Wedding Wednesday- Bridal Party Attire

Apr 15, 2009 by Katelin

Today we are handling bridal party attire.  This really shouldn’t be so difficult, but apparently it is.  So don’t worry I will help!  Your bridal party should look good.  They should feel good.  They shouldn’t plot ways of secretly destroying any wedding picture they are in.  So here are some tips to make them happy and make your day go smoothly.

We will start with Bridesmaid’s dresses.  I don’t know why some people pick out the dresses they do.  They are often hideous.  Even if you were picking a certain color unless it is a really odd color there are so many dresses out there in all colors.  My main suggestion is to pick dresses based on fabric quality.

My maids will be wearing dresses from TwoBirds Bridesmaids.

They are made from a jersey fabric that is very flattering.  They can be tied in so many ways that each dress can look different to match the comfort level and body type of maid.  The dress also is very flattering on all sizes whether super skinny or not.  The dress comes in a variety of colors and now you can order plus sizes and bandeaus.  You can also get matching wraps and ties.  I know my maids are excited at how nice the dress looks and the fact that they will actually use it again.  Another big perk: the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily, read: at all, so you don’t have to worry when packing.

Also the dress is very elegant and can be used for an evening affair or daytime wedding.

I am also a big fan of Ann Taylor’s bridesmaid dresses.  They have some nicer fabrics and the wedding I have seen them used in look very nice.  They are not that expensive and so long as you avoid the shiny taffeta there are some nice looks like these:

Honorable mentions go to the Jenny Yoo collection.  I really like so many of the dresses, but don’t like the idea of having to go to a bridal store to find them.  And JCrew.com who has some cute styles, although I think they are a little overpriced for what you get, what dresses are really a good value these days?  At least they have some style like for instance this dress:

Available in many colors.

Let them pick their own shoes, if you really insist pick a color, but people’s feet are so different and girls have so many comfort preferences don’t try to match shoes.  I refuse to wear open toed stappy sandals to an all night on the feet event, unless I know they are comfortable and I have worn them before.  I prefer pumps, but I know not everyone is used to wearing 3 1/2 inch heals all day, everyday.  Comfort really is key in this endeavor.  And if you want your Flower Girls and Junior Bridesmaids shoe color to match the Bridesmaids, get the lil ones shoes first they will be harder to fit and find.

Grooms:

My groom got a custom made tux.  I really recommend guys finding a nice tux to purchase rather than a rental.  Fiance had a nice tux, but this one will fit perfectly and have nice style.  If you live in the city and enjoy going out you will have use for a tux.  If you are in the DC area I highly recommend Eric Finn.  They are quality tailors at a price that is well worth it.  They even have a line of ready made tuxs if you are in a big hurry.

Even if your guy isn’t wearing a tux have him get a custom made suit.  Between the purchase of a nice suit and the alterations it will run about the same, but a custom suit fits so much nicer.  And think how much use he will get out of it?  You can even add details like initials or a wedding date to make it special.

Groomsmen:

If your groomsmen are also wearing tuxs then go for the rental.  Do a big chain place, it is just easier.  But please go for a classic tux.  Men generally dislike this formal of clothing, but non-traditional formal clothing is really the pits for many men.  Can I give you a hint ladies?  Don’t pick it out.  Let him do this, he is a big boy he knows what his friends will want to wear and black and white matches any color.  If you go more casual again think custom pants, shirt and tie.  Or for that beach wedding go for high quality linen.  But no matter what ladies let him pick it.  The groomsmen will do a lot less griping if you stay out of it.

Junior Bridesmaids and Flower Girls:

If you are getting married in the Spring I really urge you to check out Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Target pre-Easter.  They have some really cute dresses that would make the perfect dress for a Flower Girl or Jr. Bridesmaid for about 1/3 of the price.  You could also check out some department stores like Sears or JC Penny’s that have a lot of children’s clothing.

We purchased dresses from Marshalls and my Mother added details to make the dresses match more closely to the bridal party.  She trimmed the dresses with ribbons that would match the color scheme, and added some flowers and other things.

If you aren’t that creative try Angel Wears.  They have pretty dresses like the one below for around $60.

Or the So Sweet Boutique, which has dresses like the ones you see in bridal stores for much less.  Aren’t these adorable?

For shoes for the girls I really highly suggest Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Zappos.com.  You would be suprised the cool designers making children’s shoes these days: Stuart Weitzman, Carol Little, Donald J. Pliner and Kors.  And if they are not able to wear tights or socks consider an alternate pair of very comfortable cute sandals or something in case they get blisters from flats or strappy shoes.  Girls nowadays love the flip-flops, check out the cute Stuart Weitzman flip-flops I got my mini-maids for the weekend.  Also below are a pair of Silver Kors shoes I think would be really comfortable for kids and super cute and wedding appropriate, even sock ready!

Both available at Zappos.com.  Also at Marshall’s.  The great thing about Zappos.com is the free shipping and returns, so if it takes you a couple tries to get the right size no biggie.  These both come in other colors like pink too!  Love them.

You can’t keep everyone happy, but try to keep those near and dear to you happy, especially the little ones.

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