Source: http://glamafrica.com.ng


Weddings are a large milestone for many people and because of this it is important for those involved in the process to focus on details to make it a perfect day. There are many aspects involved in planning weddings but one of the more intricate decisions can be selecting bridesmaids and finding the perfect dress to suit their various body types. The bridesmaids typically consist of the bride’s close friends and family members. Bridesmaids’ dresses can be a controversial issue between the bridesmaid and bride. Depending on how many bridesmaids the bride chooses, there are many different opinions and suggestions that need to be taken into consideration when selecting a bridesmaid dress. A growing tradition for bridesmaids’ dresses is that the bride selects the color and the designer and allows the bridesmaids to select a flattering style. This guide provides information on understanding different body types, dress styles, dress colors, and dress materials, as well as suggestions for the perfect bridesmaid dress for your body.

Determining Body Type
The first step in determining a bridesmaid’s body is to calculate the bust, waist, and hip measurements. Body types can be classified into four main categories: apple, banana, pear, and hourglass. The apple shaped figures are identified as having broad shoulders, narrow hips, and thighs. Those with a straight shape and little to no curves fall into the banana body shape category. The pear body type is classified as having a hip measurement larger than the bust measurement. Finally, the hourglass body shape, also known as, “X shape”, is categorized by having similar bust and hip measurements with a smaller waist measurement. For example, a woman with measurements equal to a 36 inch bust, 28 inch waist, and 36 inch hips is considered to have an hourglass body type. Although apple, banana, pear, and hourglass body types are four basic categories, it is possible for some people to fall in between categories or fit into multiple groups.

Styles of Dresses
Dress Length
Neckline
Silhouette
Sleeve length
Choosing the right bridesmaid dress can be tough.

Dress Length
The dress length of bridesmaids’ gowns are divided into three categories: cocktail, tea length, and full length. Cocktail bridesmaid dresses, where the skirts end at mid thigh, are becoming more popular and are worn almost year round. In order to decide which body type suits the cocktail dress, the silhouette must also be considered. Tea length bridesmaid dresses hit at the calf or shin, are less formal, and offer the potential to be worn again. Usually tea length dresses are fitted at the top and flare out at the bottom. Tea length dresses appeal to hourglass and pear body types. Full length bridesmaid dresses flatter all body shapes, however, brides should take into consideration the height of their bridesmaids. If some are very tall they may need to request extra length, and for bridal party members who are on the shorter side, they may need to get the full length dress hemmed.

Neckline
The neckline is important to consider because it helps show off or conceal the bust. Bateau, halter, one shoulder, scoop, square, sweetheart, and v-neck are all examples of necklines for bridesmaids dresses. The bateau neckline, also known as, “boat neck,” refers to a wide neckline that runs horizontally. This does not flatter the apple body type because it accentuates broad shoulders but is recommended for the pear body type. A flattering recommendation for apple body type is the one shoulder or square neckline. On the other hand, the scoop neckline, where a rounded low neckline dipping from the shoulders to just about the bust line, is recommended for the pear body type because of the smaller bust in comparison to the hip measurements. The banana body type is classified as being straight and two neckline types are recommended for those with this body shape. The sweetheart neckline, which is low at the front and in the shape of the top of a heart, and v-neck bridesmaid dresses are suggested to help give the illusion of a more full shape.

Silhouette
The silhouette, which is essentially the full-body shape of the dress, is an important factor to consider when choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress for your body. A-Line, drop waist, empire waist, full skirt, surplice bodice, and trumpet skirt are all examples of silhouettes. The A-line bridesmaid dress fits at the hips and gradually widens toward the hem. It is the recommended style if the bride chooses only one bridesmaid dress for multiple girls with varying body types. The drop waist balances the lower and upper body and therefore is recommended for apple and pear shape body types. The empire waist bridesmaid dress works with multiple body types because it does not require a defined waist and adds the illusion of additional height to the bridesmaid. All three body types, with the exception of the hourglass, are very attractive wearing an empire waist dress. The surplice bodice, which is a bodice created by the cross wrapping of fabric, is recommended for the pear body type. The trumpet skirt, where the silhouette is straight and figure hugging with a flare around the hem, is suggested for the banana body type.

Sleeve Length
Some people are self conscious about their arms; therefore, selecting the correct sleeve length is essential. Sleeve length options consist of cap sleeve, jacket, sleeveless, spaghetti strap, strapless, and wide strap. Those with an apple body type can benefit by wearing a cap sleeve bridesmaid dress or a jacket because of their broad shoulders. On the other hand, the pear shape, having a smaller bust to waist ratio, can wear sleeveless, spaghetti strap, or strapless bridesmaid dresses. Strapless and spaghetti strap styles are recommended for the hourglass because it helps draw attention to the smaller waist. Cap sleeve, jacket, or wide straps are all beneficial sleeve lengths for the banana shaped body because they adds curves and a more defined figure to the straight body type.

Color
Deciding on the color of the bridesmaid dress is often based upon the time of the year. Darker colors are worn in the fall and winter while bright and soft colors are worn in the spring and summer. The bride has the final decision on selecting the color of the bridesmaid dress. Bridesmaids may want to voice their opinion to assure the bride is aware of colors they prefer and those which flatter their skin tones. Classy and neutral colors are likely to be worn again to future functions; examples include black, navy, and espresso. When selecting a bridesmaid dress it is important to note that brick and mortar bridal stores only receives a few samples of each type of gown and may not have the dress of choice in the preferred color.

Fabric
The fabric for the bridesmaid dress typically depends on the time of the year. Taffeta fabric, satin fabric, and chiffon fabric are three popular fabrics for bridesmaids dresses. Taffeta dresses are often worn during cooler months because of their insulating effect whereas chiffon dresses are worn during the warmer months because of the lightweight fabric. Satin is a comfortable fabric and stands out well in pictures. The bride may select the fabric depending on whether the wedding is more casual or formal. Satin and taffeta dresses are generally selected for more formal weddings and chiffon is opted for more casual weddings. The different types of fabrics affect how a dress looks on each bridesmaid. Chiffon fabric is more forgiving on all body types as compared to satin or taffeta fabrics.

Conclusion
Planning a wedding is a huge endeavor with hundreds of options and small details for the bride and groom to consider. On the wedding day, all eyes will be on the bride, and she will want her bridesmaids looking their best as they stand next to her providing support. Therefore, it is essential to choose the perfect bridesmaid dress for your body. In order to select the most flattering garment, the first step is to understand different body types. Once body types have been determined, then dress factors must be considered including style, fabric, and color. Styles vary by neckline, length, sleeve length, and silhouette. Hopefully, the bride takes into consideration the body type of all the bridesmaids before deciding if the bridal party should wear the all same style or if they can wear varying styles. If the bride selects varying styles it is possible for the bridesmaids to look stylish and elegant while still looking uniform and being distinguished from other guests. The more involved bridesmaids are in helping the bride select the bridesmaids’ dresses, the more likely the bridesmaids love their garment and can feel confident on such an important day.

Source: http://glamafrica.com.ng