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Bridesmaids’ Dress Fabrics

The key to comfort!

When shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses, most brides and maids tend to focus on the cut/style of the dress. It makes sense; when you look back at your wedding photos the style of the dress is really what stands out the most. That is, of course, unless your bridesmaids are grimacing because they’re uncomfortable. Then, it will probably be their sour faces that make the biggest impression. To avoid that discomfort, consider the fabric of your bridesmaids’ dresses just as much as their style. No matter how cute the dress, if it’s made of a fabric that itches, pulls, clings, etc., your girls simply won’t look/feel their best. To get you started, here is a brief overview of the major fabrics you’ll likely come across as you shop:

Can't decide on one fabric? You don't have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

Can’t decide on one fabric? You don’t have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

1) Tulle – Don’t freak out! Tulle gets a bad name from the horrid prom dresses of our past, but in the bridal world, it is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a soft, ethereal, and romantic look! Keep in mind that this fabric is lightweight and breezy, lending it more towards warmer weather weddings. If you want it for your winter wedding then definitely go for it, you just may want to opt for a warm, winter color to counterbalance the light fabric.
2) Raw silk – Sometimes called silk shantung or silk dupioni, this is a great fabric for the bride who just can’t decide. It’s not too heavy or too light, not super expensive, and it generally comes in a ton of colors. See, a real crowd pleaser! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this fabric does have a unique texture. What may at first glance look like a blemish is actually the raw quality that gives this silk its name.
3) Lace – Somewhat new to the bridesmaids’ world, this fabric is something you’re probably familiar with from looking for your bridal gown. While it can be a little heavy, in a shorter style it still totally works for a Summer wedding. As gorgeous as it is, keep in mind that lace tends to be one of the more expensive fabric options for bridesmaids.
4) Chiffon – This is the most easy-breezy fabric in the bunch. If you’re having your wedding outdoors, prepare for some stunning photos of your girls’ dresses blowing in the breeze. Swoon! Its only downfall is that because of how light and thin it is, you’re going to be more prone to snags when you’re in chiffon.

Still unsure? Give us a buzz to make an appointment; we’ll be happy to go over all of the fabrics with you in person!

Bridesmaids’ Dress Shopping

The long and short of it

Wedding planning requires that you make a ton of choices (cue all brides saying: duh!). A band or a DJ? A buffet or a seated dinner? Write your own vows or use the traditional? There’s so much to consider, but luckily there’s really no wrong answer. Whatever you and your fiancé like is the right choice! When it comes to bridesmaids’ dresses, one of the first decisions you have to make is long versus short. If you’re in the middle of this “lengthy” debate, here are some things to consider:
Formality – In the past, the thinking seemed to be formal venue = long dresses. That’s not necessarily true. It’s more a question of the vibe you’d like to achieve for your big day. If you’re asking your guests to wear black tie, for example, then yes, long bridesmaids’ dresses are a must. If the men are wearing tuxes – long again. Basically, if you’re going for a super formal, black tie type of wedding, floor length dresses are your best bet. Other wedding styles tend to have more flexibility.

Our gorge bride Lexi had her wedding at the formal Oyster Harbor Club - so long bridesmaids' dresses were a great choice for her big day! Photo credit: Molly Anne Photography

Our gorge bride Lexi had her wedding at the formal Oyster Harbor Club – so long bridesmaids’ dresses were a great choice for her big day! Photo credit: Molly Anne Photography

Weather – Having a July wedding? Do your girls a favor and highly consider short dresses. If you’re having a black tie, indoors (aka with AC) affair, though, you can still think about long. Vice versa for winter; make sure your girls aren’t shivering down the aisle and put them in long. Having a Spring/Fall wedding where anything can happen weather-wise? Then just choose what you like and cross your fingers!
“You’ll wear it again.” – Ahh, the classic bridesmaids’ conundrum. If having your girls more easily re-wear their dresses is a top priority to you, then you may want to lean towards short styles. Let’s face it; most of us have far more casual events on our social calendars then formal. Therefore, they’re probably more likely to have the opportunity to wear a shorter, more casual dress again.
Religious ceremony – Having a religious ceremony doesn’t necessarily negate one or the other length. It’s more a reminder that if you do opt for short, make sure your girls don’t hem them so much that they become inappropriate in your given place of worship. When in doubt, long is never a bad choice for a more traditional, religious ceremony.

Most of all, though, always remember what we said up top. There’s really no right or wrong when it comes to weddings. It’s the biggest day of your life, so above all else just choose what you like! Happy shopping, brides and ‘maids 🙂