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Informal Bridesmaid Dresses
Formal or Informal: Choosing a Bridesmaids Dress
In Victorian times, formal wear for women included
bustle, hoop, petticoat, gloves and a myriad of other
accoutrements almost laughable according to todays
standards. In the present, the line between formal and
informal has blurred dramatically. Whereas, in the past,
formal meant uncomfortable, todays fashion allows
for a woman to have some proverbial breathing room while
still looking her best.
For women, dressing formally or dressing for a black tie
affair means choosing a gown that is floor length in
formal fabrics such as silk or organza. The style of the
dress does not matter so much as the length and look of
the ensemble.
Straps, sleeves, neckline and beading are
all details that can modified according to preference.
In an affair such as a wedding, formal dress definitely
conveys elegance and sophistication. However, the same
feeling can be conveyed without dictating formal attire.
Setting the stage and ambiance for a wedding is an
important part of the wedding planning experience.
Bridesmaid dresses can contribute to the atmosphere that
the bride wishes to create and can affect the entire
look and tone of the wedding.
In wedding attire, formal dress consists of a floor
length gown, while options for an informal bridesmaids
dress may include a breezy knee length dress, tailored
suit or even a jacket and pants combination. Generally,
if a bridesmaids dress is not floor length, it is
considered to be semi-formal or informal, no matter what
the design.
There are several factors which may affect a brides
decision to choose a formal or informal bridesmaids
dress. Venue, climate and time of the ceremony can all
play a part in the brides final choice. You want to
consider the following:
Will the ceremony take place in an outdoor venue where
a heavy, trailing gown may be ruined by grass stains and
other outdoor elements? (You may want to take this into
consideration for your bridal gown as well.)
If the weather is going to be warm, you may want to
consider a lighter, shorter gown for your bridesmaids.
Will the wedding take place in the evening or in the
afternoon? The rule of thumb for afternoon affairs is
informal dress (although this is by no means binding)
while evening weddings may be formal or informal. A
light silk dress (knee length) is an excellent selection
for a casual yet elegant afternoon wedding.
Choosing an informal bridesmaids dress may save you
money on fabric and alterations if you are having your
dresses tailored by a seamstress.
Do you prefer a traditional or contemporary wedding?
Traditional weddings have certain restrictions about
what may and may not be worn at certain times, while
contemporary weddings have more flexibility.
Remember, above all, your wedding is a celebration of
love and a reflection of your own unique design. After
all is said and done, youll want an affair that will
embody the spirit of the day and showcase your personal
style and flair. Let your decisions be guided as much by
your heart and soul as by your wallet and etiquette
book.
About the Author
Andrea Pellettiere has been has been a freelance
writer for a number of years. She is a new
contributor to
http://bridesmaid-dresses-n-flower-girl-dresses.com.
Additional Resources for 'Informal Bridesmaid Dresses'
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