Bridesmaid dresses YOUR way!

Let's take a minute to talk bridesmaid dresses....

Brides ask me all the time what's "normal" for bridesmaids. The answer is - these days anything goes! The tradition of bridesmaids was started so that a brides closest friends or relatives would stand at the alter and actually wear the same dress as the bride. This was to throw off the evil spirits (spooky, right?). For today's standards - it's a group of your closest gal pals (sometimes even guys are included too!) that you want to spend your wedding morning with and know that you have their ultimate support your big day!

That brings us to the dresses. The days of hideous bridesmaid dresses are behind us (or so we hope). Whether you want everyone to match (like I did for my wedding) or have your maid of honor in a different style so she stands out or just have everyone pick their own dress style, anything really goes! Right now there is a huge trend in the bride picking a designer and color and the girls get to pick their own style (even different colors). This I LOVE! Not every bridesmaid is made the same! Some are busty, some are curvy, some are tall and thin, some are short and thin. The reality is that what looks good on one girl may look terrible on another.

Here's my recent experience being a bridesmaid in my cousins wedding:

I had a baby 3 month prior so I knew I could not do something strapless (new moms know what I'm talking about!). My sister who was also in the wedding, was pregnant, so she needed something that was going to accommodate her growing belly. Each of us got to pick a dress that we loved in the color that the bride loved.

Whatever direction you decide to go, make sure you leave plenty of time (a lesson I learned the hard way). Bridesmaid dresses can take up to 4 months to get to us in store, and you want to be sure to leave time for alterations! I recommend shopping about 6 months in advance (if not earlier).

Dresses: Sorella Vita

Photographer: Geoff Bernstein - Bernstein Studios

Bridesmaid styles we LOVE!

Sometimes it is hard to know what to put your bridesmaids in because there are so many options out there. Go classic with all matching dresses? Different dresses in all blush tones? Or not "matching" at all? Wow!

Don't freak, we have you covered :) Here are 5 of our favorite styles that will help you narrow it down and help your girls to feel gorgeous! Be sure to read until the end for a style surprise perfect for bridesmaids AND brides!

A touch of beading! - if you want to have a more classic feel but you want that extra pop, this is a beautiful option. The natural waist silhouette shows off the smallest part of the body and just skims the lower half for a very flattering fit.

On trend and off the shoulder! - Cold shoulder styles and the like are still having their moment so take full advantage! You cannot go wrong with this feminine style, soft makeup, and a head full of romantic curls.

Perfect with boots! If you want a rustic, down-home wedding this is your style. Just add some cowgirl boots and you are good to go! Try hemming it to the knee or tea length to really give that country feel.

Light it up! If glamorous is one of the words that comes to mind when you think of your wedding style then look no further! No one does a better full sequined gown than Sorella Vita. Yes, this is the style you have been seeing all over Pinterest :)

A bestseller! This style by Sorella Vita is one of our bestsellers because of its understated beauty. Choose your favorite color(s) and your wedding party photos are sure to stand the test of time.

Now for a BONUS -- a jumpsuit!! This is such a chic look for that strong and sassy bridesmaid - I think we all have a friend who could pull this off :) But if this is too out there for your wedding day, consider ordering this for yourself as a stunning rehearsal dinner or bridal shower look! We can order it in blush, white, or ivory as well! Just be sure to plan ahead because it would be a special order (3-4 months).

Don't forget to SHOP EARLY when it comes to bridesmaids! Dresses can take anywhere from 3-4 months to arrive in store and you want to leave plenty of time for alterations and shipping if someone is out of town!