Looking for bridesmaids dresses can be a lovely experience, but it does come with its challenges too. After all, the dresses need to complement the wedding dress, the theme and not to mention the different styles, shapes and sizes of all the bridesmaids. So to make the process as simple as possible, Team LBD asked
Wedding Magazine's fashion editor Sarah Tippett, who also runs
The Fashion Ache blog, to reveal this season's chicest trends and top tips for bridesmaid dressing this year. Take it away Sarah...
Sarah Tippett, fashion editor at Wedding Magazine wearing the LBD Audrey Dress in Nude
"With an entire wedding to plan, you'll want the process of dressing your bridesmaids to be stress-less, and so step one is research. Start scouring websites and hunting down dresses which tie in with your colour theme and wedding style as soon as possible, all the while keeping in mind your bridesmaids' personal style, individual silhouettes and any requests they might have,' recommends Sarah. "Don't be afraid to take inspiration from the ready-to-wear runway, glossies or celebrities. You don't have to meet the conventional rules when it comes to where you purchase your dresses from, as long as they're in-keeping with the style of your day. To start you off, Little Black Dress has a fabulous collection of bridesmaid-worthy styles." This season, there are some great bridesmaid trends to inspire your bridesmaids' Big Day ensembles:
1. Peaches and cream
"This SS15, a key colour for bridesmaids is peach. This soft, sweet hue is ideal for an idyllic wedding in the countryside, but would work equally well for a bride marrying her groom at say, the super-stylish Savoy Hotel in London. I have, in fact, chosen this exact colour for my own wedding this year, as it ties in perfectly with my baroque theme and gold colour palette! Forever Unique's 'Josephine' maxi dress is an ideal place to start," says Sarah.
Shop the peach bridesmaid dresses: Forever Unique Josephine Maxi Dress, £550, The LBD Audrey Dress in Nude, £120, The LBD Kate Dress in Nude, £110, The LBD Felicity Dress, £110.
2. Great Gatsby
A lot of brides are embracing the decadence of the roaring twenties with a high-voltage
Great Gatsby theme. "With shows like
Downton Abbey reviving the style, brides-to-be are making serious nods to the trend with their bridesmaids' dresses. Flapper style dresses are also extremely flattering for all body shapes, which means a happy group of bridesmaids. Think intricate beading, drop waists and tassel detailing; and they don't all have to be the same either, different colours to complement varying skin tones will work beautifully," says Sarah. Frock and Frill's
Shop the twenties bridesmaid dresses: Frock and Frill Zelda Maxi Dress in Seafoam, £185, Gatsbylady Isobel Gold Fringe Flapper Dress, £89, Frock and Frill Millie Embellished Flapper Dress in Nude, £135, Virgos Lounge Gabrielle Dress in Mint, £145
3. Sundae girl
Channel a little Burberry Prorsum and break out the sugary-sweet pastels for your bridesmaids. "Many brides are dressing their bridesmaids in an array of colours from the same SS15 pastel palette. Choose from sweet crushed pink, lilac, yellow and baby blue – perfect if you have a haul of bridesmaids with varying complexions!"
Shop the pastel bridesmaid dresses: Gorgeous Couture Bailey Dress Maxi in Blush, £193.95, Ukulele Valentina Dress, £156, Virgos Lounge Cecille Maxi Dress in Mint, was £125, now £85, Gorgeous Couture Bailey Maxi Dress in Yellow, £193.95.
4. In bloom
If you're a bride besotted with all things vintage, why not introduce a touch of flora to your bridesmaids' ensembles? "Whether it's pretty appliqué, charming embroidery, or a touch of print, nature lends itself well to adorning your bridesmaids' dresses. With floral prints being HUGE on the runway this season, inspiration is everywhere. Be influenced by the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Matthew Williamson and Ralph & Russo, not to mention Little Black Dress."
Shop the floral bridesmaid dresses: Lipstick Boutique Rosie Fortescue Santiago Floral Dress, £70, Ariella London Sally Printed Pencil Dress, was £115, now £92, Ariella London Raegan Prom Dress, £249, Body Frock Lily Linen Dress, £170.
5. Bohemian dream
"Festival-themed weddings are right on trend, and if you're a Bohemian bride, searching for the right style for your bridesmaids is becoming a whole lot easier!" says Sarah. "With the current relaxed '70s vibe taking over the high street and summer maxi dresses dropping in store, you'll be spoilt for choice with flowing and Grecian designs in a neutral hue. Goddiva's
Shop the bohemian bridesmaid dresses: Goddiva Embellished Bandeau Chiffon Maxi Dress in Pink, £75, Gina Bacconi Long Chiffon Dress with Lace Back, £350, Forever Unique Eve Coral Pleated Maxi Dress, £440, Darling Olive Dewberry Maxi Dress, £69.
Sarah's Top Tips:
Black bridesmaid dresses can work if you approach them in the right way. Opt for classic accessories in ivory or cream or pretty embellishment to keep it chic.
When it comes to ordering your dresses online, always opt for a couple of sizes for each bridesmaid. That way, they'll be sure to find their right size!
Book a dressing room; if you're opting for high street. Many stores offer private dressing rooms – this means less waiting, and less stress!
For bridesmaids with different body types you can always opt for a range of dress styles in the same shade. This will still tie in with your colour scheme, but allow your bridesmaids to feel comfortable. These styles from Shop Little Black Dress' extensive collection of gorgeous bridesmaid dresses here.
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