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The Editorials is a series bringing the offline bridal freelance writing that I do on a monthly basis for numerous glossy magazines (both National and regional) online.
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Although the blog has been whirring away as usual these last eight weeks, with a small baby it’s harder to get to the shops – so my lovely friends at Wedding Magazine have just sent me a job lot of glossies to catch up on. Today, we visit their April/ May issue, and my column about keeping your team on side. After all, you want some friends at the end of it all, don’tcha?
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I wrote: These days, bridesmaid duty doesn’t have to equal sartorial disaster. There are plenty of options out there for dressing your best girls and still staying friends at the end of it all. Not a hoop skirt or Little Bo Peep impersonator in sight, unless you are being intentionally ironic!
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Whilst a strong vintage, alternative or high glamour focus might demand a certain look, there’s nothing worse than overstepping the mark between theming and fancy dress. Once you’ve chosen your own dress, the best bet is a set of bridesmaid frocks that will flatter and contrast with your own styling and suit your chosen venue. And when it comes to adhering to a chosen dress code, the bridal party always should lead by example.
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Consider your wedding day colour choices and inspirations carefully, but don’t feel that every collar and cuff has to match. Think about what will look best in your wedding photographs: bridesmaids’ should help to create a beautiful background to show off their leading lady. Try offsetting an all-white palette with deeper tones in the Winter, choose all over florals for a fresh and contrasting Spring time look or complimentary rosy hues for warmer weather.
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Image by Katy Lunsford Photography
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You First
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Pick your own gown first. You might be dead set on a certain style, but tastes are often known to change once shopping starts. That way, you can be sure that your style selections will enhance the overall look. A sash of lace around a bridesmaid’s waist can set off a matching wedding dress beautifully.
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Image by Cat Hepple Photography
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Image by Maids To Measure
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Would It Work For You?
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Be fair. If you wouldn’t be seen dead in it, why should your best mate? Do show some consideration of their shape, size and usual style. Do they all have to wear exactly the same? Equally, remember that your guests do know you, and how tall you are. Forcing your girls into unflattering flats or sky high heels when they would rather be wearing the opposite is just cruel, and discourages dancing. That’s never a good thing.
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Image by Sarah Gawler
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Shop Around
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Don’t feel pressured to buy for your bridesmaids in the same boutique as your wedding gown. Whilst this can be advantageous in terms of ease and pricing, there is no need to narrow your options if you want to look elsewhere. Gems can be found in independent fashion boutiques, online, via the big name bridal houses and never, ever rule out the Great British High Street.
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Image by Steve Gerrard Photography
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Image by Belle & Beau Photography
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Dare To Be Different
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Just because everyone is working rainbow brights, contrasting cuts or pastel pales doesn’t mean that you have to. My favourite bridesmaid styles this year have all been in elegant tones and classic shapes with a quirky twist. Don’t shy away from unexpected colours or a bit of embellishment. After all, everyone loves to sparkle.
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Image by Jonny Draper Photography
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 as credited
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