choices where the bouquets and rest of the colors in your wedding décor are concerned.

If you are having a white winter wedding, or a chic beach wedding, white for your bridesmaids would be a beautiful choice. White goes with white, but it would be an even better choice for your bridesmaids dresses if your wedding gown is in an uncoventional color. In this case, choose white and you needn’t worry about it clashing with the color of your wedding dress.

Factors to remember when choosing white for your bridesmaids

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If you’ve made your mind to go with white for your maids, remember that bridesmaids dresses come in varying shades of white, just like bridal dresses do. So, you have to choose from ivory, milky-white and diamond. Ensure that all your bridesmaids are in the same shade of white, so the look is cohesive.

If your bridal gown is in white, let your bridesmaids dresses be in a length that is different from yours. With the bride in a gorgeous gown, there is no chance of confusion. Nevertheless, choose a different silhouette and neckline pattern to keep it interesting and to add more visual interest. Another option is to choose the bridesmaids dresses in white lace or with ruffles, to add a dreamy and delicate touch to your wedding.This is perfect for an outdoor wedding, where the white will pop against the natural background.

At Best for Bride, we have a large collection of bridesmaids dresses, both in white and colors, to draw inspiration from, and to choose for your favorite girls on your big day. Visit us to browse our online gallery, for all your wedding shopping needs and for valuable wedding tips and advice.

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Universally flattering colors to satisfy all your bridesmaids

As the bride, you are in charge of deciding the color, style and design of your bridesmaids dresses. Although your main concern is to choose dresses that blend with the wedding palette, remember that these girls are your best friends. You want them to look and feel fantastic on your big day, and what they wear plays a huge role in this.

While it is impossible to make everyone happy when you choose a wedding dress, you can still aim for a choice that will not have any of your maids feeling miserable. When you choose a color like bright pink or orange, it is likely that one or more of your bridesmaids may be unhappy, since it makes her look sick or fat.

So, what is the solution? Choose different dresses for your bridesmaids, so each one of them is happy, or go with a universally flattering color that looks good on almost anyone. Let us look at what colors make this list.

Gun metal and pewter

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While these colors will look good on any skin tone, these aren’t super fantastic either. The good thing is that you won’t catch any of your bridesmaids complaining about a ghastly color you chose. These will easily blend into any color palette, and so you needn’t worry about it matching your wedding theme.

Navy and black

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Black works with any color theme, and navy with almost every one. The general rule is that the darker a color, the more likely will suit every skin tone. If you are worried about these colors being boring, you can step up the drama by pairing it with brightly colored accessories like belts or shoes, and obtain and entirely different effect.

Purple and burgundy

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When you want colors that really stand out, your choices are purple and burgundy. However, don’t choose the lighter shades, as they may clash with certain skin tones. Go with the darkest shade you can find, and your bridesmaids will look ravishing. It may not be easy incorporating these colors into every wedding theme, so consider this factor before choosing them.

Teal and baby blue

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Blue is a color that is vibrant, energizing and suitable for almost anyone. The blue palette has another advantage—the various shades work together to create a very cohesive look. Since there is a blue for everyone, you can have your bridesmaids dressed in various shades of the same color, and not worry about it coming together. And, not to forget that your wedding gown in white will pop against a background of blue. So, imagine how stunning your wedding photographs will be!

While we are talking about colors, let us also take a quick look at those that you should stay away from, if you want to dress all your girls in a single color.

Beware of pink and peach. Few women look good in these colors, and unless you choose individual shades for each woman, stay away from it. Pastels are another no-no, as they add the illusion of extra pounds and can make your girls look pale.

Check out the bridesmaids dress collections at Best for Bride, for inspiration and select the right dress to have your bridesmaids satisfied and feeling fantastic, at your wedding!

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5 Mistakes to avoid when choosing your bridesmaids dresses

If you thought shopping for your wedding dress was the biggest challenge, here is some news for you! An equally challenging task is choosing your bridesmaids dresses. You have to consider the same details as you did for your wedding dress—fabric, style, budget, practicality, and add a whole new list of considerations such as color, trends, individual preferences and length!

Your bridesmaids dress choice will reflect in your wedding décor and photographs, so choose wisely and make it picture-perfect. Before you go shopping with your pretty girls, know these mistakes that brides usually make, and avoid them.

Making the decision yourself

It is your wedding alright, and your bridesmaids ought to oblige with your choice of bridesmaids dresses. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you ask for their inputs. Rather than ask them for what they would like in a dress, make note of what they do not want to wear. This way, you can avoid choosing a dress that makes any of them feel uncomfortable in.

Not considering the heights of your bridesmaids when determining the length of their dresses

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If you prefer short dresses for your bridesmaids, make sure that the look is cohesive by having the hemlines at the same level. However, if your bridesmaids vary greatly in height, it is better that you avoid short dresses altogether. It would be awkward if the tallest bridesmaid had a dress that ended at mid-thigh and the shorter girls have dresses that fall well below knee length.

Choosing dresses that are too simple

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It is a wedding after all, and your bridesmaids too have to feel special. When you choose their dresses, make sure that it looks and feels good. Don’t deny your bridesmaids the chance to dress up well and look beautiful on your wedding, by choosing a very simple pattern. If you choose relatively small budget dresses, choose accessories that allow them to stand out from the guests.

Choosing dresses that aren’t universally flattering

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Unless all your bridesmaids have the same figure and features, it is not a good idea to go for a style that only suits certain figures. Your bridesmaids should look pretty and be able to carry off their dresses in style. For this, choose dresses that suit all body types, or else choose different styles with a single unifying factor like color or length. This way they will all look beautiful in what they wear. Safe choices and universally flattering patterns include A-line dresses, halter-style dresses and multiway necklines.

Giving in to everyone’s opinion

While you have to involve your bridesmaids in your wedding decisions, remember that it is impossible to please everyone and still have a perfect looking bridal party. Welcome their opinions, but stick with ones that are reasonable. Don’t give in to opinions when you are certain that your wedding theme or style will be compromised by their dress choice. Be reasonable with their preferences, but don’t feel obliged to please.

A good friend will be happy to wear what the bride wants, and as a good friend the bride shouldn’t choose anything hideous or one that makes her favorite girlfriends feel uncomfortable in.

For more wedding tips and advice, and also to choose from a vast collection of beautiful bridesmaids dresses, visit Best for Bride.

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Mixed and Matched Bridesmaids Dresses – Different dresses, but a cohesive look

Brides come in all shapes and sizes, so do their bridesmaids. While you definitely want a cohesive look for your bridal party, you should also allow your bridesmaids to show off their best features in dresses that make them feel great. Choosing the same bridesmaid dress for the entire party may not allow this, as each of your bridesmaids has different looks, personalities and preferences.

Fortunately, there is a solution. There is a huge range of bridesmaid dresses available today. This allows you to mix and match styles, fabrics and colors, bringing more fashion and excitement into your wedding. Nevertheless, you should still mix and match right so your party doesn’t look disjointed.

Let us look at how to make this possible.

Different designs but the same colour

One factor that can seamlessly unify the entire party is colour. You can grant your bridesmaids freedom to choose the design and pattern of their choice, as long as they stick to the exact color. Make sure that all the dresses match, as different shades of the same colour can look different depending on the pattern and fabric. This would defeat the purpose.

Different colours but the same design

Here, the common factor would be the design. While your maids can choose any of the colors available in a particular pattern, it is also recommended that you stick to a particular color family or pair complementary colors for the best results. Various tones of the same color that is used throughout your wedding decor would have your brides looking different yet the same. The same dress in a family of colours that matches the wedding palette will have an amazing overall effect.

Same hemline length for all

Even when the colors are the same, the bridesmaids can look disjointed when the hem lengths of each dress is different. So, it is best if you fix a uniform length and vary the other features instead. Your bridesmaids can choose between different necklines and colors, but keep the pattern or fabric similar and the hem length exactly the same.

Multiway dresses

Now, here is a brilliant option that is easy yet innovative. When you find yourself too confused and are unable to obtain a cohesive effect, reduce the chances of error by choosing multiway dresses. These dresses can be worn in various ways, allowing your bridesmaids to find the pattern that suits their body shape. The dresses can be worn in a wide-strap pattern, as the knot halter, draped over one shoulder, with draped sleeves or in the bandeau style. Whichever option they choose to carry, you can be certain that they will look stunning and more importantly, similar.

You do not appear too imposing by allowing your bridesmaids to choose their dress (as long as they stick to the unifying factor). Even so, you ensure that their looks are all tied together. So, not only are your bridesmaids happy, so are you.

At Best for Bride, we have an excellent collection of bridesmaid dresses. Check out our store for dresses that your bridesmaids will love to wear.