Q. I’m getting married in two months time and I’m having a nightmare trying to decide on a bridesmaid dress that will suit my five best friends, who all have very strong opinions on style. As if that wasn’t bad enough, we are also working within a tight budget, and want to find something fashionable that they’ll be able to wear again. Have you any suggestions?
A. Over the years, brides-to-be have promised their bridesmaids dresses that they'll love, that they'll wear over and over again. But on what occasion is it really appropriate to trot out pink taffeta and a train?
So bridesmaids' gowns of late have veered away from ribbons and bows, tending toward simpler silhouettes and on-trend colors to more closely resemble the same kinds of elegant cocktail dresses found strutting down the Parisian catwalks.
Indeed in the ultraconservative bridal industry, which traditionally has been several beats behind current fashion, the news is that bridesmaid’s dresses are beginning to mirror runway trends. Meaning that conventional frothy looks and meringue styles are fast losing ground to floating Grecian styles and vintage shapes Kate Moss would not snub.
Page through any bridal magazine, and you'd be impressed with the lack of hideousness in the selection of bridesmaid dresses. Look hard enough and still you'll find taffeta and fuchsia, but more often, the colours are softer, richer, and less likely to look out of place in a closet full of normal clothes.
And the styles are more classic: simple V- or strapless necklines; smooth, flattering A-line silhouettes; the buttons and bows kept to a minimum. It's easier to find a dress that your friends might wear again. Some things, then, to remember when deciding on outfits for the bridesmaids:
* Who says they all have to look the same? Growing in popularity are the two-piece options, where each bridesmaid can pick what style top and skirt she likes best. The good thing about these? Each piece can be worn again. The bad thing? It isn't necessarily cheaper than a dress.
* Still, brides want their bridesmaids to look special and like a team. That's where accessories come in. A classic strapless dress becomes a bridesmaid's dress with shoes and a shrug in the same colour.
* Who says they have to fall under the category of "bridesmaid dress"? Shop the racks at retail stores or page through catalogues, and you might find something that fits the bill. The bonus: Buying off the rack often saves a few euro and you're more likely to find a style that doesn't scream "bridesmaid". Stores such as Debenhams, Coast, Monsoon or Pamela Scott have a great selection of affordable styles.
* Who says everyone has to agree? When you shop, take a bridesmaid or two. Just don't take all of them (unless you only have one or two). Trying to take in everyone's tastes and preferences is well meaning, but difficult. You can, however, pick a style that is flattering to most body types; A-line and empire-waist dresses look good on nearly everyone, and while not everyone can wear pastels and light colors, most people look good in dark colors like black, midnight blue and plum.
* Who says they have to feel like bridesmaid dresses? If you want the dresses to have a second life after the wedding, consider the fabric. Taffeta isn't usually found outside of formal events, but silk, crepe, and chiffon often are.
