Bridesmaids Dresses – Breaking From Tradition

There was a time when it was expected that all bridesmaids wear the same exact dress, in the same colour, regardless of their shapes or personalities. Much in the same manner you could go to a parochial school and see everyone in a uniform, so too would be the fate of your bridesmaids of yesteryear. Thankfully, the wedding industry, like all in the world of fashion, has evolved a great deal.

Colour

Although your grandmother might guffaw when she sees your bridesmaids wearing black, you may simply explain that it's quite the norm these days. She may well be rooted in tradition but may secretly be the leader of your cheering section for not conforming.

Allowing your bridesmaids to wear black is practical and at the same time lends an air of sophistication that an off-white dress is incapable of doing. Black has always and will continue to be the colour of choice when it comes to adding mystery to any occasion. Additionally, it gives it that touch of, if you'll forgive the expression, given that we are referring to a wedding, "sexy"! It is also the most practical dress for any single woman. Long after your betrothed and you have said your "I dos", each lady can wear her dress to other events, which will save them many a dollar, which can be spent elsewhere.

Variations on the same theme as black are pewter and silver. Both are making inroads within the wedding circuit. Both are equally sophisticated and here's that word again, sexy. A confident bride wants to bring out the best in her bridesmaids, which can only bode well for you.

Lengths of Dresses

In the same fashion that brides are opting for various dress lengths, so too are bridesmaids. Although tradition dictates for women to wear ankle length dresses, tradition doesn't have to live with these women when they feel prettier in a tea length or knee length dress. Whether it's personality or comfort that determines the length of the dress, everyone will be happier if each bridesmaid may determine where her dress falls on her legs. Some are "tomboys" and would prefer not wearing a dress at all, but will compromise by wearing a less elegant dress without a lot of flair. One may be a fashion designer or follow the latest trends and have a hem length you've not even considered, such as an asymmetrical one. This is another style that's breaking tradition at weddings both in Australia and America.

Pairing a Beautiful Bridesmaid's Dress with the Perfect Shoes

In the past, both brides and bridesmaids got a pair or satin or silk shoes that matched their dresses. A trend that is showing up in weddings all around the globe are shoes that make a bold statement. From cheetah prints to cartoon characters (both on the shoes themselves or on the sole only), shoes are no longer the conventional white they used to be. Bridal shoes in various colours are a trend that is gaining momentum with the younger, more hip and daring brides. Shocking pink, dazzling cherry, royal blue and wild raspberry are among the colours of shoes making statements at weddings these days. But why does the bride get to have all the fun? Why not suggest to your bridesmaids that they each pick a colour shoe that will best compliment her dress? Not only will each lady be so relieved she needn't bother with the traditional white she'll likely never wear again, she is more likely to be upbeat and have (and be) more fun on your big day.

Worrying These Trends May Upstage You?

Part of the reason brides traditionally wanted their bridesmaids to wear frumpy dresses that had each lady looking as if she stepped off an assembly line was so that she could shine above all the rest. Nobody wanted to hear the buzz caused by a wayward bridesmaid who wore a sexy dress, which only served to upstage the bride.

Just as trends shift, so do women's attitudes about their friends as well their own confidence levels. Not only will your bridesmaids not upstage you – as women continue to evolve, an impossibility in this day and age - allowing them to be who they really are will only serve to elevate you. Your bridesmaids are a reflection of you. If they are confident, beautiful, and as individual in their fashion choices as they are in their personalities, this can only reflect well on you. All that anyone will remember is what a beautiful and unique wedding party you had.

Besides, you can always leave the tradition to the gentlemen.