Choosing the Bridesmaid Dresses

Choosing the bridesmaid dresses comes second in importance to choosing your wedding gown. But it can also become quite a nightmare, when you consider the color, cut and design have to suit more than one of your bridesmaids. If that weren’t hard enough, you also may find yourself receiving endless “helpful tips” from these ladies as to their preferred shades, styles and lengths, many of which may contradict each other.

So how do you get started?

Consider price first
If your bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses, they certainly have a greater say in what they are willing to wear. But if you are paying, however that still doesn’t make you sole decision maker because you obviously want your bridesmaids to be as happy as you will be on your wedding day.

Look through catalogs, take your girls to try on different dresses at shops and THEN arrive at a budget. This will serve two purposes, everyone will get an idea of what is available (and a realistic pricing), and you’ll also get a first hand view of what works, and what doesn’t. Plus by now you’ll know who wants what.

Meet and discuss ideas
Now it’s time for round table discussion. Ask your bridesmaids to do their own research before coming. Once you’re all agreed on price, you need to decide on color options. Options are important because if you don’t find the right style/material/dress based on the color you first chose, you don’t want to go back to the drawing board.

Colors can be complementary to your wedding gown, or contrasting. Also think of accessories, shoes, corsages and (often overlooked) what the groom, best man and ushers are wearing. Thankfully their choice is limited.

If you are having an outdoor wedding, think of a color that would work well with your scenery. Like a sea blue or light turquoise for a Hawaiian wedding, or softer yellows against a forest green setting. Always remember to look at your chosen color material in lighting that’s close to your wedding venue and time, to ensure it stays true to the color you picked.

Next comes styling
You can choose from slip/sheath dresses, A-lines, strapless, spaghetti, or sleeveless. Your bridesmaids are each unique, and not all shaped the same. So different styles can be matched, enabling each of your girls to look their individual best. Just keep some basic rules like all dresses will need to be sleeveless, or of a certain length to keep the styles varied yet together. While choosing a style also keep in mind that of your wedding dress, and your theme and location. A summer, outdoor wedding, usually implies sleeveless, breathable material that’ll keep your bridesmaids from melting in the heat.

Finally consider that since these dresses are probably going to be on the more expensive side, and the bridesmaids may want to use them later as evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

And most importantly, enjoy the process and get ready to turn your wedding aisle into an eye-popping fashion show.

Image Credit: Tom Purves

Grooming the groom – getting the Wedding Suit right

Men, when it comes to weddings let’s face it, you may be the groom but you are not the star attraction. It is however the most important day in your life, and you cannot afford to not be dressed for the occasion. A smart suit is mandatory.

Start by browsing through stores. Examine colors, fabric and styles. The trip will also give you an idea of the price range and where your budget fits in, and help you zero in on your threads for the big day.

Fabric
If it’s a winter wedding you have planned, for obvious reasons pick a heavier material. Tweeds, wool or cashmere. Given a summer wedding date, cotton or linen is a practical pick. So what do you do if you fall in love with a suit, and it’s not the most logical choice of material? Give logic a break. This is a once in a lifetime occasion.

Styles

Tall men with slim frames will look good in a single breasted suit with 3 to 4 buttons. Long legged men can go with tails. Cutaways and low vests are a neutral choice for all body types.

A few mistakes to be avoided

1. Men’s suits are all about the cut and fit. Do not rely on stores that do not take proper measurements.
2. Do not expect your suit to be perfectly stitched the first time. Give yourself enough time for trial fittings.
3. It’s great to be prepared well in advance, but don’t get your suit made too early. A few inches added or lost around the waist can ruin a good fit.

Finding the right suit for your walk down the aisle may not be a walk in the park, but attention to the details mentioned above will certainly make it easier.

Image credit: hmerinomx

Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape

After he’s popped the question, the first thing that pops into a woman’s mind is the question of her wedding dress. Day 1 is probably filled with breathless excitement. The next with options on shapes and colours and material. On day 3, you’re still weighing your options. And by day 4, you’re not so sure and ready to start all over again.

Step 1. This isn’t a decision that’s easy to take alone. So find a friend whose dress sense you admire and whose judgement you trust, and ask her along.

Next, identify your body shape which will in turn lead you to the dress shape that suits you best. Below are the basic wedding dress shapes. The table below will help you find out just where you fit in.

Here are some dress shapes and who they are ideal for:

Sheath – Ideal for tall slim brides.

A-Line or Princess – Best for brides with small waists and to hide broad hips and large thighs.

Empire Line -  Best for small busted brides. Makes petite brides look taller.

Ball Gown – Great for brides with slim waistlines and helps hide full hips.

Mermaid – Ideal for petite brides as it makes them look taller. If you are tall and slim, this dress shape will give you curves.

Once you’ve identified the right dress, see how it performs in different body positions – while walking, standing and sitting. Keep an eye open for unpleasant bulges. In all these minute examinations, do not forget to make sure you are absolutely comfortable.

Pay attention to these details, and they will pay you back. In the form of a dress that’s absolutely right for you. Here’s to you looking your stunning best on your wedding day.

Image credit: Jakob Montrasio

Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

Give yourself enough time to plan- generally the guideline is that you need to order your gown at least 6 months before your wedding. So you should start shopping for your gown nine months or more before your wedding.

Take a few minutes to think about what you would like your dress to look like. It will make it a lot easier when you enter the labyrinth of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential and an idea of how conventional you want your dress to be.

On your wedding day, along with looking great, you’ll also want to be comfortable – it will be hard to enjoy your wedding day if you’re struggling with your dress.