Photo: Samantha Gades
One of the most exciting and the most difficult tasks of wedding planning is selecting the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your lovely girls. Your bridesmaids, each with their unique body shapes and sizes, deserve to feel confident and beautiful on your special day. Baby pink or pastel lavender, off-shoulder or sweetheart, silk or chiffon: you want to pick the best option, that will both match your wedding theme and please every unique taste, plus match the color scheme of your wedding ceremony.
But one of the most epic battles usually unfolds between short and long bridesmaid dresses. Today we are going to find out how to choose the right length for a bridesmaid dress and fulfill all the wishes of your girls.
Body Shape Considerations
Understanding the diverse body shapes of your bridesmaids is crucial in the search for universally flattering dresses. From pear-shaped to hourglass, apple-shaped to athletic, each figure comes with its own set of features that can be accentuated to create a harmonious look. Consider opting for styles that enhance their natural curves and celebrate their individual beauty.
- Short Dresses: Playful and Versatile
Short bridesmaid dresses are usually considered more versatile and comfortable, especially if you plan to have an outdoor wedding. Your lovely bridesmaids will also appreciate lightweight materials, which typically work better with shorter dresses. Short girls may feel uncomfortable in a floor-length dress, that's why short bridesmaid dresses are always the best options for petite women. Here are some considerations when choosing short dresses for your bridal party:
A-Line or Fit-and-Flare: Similar to long dresses, A-line and fit-and-flare styles work well for short dresses, creating a balanced and flattering silhouette.
High-Low Hemlines: High-low hemlines offer the best of both worlds, allowing bridesmaids to showcase their legs while still enjoying the elegance of a longer dress in the back.
Neckline Variety: Short dresses allow for a wide range of neckline options, from strapless and sweetheart to halter and one-shoulder styles. Choose necklines that complement each bridesmaid's unique features.
- Long Dresses: Timeless Elegance
Long and beautiful long bridesmaid dresses tend to look more formal and elegant, than their short colleagues. Some girls may feel uncomfortable, showing off their legs, that's why some of your bridesmaids may prefer longer dresses. Floor-length will also hide shoes – sad news for show lovers, but good news for girls, who like to wear comfortable shoes.
A-Line Silhouettes: A classic A-line silhouette is universally flattering and complements a variety of body types. The gentle flare from the waist down creates a graceful and elongating effect.
Empire Waist: An empire waistline can create the illusion of length, making it an excellent choice for petite bridesmaids. It also helps to accentuate the narrowest part of the body, providing a flattering look for all shapes.
V-Necklines: V-necklines are universally flattering, drawing the eye downward and elongating the neck. This style can be especially appealing for bridesmaids with broader shoulders.
- Medium-length Dresses
Medium-length bridesmaid dress (aka tea-length) is a perfect compromise between a sassy short-length and a classic maxi dress. It is short enough to be comfortable and convenient enough to wear to a different special occasion in the future. A medium-length dress will reveal lends and therefore, shoe lovers can make footwear a bigger part of their wedding outfit.
Final Thoughts...
Coco Chanel famously said, 'Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman.' Choose dresses that make your girls feel like the radiant goddesses they are! By considering body shapes, choosing flattering silhouettes, and exploring diverse neckline options, you can ensure that every bridesmaid feels confident and beautiful on your special day.
Lots of love,
Liz
