Hip, Cool Bridesmaid Dresses

Who says bridesmaid dresses have to be big, frumpy, or downright unattractive? Many brides are treating their bridesmaids to dresses that are hip, fashion forward, and fabulous enough to be worn to their next cocktail party. These are some of the things to look for in the coolest, trendiest bridesmaid dresses.

The first thing to do is forget about a floor length dress. The hippest bridesmaid dresses are knee length or even a bit shorter. (Yes, bridesmaids can wear mini dresses if they are not too mini, and they are done in good taste. Think on the beach, not in a cathedral.) Color is very important, as well. The most modern dresses are not done in the traditional pastels, but rather are in sophisticated striking colors such as deep purple, pewter, and navy.

It is the cut that sets a hip bridesmaid dress apart from the pack. Look for interesting, fresh-off-the-runway details. Good choices include one shoulder dresses, strapless, bubble hems, and deep sexy v-necks. These bridesmaid dresses will have unique designs, such as a combination of chiffon and satin, tiers, or a baby doll style.

Fabrics for updated bridesmaid dresses typically are flowing and fluid. You will definitely not find any petticoats! Popular choices include chiffon, charmeuse, and tissue taffeta. Stiff and formal fabrics do not work when you are going for a modern and updated look.

The right accessories will make all of the difference in the finished effect. To keep the bridesmaids looking hip and current, you will need to take care with their accessories. If you add a traditional strand of pearls to a deep-v dark aubergine dress, you will ruin the effect. When you are shopping for bridesmaid jewelry gifts, your mantra should be unique, stylish, and hip. The jewelry gifts that you give to each bridesmaid should be pieces that they will want to wear again, such as long crystal earrings and pendants. For the perfect finishing touches, think about strappy sandals, beaded or fabric clutches, and a wrap in case it gets chilly.

The bridesmaid dresses that you choose should naturally suit the general tone and style of your wedding. Hip and trendy dresses are ideal for weddings in places like urban lofts or outdoor locations. They would not suit wedding spots that are formal, traditional, or very conservative. Keep in mind that the dresses you choose should also suit your bridesmaids - all of your bridesmaids. If your friends are fairly young and trendy themselves, then these chic and updated styles will suit them to a "t". On the other hand, if your attendants are normally more country club than city chic, they might end up looking and feeling ridiculous in really cutting edge dresses.

Ultimately, the bridesmaid dresses that you choose are a reflection of your personal style and taste. If you gravitate towards what is cool and modern, then your bridesmaid dresses should also be hip and stylish. The right bridesmaid dresses will add a fresh and fashionable edge to your wedding party.

Fresh New Bridesmaid Dresses For 2010

The fall bridal shows are always exciting. Naturally, the highlight for most brides-to-be is seeing the latest wedding gown designs, but there are also some hot new styles debuted for bridesmaids during bridal market. Here are some of the fresh new bridesmaid dresses for 2010 weddings.

First of all, the ubiquitous strapless silhouette has finally loosened its grip on the bridesmaid collections. Bridesmaids, breathe a sigh of relief! No more tugging and pulling on ill-fitting strapless bridesmaid dresses that always seem to slip at just the wrong moment. You may actually get to wear a dress with straps if you are an attendant in a 2010 wedding!

One of the styles to take the place of all strapless, all the time is the classic bateau neck. An immensely flattering and graceful neckline that brings to mind Audrey Hepburn, there is plenty to love about a bateau neck bridesmaid dress. Shown in gorgeous colors like rich purple at Melissa Sweet, a bateau neckline gown with a full A-line skirt is an ideal accompaniment to the 1950s inspired bridal gowns that dominated the runways for 2010. Such a classic dress should be finished off with equally timeless accessories, such as pearl bridesmaid jewelry sets.

Brides who want a hip and modern bridesmaid dress will adore the one shoulder dresses that are available for 2010. Sleek and contemporary, a knee length one shoulder bridesmaid dress is a fantastic choice for a wedding with a city chic flair. Match it with one of the slinky sheath style bridal gowns which are in vogue. Killer shoes and dramatic bridesmaid earrings are a must with this hot attendants' dress.

For long bridesmaid dresses, soft chiffon is one of the most popular fabrics. Seen in a neutral charcoal gray at Amsale or a lovely periwinkle at Badgley Mischka, floor length chiffon gowns are a stunning option for a formal wedding, day or evening. The gowns feature special details such as draped bodices, flattering halter necklines, or soft ruffles which set them apart from the boring bridesmaid dresses of years past. Perhaps the best thing about these elegant new bridesmaid gowns is that they do not scream "bridesmaid". They are actually stylish enough that they could (gasp!) be worn again later.

Color is an important factor in the look of a bridal party, and there is an interesting range of options for the 2010 bridesmaid dress collections. Noticeably absent are a lot of "safe" or pastel colors. Charcoal gray has emerged as a surprisingly wearable top color choice for bridesmaids. Deep colors like purple and ink blue are popular, as are bold colors such as vivid sunset orange. A new trend is very pale and ethereal colors which are not much darker than the color of the bride's dress. When made in soft and floaty fabrics like chiffon, the pale bridesmaid dresses will create an almost otherworldly effect. Complete the look with sets of bridesmaid jewelry in clear crystal.

Whatever your style, there will be a bridesmaid dress that suits it. Remember to first select your wedding gown before falling in love with a bridesmaid style. After all, as much as you want your 'maids to look gorgeous, you want to make sure that they complement your attire as much as possible.

Duties of the Bridesmaid Dress Wearer: From Pre to Post-Wedding Details

Being asked to be a bridesmaid in a wedding is an honor. Not everyone would have that opportunity. Being a bridesmaid is a chance for you to be part of the most precious day of a couple's life. Of course, when you're requested to be one, this pride comes with the opportunity of wearing a bridesmaid dress.

But do you really know what you're supposed to do in exchange for being in a stunning bridesmaid dress? Did the bride express what kind of help she needs from you being one of her bridesmaids? Or are you just expected to walk down the aisle along with the other members of the wedding entourage and sit and stand as the celebrant says so?

The fact is, being a bridesmaid carries a number of responsibilities. While these may not be explicitly expressed (because more often than not a couple only hopes to have a complete roster in the entourage), you are actually saying yes to a number of responsibilities the moment you accepted the invitation and the moment you agreed to be in a theme-styled bridesmaid dress.

Here are a few things that any bridesmaid is expected to do:

Idea Generator and Provider

Yes, while making the plans, you must be able to help the bride think of ideas about wedding dresses, wedding favours and wedding invitations, among others. These things are too girly for the groom to get involved with. This is where the bride could well benefit from your presence. If she requests you to go hop from one place to another for venue scouting, go ahead. Who knows, she might even take your suggestion of a bridesmaid dress design.

Since it is already stressful for the bride to be in the wedding, she may have moments where no ideas will come out from her head. You could then provide her with your suggestions. After all, you are coming from an "outside perspective" and an outsider's point of view is always helpful.

Companion

When the situation calls for it, you must accompany the bride for fittings and even in registering for wedding gifts. You can even go the extra mile and be in-charge of gathering all the other members of the entourage for fitting and measurement adjustments. After all, you don't want anyone, especially not you, to be wearing a bridesmaid dress that looks like a hand-me-down.

Fashion Consultant

Of course a bride would hire her own make-up artists but it wouldn't hurt if you can assist in her dress and makeup. In her effort to look stunning, the bride would always look for confirmation that her makeup looks good on her. Be that source of confirmation.

Usherette

Especially during the reception, usher the couple's guests in. Lead them to their seats. You are wearing a fabulous bridesmaid dress so put that into good use and be seen.

Sometimes, visitors would request for pictures with the couple, so offer your hand and be the "photographer."

Being a bridesmaid is more than just wearing a bridesmaid dress. You have some duties to attend to as you are actually a major player in ensuring the success of the wedding ceremony. So do your job cheerfully and "beautifully" -- in that stunning bridesmaid dress.

In a Recession Pinch? Try These Tips to Save on Bridesmaid Dresses

It's the recession - this much you and your bridesmaid will agree on. Still, the show must go on and it must go on as you envisioned it in your dreams. So, what do you do? Well, you find ways to beat the recession with these tips to save costs on bridesmaid dresses, that's what!

Go Dutch Treat

Although it is not uncommon for bridesmaids to buy their own bridesmaid dresses, there are instances when you will have to ask them to do just that! Your bridesmaid may even like the idea because then they will not be made, or rather forced, to wear designs they either will not like or will not able to use again.

You must, however, set simple guidelines. These can include hem length, textile type and color combinations while leaving the cut and style to their imaginations. After all, your bridesmaids do have different body sizes and shapes so it is only right that you leave them to decide on what cut suits them best.

Scour the Internet

If you are Netizen, then you must know of the goldmine that the Internet is for cheapskates, or at least, for those looking to find good bargains. In fact, with a little online haggling skill on your part, you can save up to 25% of the list price!

Another source of cheap bridesmaid dresses are discount mail-order sites, which offer 20-40 percent the prices in stores. Plus, you get to shop without leaving the home, which means more savings!

Check Out the Department Stores

Don't discount prom dresses at department stores. You can actually convert these into bridesmaid dresses, maybe with a little alteration to take out the prom details like ribbons and bows.

Or better yet, you can always ask for the department stores' catalogs for more choices. This way, your bridesmaids can look at the pictures first before deciding on initial selections that you can then order for them. You will have to decide whether you will split the cost with them or apply Dutch treat.

Do-It-Yourself

If you are nimble with your hands at the sewing machine and you still have time on your hands, then you can always sew the bridesmaid dresses yourself. Or better yet, assign one of the bridesmaids with similar talent to help you with the task.

This ought to save you and your bridesmaids tons of money simply because the professional fee of designers take the most cut out of the total cost of the dress. Besides, it will be fun looking for the textile, choosing the right design and sewing the dresses with the girls!

In all your efforts to save on costs for the bridesmaid dresses, one dictum remains true. Always make sure that your bridesmaids will be comfortable wearing them during your wedding day. You want them to be happy, too, and be happy for you!

Besides, do you really want to look at your wedding pictures 10 years from your wedding day and say "Yikes! My bridesmaids looked like Frankenstein's harem"? Probably not!

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Casual Bridesmaid Dresses / Gowns 2010

Casual Bridesmaid Dresses / Gowns 2010

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