Page 26 - 2020 Bridal Planner

THE LOOK
ABride squad LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF
OUTFITTING BRIDESMAIDS
bride may be the star of her wedding, but bridesmaids make a lovely supporting cast. Alex DeJohn, owner of Bella Bridesmaids in Little Rock, said bridesmaid dresses should re ect a wedding’s theme.
“Brides should consider their overall aesthetic when selecting bridesmaid dresses,” she said. “Think about what words you would use to describe your wedding — romantic, formal, classic, fun, ca- sual, sleek — then nd bridesmaid dresses that re ect that feeling.”
Long dresses provide a cohesive look that minimizes differenc- es in height and shoes, she said, adding that long dresses can be hemmed to any length. Casual, playful brides might pick short dresses for warm-weather outdoor weddings, she added.
“If a bride wants to have her bridesmaids purchase matching shoes as a focal point, a short dress may be a great option,” she said. “These add an additional cost for the bridesmaids but can add a touch of personalization to the bridal party.”
Lindy Lanford, owner of The Bridal Cottage in North Little Rock, said bridesmaid trends might feel familiar to wedding watchers.
“It’s funny because trends in bridal [wear] lter down to bridesmaids,” she said, adding that borrowed fashions include
SKYTOUCH_E_PHOTOS
off-the-shoulder looks, pocketed A-line skirts and high necklines. Current bridesmaid dresses also feature strappy V-necks and illu- sion plunges, she said.
Brides can opt to mix and match the colors and styles of brides- maid dresses but must consider how the entire arrangement will look, she added.
“It’s a little bit more tricky than what brides think,” she said, “but that’s OK because we can navigate through that.”
Those who mix and match can bring their entire crew to try on dresses, she said, but brides choosing one style might prefer to bring one or two attendants, since it is unlikely that large parties will agree on one dress.
“It is your wedding — it’s your choice,” she added. “If they’ve said yes that they’re going to be a bridesmaid of yours, they’re going to wear whatever you want.”
Bridal shops can provide color swatches, professional consul- tants and personalized service to brides and their bridesmaids, she said, adding that bridal shops also take professional measurements to ensure correct gown sizing.
“Working with an expert will help you nd the perfect dress for your bridesmaids,” DeJohn added. “You really don’t know what something looks like until you try it on, so it’s helpful to bring a few trusted [friends with] opinions with you to try on different dress styles in-store, rather than ordering online.”
story by sarah declerk TIP
“Your wedding day should feel like you and feel natural. Don’t force yourself to copy something you’ve seen on Pinterest. Choose styles, colors and vendors that feel comfortable to you, and the entire process will be much more relaxed.”
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— Alex DeJohn, BELLA BRIDESMAIDS