Types
# Consider all aspects of the dress when making your selection. china wedding dress options include fabric, length, color, necklines, silhouettes and sleeves. First, the most common bridesmaid dress fabrics are crinkle chiffon, duchess satin, faille, silk taffeta or lace. Next, the three basic lengths for bridesmaid dresses are floor-length, tea-length and cocktail-length. Choose the length that fits your china wedding dress style. However, formal, evening weddings require floor-length dresses. Consider the bridesmaids and what length they are most comfortable wearing. The color of bridesmaid dresses should match the other wedding decor. Take into account the time of year when selecting colors. Several options exist for selecting a neckline: Halter necklines form a V, fastening in the back; sweetheart necklines cut low, forming the top of a heart near the bust; square necklines cut a half square; and scoop necklines curve low in the back or front. Decide on a silhouette that complements the figures of your bridesmaids: A-line gowns show flared hems and an undefined waistline; empire gowns highlight a waistline just below the bust and is not form fitting; and sheath gowns are form fitting, hugging the hips. Finally, select sleeves, if the dress is not strapless. Two popular sleeves include cap sleeves, which cover the shoulders, and poet sleeves, long-fitted sleeves flaring just above the wrists.
Etiquette
# Selecting a bridesmaid dress is the bride's decision. She determines the color, fabric and length. Consult with bridesmaids to learn their style, budgets and level of comfort. Shop with the maid of honor or a few bridesmaids to determine their dress preferences. Traditionally, the bridesmaid pays for her own dress and accessories. It's important for brides to consider the dress cost during the selection process. Some brides select a color and allow bridesmaids to select the style of dress they feel most comfortable wearing. This trend is becoming more popular. A few items to consider within your time frame are the date of your wedding, sales and discontinued dresses. Allow extra time for alternations and shipping if your wedding date falls during prom season or holidays. Consider purchasing your bridesmaid dresses during a store sale. Bridesmaid dresses are often discontinued. After selected a china wedding dress, all bridesmaids should be measured and order dresses as soon as possible. Allow four to eight weeks for delivery depending on stock. Three to six months from the wedding, schedule the first fitting and subsequent fittings. Bring the shoes you plan to wear with the dress to ensure the correct length of the dress. One to two months from the wedding, schedule a final fitting and try the dress on when picking it up from the seamstress.
Where to Purchase
# Bridesmaids should purchase dresses for a wedding at the same location to ensure the dresses arrive from the same dye lots. Purchase dresses from specialty bridal stores, boutiques or national chains. This option proves harder if the bridesmaids don't live nearby, but can be a cheaper option for bridesmaids. Check online for dresses. If the bride selects a color, but allows the bridesmaid to pick a style, search online for a dress. This option can be a money saver for bridesmaids. Check with friends and family; you never know who may have a dress to borrow.
Uses After the Wedding
# What can you do with that bridesmaid dress after the wedding? Consider several options. Pass it along to someone in need. Next, keep it and wear it to other formal events. Cut it off and make it into a cocktail dress so you get more use out of the dress. A few creative ideas include: sewing napkins, a shower curtain, baby clothes or decorative pillows. Sell the dress online. Bridesmaids can recoup a small amount of the money spent by selling the dress. Use parts from the dress to make a quilt for the bride's future child.Hope that another friend selects the same dress for a bridesmaid dress. Pass it along to a friend who needs a formal dress.
