Choosing The Best Bridesmaid Dresses For Your Bridal Party

Dessy Bridesmaid Dresses featured in New York Magazine. Featured styles: Alfred Sung D740, D738, D736, D737, D739 (from left to right)

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the wedding planning? Want to make your entire bridal party happy but worry because of the differences in height, figures, and personalities? WE FEEL YA, GIRLFRIEND! Take a deep breath...the experts at French Novelty are going to make this super easy for you.

Choosing the right bridesmaid dress all comes down to finding a balance. That balance centers around four different areas of the dress; the top, the middle, the bottom, and the color. Let's start with the basics. The bust, the waist, and the hips are essential areas when considering the overall style of your bridesmaid dresses. The chart below gives you a general idea of how to identify those areas and also how to measure them. For those customers who need a little bit more clarification, this chart guides you through the process. If in doubt, give the team at French Novelty a call for further assistance. If you are a local bridal party, we do recommend that you make an appointment before bringing your bridal squad in, so that we may better assist you.

Popular bodice styles use details like draping, pleats, and ruching. These elements create a slimming effect and lengthen the torso. For the neckline, it is important to consider the bust size. Sweetheart and cowl necklines work beautifully for clients with smaller chests. Sweetheart necklines also compliment larger busts by balancing out the hips. A style team favorite for a curvy bridesmaid is a v-neck bridesmaid dress. This style works wonderfully as it allows the bridesmaid to wear a halter or convertible bra, giving them extra support. The v-neck also elongates the torso and bust area, while drawing the eyes upward to your bridesmaid's gorgeous face. Remember to embrace every wonderful feature your bride tribe has. A confident bridesmaid is a beautiful bridesmaid.

Let's focus on the waist next. Start by determining the type of waistline that will be the most flattering on your gal pals. Natural waistlines enhance the shape of flaring out of the bodice and skirt, creating an hourglass figure. This is generally the most popular style waistline. Empire waistlines, cinch just below the bust, creating a long line. This style is perfect for giving the illusion of longer legs and does not cling or fit tightly around your mid section. Empire waistlines are also ideal for bridesmaids who are shorter or have smaller torsos. This style looks great on anyone and can also be used for bridesmaids that are pregnant because it allows room to grow.

From there, lets think about the kind of silhouette and flow/no flow of the dress you want to achieve. A-line silhouettes drape effortlessly from the waist and over the hips without fitting tightly. For a more chic look, try a form fitting sheath style. Tea-length bridesmaid dresses are another popular option for the bridesmaid who wants to show off those gorgeous legs.

The most obvious balance comes from the color. In the past, traditional bridesmaids all wore the same style and color. Those days are long gone. Modern brides are experimenting with color and bridal experts are loving it. For example, this year Pantone named Ultra Violet the color of the year, offering so many variations and hues of purple. A bridal party could choose to all go the same color or do variations, ranging from soft to bold. Bridal magazines have also been highlighting other shimmering colors to the color spectrum that bring out the vibrant color or cool it down, depending on what the desired look is.

If you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous bridesmaid dress options you have to select from, the stylists and bridal consultants at French Novelty would love to assist you. Our goal is to focus on the bride and her bridal party. We can help you find options that all your bridesmaids will love. It's our goal to make your wedding day absolutely perfect.