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Bridesmaid style
So, you’ve popped the big question: “Will you be my bridesmaid?” That’s the easy part. Finding outfits you and your bridesmaids are happy with is the tricky bit but don’t worry, Rachel Wells has some tips.
Gone are the days when tradition deemed that bridesmaids – no matter what their size, shape or colouring – were forced to squeeze into matching gowns that were tossed into their wardrobes after the wedding, never to be worn again.
These days, the rules have changed. Designer Victoria Loftes has collaborated with Mariana Hardwick to produce a collection of ready-to-wear bridesmaid dresses, and she says brides are choosing less formal but more fashionable outfits for their bridesmaids. “Dresses that you can wear again to another function, to the races or a gorgeous party,” Victoria says.
Options
When it comes to shopping for bridesmaids’ outfits there are a few options. You can choose gowns – either matching or in the same fabric but different styles – from a specialist bridal designer like Marianna Hardwick; buy the fabric and have them made by a dressmaker; or buy an evening or cocktail dress from a fashion boutique or designer label.
Victoria says a popular trend is for the bride to choose a colour theme and let her bridesmaids choose a style. “Some brides like to make all the decisions but there are others who will simply choose a particular colour or a beautiful harmonious colour story like muted georgettes and then get different styles to suit each bridesmaid,” she says.
Who pays?
There are no strict rules on who should pay for the dresses – it can be the bride, mother of the bride, or the bridesmaids themselves.
Kate O’Shea, who runs Iris & Hazel fashion boutique in Paddington, says bridesmaids usually pay. “A lot of emphasis is being placed on accessorising, so bridesmaids are often choosing a simple gown but varying the accessories. Vintage pieces are very popular, and these can be a point of difference between the bridesmaids.”
In style
Kate and Victoria say a popular style is the cocktail dress with a knee or mid-calf hemline and an emphasis on the waist – often cinched and highlighted with belts, bows or a fuller skirt – in satins and silks.
Bethany Hudson from Amanda Garrett says there’s been a shift away from strapless gowns. She says slip dresses, often embellished or made of unusual fabric such as hand-painted French chiffon or Italian crushed silk, are popular.
Colours range from muted tones like champagne, gun-metal grey, sage, vintage rose and mushroom to stronger hues like royal blue. Prints are in at the moment as well.
Kate says bridesmaids love modern, fluid and detailed dresses from American designer Erica Tanov, which Iris & Hazel stocks exclusively. The boutique’s dresses range from $250 to $500 and Kate says buying off the rack can eliminate the stress that often accompanies having one made.
On the other hand, Melbourne-based designer Anne Fkih from Cruusha Femme, who specialises in bridal and evening wear, says the main benefit of having a dress made is that you can choose the exact colour, fabric and style you want. It should also fit perfectly and you can guarantee a guest won’t turn up in the same design.
Anne says dressmaker’s prices can vary from $275 for a basic design up to $1000 for a more complicated style. On top of that, you need to buy fabric, which can cost anywhere between $100 and $500.
Victoria and Bethany agree that one of the benefits of buying from a bridal specialist is that they offer a certain style in a range of sizes, or a range of styles in the same fabric, unlike fashion boutiques who might have limited stock and sizes. Bridesmaid gowns from Mariana Hardwick range from $595 to $895, and $400 to $800 at Amanda Garrett.
Remember, the most important thing is that you and your bridesmaids are happy with the outfits, no matter where they’re from.
Shopping list
Alannah Hill: www.alannahhill.com.au
Alex Perry: www.alexperry.com.au
Alexis George (Adelaide): www.alexisgeorge.com.au
Amanda Garrett: www.amadagarrett.com
Angelique (Ferrari): www.ferrariformal.com.au
Baccini & Hill: www.bacciniandhill.com.au
Belinda: www.belinda.com.au
Brides of Piccadilly: www.bridesofpiccadilly.com.au
Charlie Brown: www.charliebrown.com.au
Collette Dinnigan: www.collettedinnigan.com.au
Culture Shock: www.culture-shock.com.au (appointment only)
Dusk: (02) 8354 0511
Fleur Wood: www.fleurwood.com
George Gross and Harry Who: www.georgegross.com.au
Iris & Hazel: (02) 9328 3396
Jigsaw: (02) 9267 4551
Johanna Johnson: www.johannajohnson.com
Kirrily Johnston: www.kirrilyjohnston.com
Leona Edmiston: www.leonaedmiston.com
Lili: www.lili.com.au
Lisa Ho: www.lisaho.com
Monica Black: (02) 9516 2111
Mr K: www.mrk.com.au
Nicola Fenetti: www.nicolafinetti.com
Paco: (02) 9211 0699
Sami and Sita: (02) 9331 1953
Sarina Suriano: www.sarinasuriano.com
Steven Khalil: www.stevenkhalil.com
Theodora & Martha: www.theodoraandmartha.com
Third Millenium: (02) 9221 4089
Tinaa Innovations: www.tinaainnovations.com.au
Wayne Cooper: www.waynecooper.com.au
Willow : www.willowltd.com
Zimmerman: www.zimmermanwear.com