Alex Perry on the Perfect Bridesmaids Gown Part 2

17th OF September 2012

In part two of Alex Perry on finding the perfect bridesmaids gown, the fashion and glamour expert discusses colour, fabric, hair and makeup.

By Alex Perry

COLOUR

If you intend gazing at your wedding photos long after the Neon trend has passed, then steer clear of any colours “of the moment” that will “date” your wedding photos faster than you can say “scrunch dry”. Save the cobalt blue, tangerine and aqua for seasonal fashion moments, not lifetime memories. Instead, look to sophisticated neutral colour palettes such as inky navy, smokey grey, ballet pink or almond brulee. Or, if you are going down the mismatched Maids route, then try different shades of the same colour.

But really, Black is the only option to really ensure you avoid that black eye on your wedding day.

FABRIC

Stick to soft, drapey and feminine. Silk georgettes, chiffons and crepes guarantee romantic glamour; plus flatters and falls fluidly over any body shape. (Lisa Ho)

Lace has been such a strong fashion trend recently (plus lace is always “on trend” in Wedding world), so it’s no surprise Bridesmaids dresses featuring lace are hot right now. (Collette Dinnigan)

Explore a play on textures with lace, ruching, pleating, cording, sheer and solid, matt and shiny combinations.

HEM LENGTHS

Cocktail length (on the knee) is perfect for afternoon or more relaxed weddings.

A formal or evening wedding should always feature full length Bridesmaids gowns. Long dresses will visually elongate every body type and height, as well as create uniformity in photos.

Minis can be fun for a casual wedding... just be sure your girls have the pins to carry it off!

ACCESSORIES

Back off the bling and keep jewellery discreet and elegant. Banish the garish statement piece. A small diamante stud earring, fine necklace or bracelet will do the job.

Gold, silver or diamante shoes will give the line-up a red carpet feel. It goes without saying that the higher the heel the happier I am.

Forget handbags – Bridesmaids hold flowers and the Brides’ train. They are not octopus, so why grapple with a handbag as well?!

GROOMING

Treat your girls to a pampering day to ensure all their “bits” are plucked, tucked, waxed and maxed.

Keep their Mani and Pedi in natural shades like OPI Bubble Bath or Ballet Slippers. A natural shade won’t jar in photos plus it elongates the fingers. Steer away from cheap looking opalescent or shimmer finishes – and definitely no Jersey Shore rhinestone or wedding bell transfers ploise!

The palest tint of spray tan gives a light summer glow... but turn down the tangerine tandoori BBQ griddle.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Now is NOT the time to experiment or be tricky. No weird sprigs or twigs in the hair. No gothic violet shimmer eye shadow. Bridesmaids should look like more glamorous version of themselves. Classic is the word du jour.

A soft bouncy blow dry is fresh and glamorous, but can get frizzy, messy and windblown if Mother Nature didn’t get the weather memo. Sleek up dos are chic, modern and all weather proof.

Keep make up clean, luminous and trick free – you can’t go past a flicked liquid lined eye, lashings of lash tips and kissable nudey pink lips. Don’t forget the waterproof mascara!

A few last Perry I DO’s...

DO have Maids wear Spanx. Buy them one size smaller and goodbye lumps n bumps.

DO ensure your Maids don’t have tan lines if wearing strapless dresses.

DO have the gowns tailored to fit properly if buying off-the-rack. A nip tuck and hem will make all the difference... there’s nothing worse than an ill fitting frock!

DO remember that at the end of the day, the Bride is the star of the show. The Brides-slaves are the back-up singers! The Bride gets final say.

Phew! I hope the nightmares have stopped, the shopping trip got shorter and no one has scored a black eye. Yet.

Happy Brides-slaving!!

Alex