It is not unusual for women to cringe at the thought of being a bridesmaid. In addition to the old saying, “three times a bridesmaid, never a bride,” there are the stereotypes of horrible bridesmaid dresses. While there have been some bridesmaid dresses that will make a woman shudder with revulsion, it doesn’t have to be that way. The bridesmaid dresses can be elegant and serve its purpose at the same time.
History
The bridesmaid dresses are usually similar to that which the bride is wearing. In ancient Roman times, it was customary for the bridal party to dress this way to confuse evil spirits whose intent was to kidnap the bride. By dressing similarly, the evil spirits could not be sure they were taking the right woman.
Misconceptions
The thought of bridesmaid dresses usually conjures images of hideous, frilly concoctions of lace and tulle. However, modern bridesmaid dresses are actually very tasteful and elegant. Also, most modern brides will get input from her wedding party when choosing a bridesmaid dress. It doesn’t have to be a dress that should go in a bridesmaid dress hall of shame.
Features
The bridesmaid dress will usually be chosen to complement the bride’s choice for her wedding dress. It will usually be similar in style, but in a more subdued manner. Also, where the bride will be more apt to go with a traditional white wedding dresses or cream wedding dresses, the bridesmaid dresses can be more colorful, like pink bridesmaid dresses,white bridesmaid dresses, usually keeping with the colors chosen for the wedding theme.
Types
The type of bridesmaid dress will depend on several factors, the most important being the scale of the wedding. If the wedding will be a large lavish affair, the elegant bridesmaids dresses will usually be more popular, perhaps floor length. If the wedding will be smaller, the cheap bridesmaid dresses should be more suitable. Other factors to consider when choosing the type of dress the bridesmaids will wear are the time of year the wedding will take place and the time of day. Evening weddings tend to be more formal than daytime weddings.
Function
One major function of the bridesmaid’s dress is to complement the bride’s dress while contrasting enough to allow the bride to stand out. Unfortunately, the function of the bridesmaid dress is usually over by the end of the wedding. This may leave a former bridesmaid with a dress that she will never wear again. If a bridesmaid finds herself with a dress that no longer serves a purpose, she can sell it, donate it or have it altered to suit another purpose.
