STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

huilin · Nine West

Patterned bridesmaid dresses

Hermes

Hm. I don't know. Do you have a picture or link to the dress? I can see where having a bright, heavily patterned dresses could become the focal point.

However, if you and the bridesmaids love them, and it is going to be a beach ceremony and I agree that something bright and patterned could be fun, then why not? It is your wedding smile

Also, keep in mind this is coming from someone who wore her favorite black dress when she got married. Do what makes you feel good/happy. What you/your bridesmaids wear *should* be something you all love and not driven by tradition or what everyone else is doing or has done. wink

Hermes

Take a look at Ben and Kyla's pictures http://www.jonahsweddings.com.au/ > weddings > exclusive > Ben & Kyla. Their bridesmaids wore patterned dresses, and I think it's a pretty look. Maybe it would help to show that to your mum.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I am large chested, and have found when it comes to dresses made of typical bridesmaid dress fabric, a little detail on top minimizes me. So, some tone on tone embroidery works better than a plain expanse of one color.

Also, it is increasingly popular here for the bridesmaids to wear the same color/fabric (by the same designer) but in different cuts to maximize figure flattery. I don't mind the look of it, but the length should stay consistant.

I don't hate the idea of a pattern, but I also suppose it would depend on the pattern. I don't know that a pattern would date your wedding photos any more than the color choice or cut would.

Good luck!

Boots · Gucci

I've been both lucky and unlucky as a bridesmaid. When I was in my 20's and stood up for friends' weddings, I wore some of the worst looking dresses you could imagine. Unflattering and uncomfortable. And picked out mainly by the mothers of the brides who wanted things done "right." One MOB even made us wear fake teal flower clips in our hair. I still can't really look at the photos without wincing.

I'm currently in my 30's and was a bridesmaid in both of my brothers' weddings. Each SIL decided to let us choose our own style of dress, but picked out the fabric and color. Each woman was able to choose a dress that made us feel comfortable and suited our shapes (which varied greatly.) The MOB of one of the SIL did try to "pick out" our dresses for us (she commented and gave her opinion on which ones we should choose. She actually campaigned hard for me to wear this "thing" with a cape!) Luckily my SIL told each of us that it was her wedding and it was important for us to feel as happy and beautiful on her big day as she did.

I think I that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to celebrate a wedding. As long as you remember that you are having these women stand up with you because you love them and treat then them with the same respect that you would want if you were a bridesmaid. Patterned or solid. Cocktail or full length. Formal or casual. As long as both you and your bridemaids like the dress (or dresses) that's all that really matters.

Oh, and don't worry about anything distracting attention from you on the wedding day. Angelia Jolie could be your maid of honor and people would still focus on you. You're the bride. aww

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I agree with mum - pattern can be distracting. Can you find a photo of it, or something similar?

I also agree with the great advice above - pick a designer that offers several shapes in the same fabric so each bridesmaid can choose which shape flatters her best.

Suasoria · Chanel

I like the idea of pattern - it feels less bridesmaidy to me.

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

Hi!

I also like the idsa of pattern - makes it more special, also, patterns are different, you're probably not picking large bright Hawaiiyan (pardon if misspelling) hibiskus print...

Pattern can be charming, maybe pick a smal scale, pastel colors or bright background with lighter pattern on it ( bright pattern is usually loud), but it's which pattern you pick, I think it's a great idea!

Congrats on upcoming nuptuals!