July 25, 2008
Wear that bridesmaid dress again
In "101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress," (William Morris and Company, Inc, $20)
author Cindy Walker pokes good-natured fun at the idea of re-using bridesmaid
dresses. She suggests things like making them into lampshades, or dressing
snowmen with them. She confesses to choosing dresses for her attendants that
deserved such a fate.
Today,
however, there is a real possibility of getting more than one day's wear from
bridal party finery.
"Bridesmaid dresses don't have to be cookie-cutter matches any more," says
Ingrid Kelly, special events coordinator for David's Bridal in Conshohocken, Pa.
"There are mix-and-match separates that allow bridesmaids to choose the style
they prefer and are therefore more likely to reuse. Tops range from strapless to
short sleeve and the skirts come in varying lengths with lots of color options.
There are combinations that will flatter any body type and appeal to any taste."
If the decision is for everyone to wear the same dress, Kelly suggests that
individual preferences be addressed in the choice of color. A palette of
different shades of the same color or a rainbow of complementary colors allows
each woman to appear in her best light.
Another way to help insure that the dress worn on the wedding day will get
additional use is to incorporate the fall fashion colors and trends into bridal
party wear.
Kelly notes, "Hollywood glamour and retro elegance are popular themes this
season. This look includes lots of draping and a sweeping silhouette. Rhinestone
clasps and floral appliqués add interest and sparkle. As for hem lines, the
shorter the better. "
Kelly finds wine/pink, purple/lilac, neutrals like ivory, latte and champagne
with touches of black, brown and pink among the season's hottest colors.
Jessica McClintock makes some similar observations from her San Francisco base.
She finds that big changes have occurred in bridesmaid dresses in the last few
years and they are reflected in her designs.
"A major difference, and a definite trend for this fall, is the popularity of
short skirts. I find that uneven hem lines Ñ longer in the back and shorter in
the front Ñ are also in vogue," McClintock says. "These shorter skirts provide
an opportunity to add excitement to the overall look with fancy high-heeled
shoes."
McClintock suggests there are likely to be many occasions in which a short dress
can be worn after its initial use. The versatility is expanded when the color
choice is black, a color she finds favored by many of today's bridal parties.
"Burgundy and plum are also in the forefront this autumn," states McClintock. "And
pink remains a favorite whatever the season."
"Although most brides have definite ideas about the look they want for their big
day," McClintock notes, "they seem more willing than ever to take their
bridesmaids' choices and budgets into consideration."
-- Lynn Baumhardt is a Chicago-based freelance writer.
Copyright © 2008, The Virginia Gazette
Bridal Planner
