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Bridesmaids & mothers' dresses Looking elegant without upstaging the bride Return to articles index | Dress shopping tips
Other members of the bridal party need formal dresses: your attendants, the bride's and groom's mothers, and any junior attendants such as a flower girl. Like a wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses are specially ordered. So as soon as you've decided on your own dress, you and your attendants should go shopping. After the bridal and attendants' gowns are chosen, the bride should discuss her preferences of lengths, colors and styles with both mothers. Some brides prefer mothers' gowns to be shades of color that blend with those of the attendants. Some prefer colors that contrast but do not conflict. A few rules apply: Mothers' gowns should never be longer than the bride's or attendants' gowns. They should not be more formal or more lavishly decorated than the bride's gown. The bride's mother chooses her gown first, then lets the groom's mother know the color so she will not choose the same shade. Many specialty shops feature lovely gowns appropriate for mothers' and grandmothers' wedding wear that can be worn again to a formal party or charity ball. Depending upon the formality of the wedding, choices includes simple taffeta suits, short cocktail dresses, tea or waltz length creations of lace, and floor length sequined gowns. Shops specializing in petite fashions or larger size fashions will generally have the best selections for mothers who are other than average in height and weight. Shop with a friend or relative, one whose judgment you can trust, to help you choose the style and color that is best for you. The dress style you choose may call for special undergarments to be fitted by a professional. Shoes should be dyed to match your gown. Take care in choosing jewelry to complement your gown (especially if it has pearls, beads, or sequins). Treat yourself to a special purse to complete your ensemble for this important day. Flower girls and ring-bearers are sometimes dressed in miniature versions of the bridesmaids' or groomsmen's attire. But many wedding planners prefer to put the youngest members of the bridal party in unique outfits chosen to complement, not duplicate, the adults' attire. Return to articles index |
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