Inspiration

2017 Bridesmaids Fashion Trends

A new day has dawned in bridesmaid’s fashion.

Today’s bridesmaid fashions are as unique and individual as the women wearing them. Friendships can be celebrated in a combination of symbolic colors, unified by the bride’s personal style.

“There’s definitely a trend toward ‘mismatching’ bridesmaids.” Says Sora, Owner of Frocks Modern Brides and Bridesmaids, “Many brides are opting to work with as many as two to five different shades in their wedding palette.” 

Because peoples body shapes differ, and so do comfort levels, it’s important to honor your friend’s style as well as your own. After all, it was those unique qualities that drew you together as friends in the first place, so why not celebrate that? Many of today’s top dress manufacturers make it easy to coordinate different styles by offering bridesmaids’ collections that are varied, yet also work together as striking mismatched collections. If you are going for a mismatched bridesmaid’s ensemble, it’s important to have at least one common element that unites the group and gives them a consistent look

Blush Bridesmaids Dresses

Mismatched bridesmaids collections are the way to go in 2016. Here’s how to pull it off, and keep it together at the same time. 

Same tone, different shades. Dressing your friends in various shades and colours that are within the same tone is a great way to celebrate individuality while staying within a cohesive theme.

Use the same designer when possible. Designers often have distinct “lines”, fabrics, and embellishments that help unify their signature look. Even if you choose different styles, having the same designer will do most of the work for you in creating a cohesive collection.

Choose one intensity, or tone. If you can’t decide on one color, why not have 3? The trick is in the intensity. Keeping the intensity the same will unify your look, while allowing you to utilize as many colors as you like.

Similar Detailing If the dresses are all different styles and colors, find a way to incorporate the same detailing. Similar dress details have the ability to tie very different looks together, and can often be added after the dress is made.

Same style, different details. This is the opposite approach to the option above. If you wish to have all the same style and color of dress, and are looking for a way to capture the individual personality of your bridesmaids, try mixing up the details.

Bridesmaid’s Accessories
 
Jewelry and accessories can add drama and personal style to any outfit. Brooches, corsages, hairpieces are great opportunities to have some fun, and try a new look without letting it take over.

Handbags
 
Since women rarely leave their purses unattended, they are often present in most candid photographs. Having matching clutches ensures that everyone looks fabulous at every candid moment.

Shoes
 
Shoes can definitely be different, and most bridesmaids’ will appreciate the opportunity to select the style of shoe that will be the most comfortable for them.

Bouquets
Bouquets are wonderful opportunities to give a symbolic gift to your friends, since every flower and its respective color hold symbolism.  Why not include a flower for each friend that expresses why you value their friendship enough to select them as a bridesmaid.

Why do some bridesmaid’s dresses cost more than others? 

Designer patterns generally cost more because they are more difficult and take more time to create. An expertly designed pattern will include time consuming techniques like pleating and hand-tucking. After a series of revisions and critiques, often these dresses are fitted on a model and debuted on a runway before going into production.

All fabrics are not created equal, and quality materials cost more. Chiffon, for example, can be made from either polyester or silk. The same goes for tulle and lace, some variations will be pricier depending on quality, and how and where it was constructed.

Depending on the designer, some dresses are made to order. This means that the dress is literally made to your measurements similar to a tailored suit. They are all sewn at the same time, and the fabric is all cut from the same dye lot for an identical colour.

Sources

Alan Maudie/The Jar Photography/Kingdom Come Photography/Paisley Photography