Posted on 1 Comment

Timeless Treads: Bridesmaids Dress Inspiration from Vintage Charm to Contemporary Chic!

Bridemaids

How many of you brides have been searching for inspiration in your mother’s wedding album when choosing your bridesmaids dresses? Not many, I believe!

There is no surprise here, for bridesmaids dresses weren’t always inspiring in the past! We have all heard notorious tales of dresses that resembled cotton candy and fabrics that would be better off as drapes!

Nonetheless, we live in a time when many things from the past seem to reappear on the wedding scene. From heirloom wedding dresses to vintage themes, décor and classic venues, couples have embraced many elements  from weddings of the past. While this trend continues, it is only right that we visit bridesmaids dresses inspired by fashions from the past.

Today, we will look at bridesmaids dresses that are suitable for different vintage eras. I found this article on the Bustle extremely helpful with this.  It gives us a clear idea of the trends that were most happening during the past, with some really interesting pictures to support it. Let us try to find inspiration in these dress styles and locate dresses from our current bridesmaids collections to reinvent the look. We can assure you that they will not look out of place in the modern wedding scene. So, let’s begin!

The 1850’s

Women’s clothing in this era was rather elaborate, with corsets and wide skirts supported by hoops and crinoline. The ball gown was popular in evening wear and formal dresses. Your bridesmaids may not appreciate being weighed down in a heavy ball gown dress at your wedding, nor is it appropriate. Nonetheless, there are other dress features from the Victorian era that you can easily incorporate into your bridesmaid’s looks. Here they are.

Low-necked and off-the-shoulder styles were big hits during this era. Many designer collections today feature these in their bridesmaid’s dresses. Here are some!

The dress has the opulence and fitted bodice style that is reminiscent of the 1850’s. However, the fitted silhouette continues into the skirt, allowing for easy movement. The off-the-shoulder neckline and details in the bodice are suitable for a Victorian vibe.

The Angelina Faccenda 20453 dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline and has embellishments on the dropped sleeves. The criss-cross bodice results in an empire waistline. The ruchings in the front continue into the back of the dress as well.

Early 19th century

During the Edwardian era, defined waistlines were created using tight-fitting corsets. The ideal female figure resembled a pigeon structure. This was characterized by an upper body that thrust forward, while a thin waistline emphasized the hips and bust. An air of opulence defined most dress styles. Frilly embellishments like ruffles, lace and floral details were very popular. By the year 1910, the empire line was preferred over the corset. Pastels were preferred for daytime dresses, while dark, deep rich colours were chosen for formal evening wear. Here are some dresses that recreate this effect in bridesmaids’ dresses.

Here is a dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection with a well-defined waistline and structured silhouette. The dress has plenty of lace embellishments strewn throughout the length. These add an air of finesse. The satin waistband defines the waistline and the full-length makes it suitable for a formal wedding ceremony. 

This dress from the Jasmine dress collection has full-length sleeves and a defined waistline. Although no corset detail exists, the silhouette is structured and fits tightly against the natural curves. The full-length sleeves are actually a removable shrug. This feature also gives the dress a two-in-one look. The embellished bodice has details that compare with the luxurious finishes of Edwardian dresses.

The 1930’s

Most dress silhouettes had one striking detail in this era—tiered skirts. This is a dress feature that many wedding dress designers have openly embraced and included in wedding gowns. Although there are few bridesmaids dresses with this feature, it is attractive when present. Huge collars were another big fashion feature in this decade. Here are our picks that bring back these styles.

A modern-style tiered A-line dress, this Mori Lee 123 brings tiers to life, albeit in a contemporary style. Gentle tiers are fashioned in chiffon to create an almost rippling effect and a smart silhouette, unlike the over-the-top dress styles that were popular in the 1930s.

Inspired by the elaborate collars that were the highlight of the 1930’s, this After Six bridesmaid dress is a very stylish variation of this style. A ruffled overlay drops off the halter-neckline over the fitted silhouette, making this florentine lace gown a vintage beauty.

Sassy, stylish short dresses in 1950

Short, but voluminous skirts were stylish in the 1950’s. These added a youthful vibe to the overall look. Although short, the dresses usually featured layers of taffeta and net that formed buoyant skirts. Bows were an essentially important detail at this time. This feature, in fact, found its way to not just dresses, but even hats. Let’s take a look at some of the dresses from our collection which bring back the memories of this era.

Here is a tulle dress with a bouncy skirt that was a favorite in the 1950’s. Perhaps a tad shorter than was the norm, this dress has a thick voluminous skirt that is still acceptable to the modern woman.

 

This dress from the After Six Bridesmaid collection features a bodice that has a different color than in the skirt. This was an essentially common feature in the dress styles of the years we discussed about. The defined waistline and smart silhouette with the halter neck are smart and will suit women today, as they did back then.

1960’s poufy dresses and sheath silhouettes

At the beginning of the decade, many brides chose to dress their bridesmaids in shiny dresses with voluminous skirts. Silky sateen finishes were popular, so the look reflected opulence and luxury. As the decade progressed, the silhouettes slimmed and the sheath was the chosen style for most women. The white glove was an accessory that rendered itself to any dress style.

This dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection has a layered net skirt and is in a rich color that was popular in the 1960’s. Even so, the dress has the poufy look that characterized formal dress styles at the time. Imagine this dress when worn with a pair of pristine white gloves. That should give you a clear idea of what we mean.

As women stepped out of corsets and stiffly structured dress silhouettes, the sheath became the favorite. Here is a sheath silhouette from the Angelina Faccenda collection, with all the glitz and glamour that reflects the style of the 1960’s. The cap sleeve and accessories like hats and white gloves worked well with this design.

Vibrant and colorful 1970s

Patterns and prints in big and bold proportions entered the fashion scene in the 1970s. Appliques and patchworks as well as vibrant, colorful designs were trendy at this time. Dresses flowed to full length and loosely draped around the natural silhouette.

This dress from the Alfred Sung collection could easily pass off as an original from the 1970s. With bright floral prints on a loose silhouette, the colors on the dress stand out. While it would look good at a garden wedding today, you would have seen it any type of wedding in those days.

The After Six Bridesmaids 6556 is a dress with a variety of colors that recreate the 1970s vibe. Despite a fitted waistband, the dress is loose flowing and comfortable with its soft fabric and drape.

The rich and flamboyant style of the 1980s

With the 1980’s the entire fashion scene underwent significant change. Everything was done in bigger and bolder proportions. As hairstyles grew bigger and shine and shimmer was seen in the makeup and accessories, outfits were generally colorful, lively and unusually interesting.

Everything about this dress from the Jasmine Bridal collection, including the color, fit, ruffles, drape and even the sleeves are signature features. This is a style that is typical of the 1980’s. The interesting part is that the dress is interesting in the back as well, with a V-neck formed of bell sleeves.

Here’s another dress from the Dessy Bridesmaid collection that would pass off as a suitable choice for the 1980’s. The dress has loose sleeves which were a characteristic feature of those days. The silhouette, although fitted, is one that flows loosely without too much structure. The criss-cross detail in the bodice and the shimmering waistband are toned-down versions of popular dress details that added to the 1980’s appeal.

Fashion in the 2000’s

With the new century, fashion began diverging in different directions. Unpredictability reigned high, as everyone sought unique styles. No longer did brides choose cookie-cutter weddings or bridal parties similar to those seen at other weddings. There was a general mash-up of styles, adding to the appeal of bridesmaids outfits. Metallics, neutrals and casual styles became part of mainstream fashion.

 

Stylish, elegant and figure-flattering, this is a dress that the women in 2000’s would quickly approve of. The sweetheart neckline is delightfully feminine and has a romantic appeal. The neckline drapes to one side and pinches at the side, with a layered look. The shimmering color is attractive, but distinct from the typical shiny dresses seen in the years leading up to the 21st century.

This dress is from the Alfred Sung Collection and is a sateen twill dress. Tastefully designed with a gentle sheer scoop neckline over a sweetheart bodice, the dress has an A-line shape. The length gives it a smart look. Despite its simplicity, this beautiful dress will appeal to almost anyone. Another good thing about this dress is that it doesn’t need many accessories.

And finally this decade

Fashion has grown by leaps and bounds in the second decade of this century. Every year brings in it’s wake new and interesting changes on the fashion scene. With the evolution of wedding fashion, changes have arrived in the world of bridesmaids dresses too. Brides now recognize the individuality of the women in their bridal party and consider matching bridesmaids outfits boring and unnecessary.

Hence few rules define bridesmaids fashion these days. It is as unique as the wedding, woman and theme itself. Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses is no longer just a trend, but is considered an essential part of a wedding. Over the last few years we have seen everything from color-block prints to rich jewel colors and pastels rule the scene at different points of time.


The revival of traditional elements like lace, vintage elements like ruffles and accessories have all arrived and stayed on.

 

Bridesmaids dresses with bold elements like 3-d florals, geometric patterns and oversize embellishments add a modern effect to unconventional wedding themes.

Both loose drapes that resemble masculine styles, as well as soft, feminine romantic styles have appeared on the wedding scene. So, it is hard to predict what a bride expects when shopping for her bridal party outfits.

At Best for Bride, you can find dresses of every style, fitting every era and matching the uniqueness of your bridesmaids. To take a closer look at any of the dresses featured here and check out more options, visit our bridesmaid dress collections here. Please find all the inspiration and information you need to make your wedding vision a reality through our bridesmaids collections.

Save

Posted on 3 Comments

Wedding dress selection for Plus Size Brides made easy

via Best for Bride

The average-sized woman has an ocean of choices in wedding dresses, but petite and plus-sized brides have fewer options. Most dresses are designed with the size 8 bride as the model. Fortunately, there are designers who create stunning wedding gowns in sizes up to 24.

You may even find a suitable dress in a collection that isn’t specifically for plus-sizes. All you need to do is look in the right places, and know what your options are. To get you on track, let us take a look at the various patterns that look great on plus-size brides.

Who is a plus-size bride?

The fashion industry places sizes above  size 12 in the plus-size category. Although this number may differ from country to country, the cut-off is somewhere close to this number.

It is good to remember that although you may be a plus-size bride, there are fabulous fashionable gowns that will match your wedding dress dreams, and you needn’t settle for what is available in the plus-size section alone.

Plus-size wedding shopping tips

We recommend that you call the bridal shop before you visit, and inform them that you want to look at gowns in bigger sizes. Although most salons stock gowns in most sizes, this will ensure that you have sufficient choices to try on, when you visit. If you have shortlisted any favorites, inform the bridal boutique so they can make arrangements to have it available when you drop in.

via Best for Bride

Brides come in all sizes and shapes, and no two gowns are alike. Pay particular attention to your body proportions to choose a dress that suits you. If you are large-chested, a higher neckline or dresses with illusion necklines and/or sleeves would offer sufficient coverage. Similarly, a gown with a fitted waist and full skirt will balance out a large bust, and create an hourglass structure.

If you want the classic, elegant look, choose an A-line skirt or ball gown dress. The ball gown will camouflage your middle, if you are well endowed in that area. An empire waist gown which cleverly elevates your waist, or a dress which gathers on one side are other good options. These patterns are slimming and can add the illusion of few extra inches. Cap sleeve gowns look sexy on full figures, and are classic and stylish.

Another must-try dresses are those with corset backs. These draw out your curves beautifully, allowing you to show off your best features.

Trust your bridal consultant when she recommends silhouettes other than what you have in mind. Being in the business for a long time, she knows how a dress will look on your frame. So, don’t write off her suggestion for a dress that doesn’t look attractive on the hanger. Try it out, and you may be pleasantly surprised with the result.

One word of advice, don’t try to hide your ample curves beneath a mass of fabric. Find a dress that allows you to flaunt them; you will feel gorgeous and everyone will agree that you look great. Weddings are all about feeling fantastic, and the best way to do it is by being yourself!

Best for Bride has plenty of fantastic wedding dress choices, and you are bound to find one that suits you. Visit us online, or drop in at our store to find the wedding dress of your dreams.

Posted on 1 Comment

Wedding dress selection for Petite Brides made easy

via Best for Bride

Women come in different shapes and sizes, with no two of them exactly alike. While it is important to find a beautiful wedding dress, it is also necessary that it suits your build if you are to look fabulous on your wedding day. Most dresses, including bridal gowns, are designed for the average woman, who is at least 165cm tall. It is not  as easy to find a dress that satisfies your preferences if you are on either end of the size spectrum, than if you are an average-sized woman. However, it is possible.

You may not have too many choices, but you can still find a fantastic dress, if you know what features would look best on you. Here, we will take a look at the dress styles that particularly favor petite brides.

Who is a petite bride?

Petite women have small body frames. They are short, with tiny waists. Petite sized dresses are designed and specially created for women who have a height of 160cm (5ft 3 in) or less.

A petite woman wouldn’t look good in a dress that isn’t designed for petite measurements. This is because, it isn’t easy to alter a regular dress to a petite size without introducing too many tucks and seams. This would spoil the overall finish, and the dress may not look elegant on a small-built woman.

What should petite brides look for in a dress?

via Best for Bride

A petite bride would benefit from a dress that creates the illusion of few extra inches. This is possible by choosing a gown with a waistline above the natural waist. An empire waist gown, or one that gathers under the bust and flows into the skirt from a cleverly elevated waistline will elongate your torso.

Another pattern suitable for petites is the fit and flare style, where the dress snugly clings to the body all the way from the bust, to your waist and hips and flares out into a layered skirt at the knees. This creates the illusion of height. There is another benefit to choosing such a mermaid-inspired gown. With this pattern, you can flaunt your best feature—a slim, natural waist that many women would die for.

If you are petite, you are born to look gorgeous in a close-fitting sheath pattern. There aren’t many other body types who can carry off this look, like you can.

What to avoid in your wedding dress

via Best for Bride

While details add splendor and sophistication, you should restrict the amount of embellishments if you are a petite bride. A detailed bodice would be great, but be wary of huge waistbands, bows or too many details in the skirt.

Avoid a dress with a dropped waist, or a heavily layered skirt that will drown you. Instead, look for ruffles that cascade down the side, or add texture to the bodice.

Your wedding day is all about looking glamorous and feeling so. Show off your best features—your well-toned shoulders, slim waist and huge smile, and you will be the perfectly petite bride.

For dresses that are exclusively designed for petite brides, check out our Perfectly Petite collection at BestforBride and make your pick.