By: Ask Bill
Submitted: 2010-04-25 18:49:43 | Word Count: 590
There used to be a time (your parents' and grandparents' time) when weddings are conducted in churches and you cannot wear anything that doesn't look formal or good enough for the house of God. Now? Brides are asking for simpler receptions like garden weddings or even beachside weddings (think Pamela Anderson)! Obviously, it would be difficult to walk around in full formal garb with 10-feet dress tail. So brides are now going for more casual styles. Likewise, the bridesmaids will have to do the same, so they too, would also have to go for casual bridesmaid dresses. Long gone are the days for conventional, all-alike dresses for bridesmaids. But believe me when I tell you that casual bridesmaid dresses aren't all that easy to shop for.
So what exactly are casual dresses for bridesmaids? For one, these casual dresses need not to be of traditional full length gowns that you can't ever wear again in your lifetime. Short bridesmaid dresses are getting more prevalent nowadays because they have a casual look. They also can look reserved, demure or flirty. Try the Strapless Short Bridesmaid Dress by Mori Lee. This dress with square neckline makes an excellent choice. Its bodice is diagonally pleated towards the center and is banded below the bust line, thus creating an effect of slimmer waist. The dress also looks youthful with its flared out circle skirt, which reaches to just below the knees.
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Satin is usually not considered as a casual dress fabric, but cotton and rayon definitely are. If you are having a wedding at the beach, you might want to get your bridesmaids cotton dresses as they are more cooling. But silk can also be casual, depending on the dress' design; plus, with silk dresses, there is a more class and elegance to it. The Watermelon Silk V-neck Bridesmaid Dress is a timeless piece of dress with V-necklines at the front and back. It features front pleats from the waist, skirt that is fully lined with crinoline and on seam pockets. The dress has a typical semi-formal look to it, and you certainly can re-wear this dress to another cocktail party.
Another factor here is color. Traditionally, brides prefer to dress their bridesmaids in the same color so they look well coordinated. It isn't the same anymore now. Let your bridesmaids have a few choices on colors, as long as they are not overly contrasting each other. Here, a casual look means less restriction on colors, even black. After all, nobody can go wrong with a black dress, although it would be nice to wear a cheerful color. The Dessy Group presents the Square Neckline Bridesmaid Dress, a chic and modern cocktail length dress. Aside having pockets at the side seams, the dress also features an iridescent taffeta dress with shirred waistband.
Since weddings only happen once, your bridesmaids would be stuck with their bridesmaid dress after the ceremony. So aside from getting dresses that are wearable at other times, try also to get dresses that aren't too expensive. Alexia Designs bridesmaid gowns that come in a variety of styles and colors but most importantly, they are good bargains. Their Polka Dot Print Bridesmaid Dress for instance, is less than two hundred dollars. The dress is made of chiffon and features a cute polka dot print with strapless neckline and floral belt. Wearable to any other occasion? Absolutely!
With all these tips, you'll have a good idea on making good bridal arrangements when it comes to your bridesmaids' dresses.
