Bridesmaids: How to say ‘yes’ to the dress

MANILA, Philippines - There are women who’ve decided on the cut, fabric and style of their wedding dresses even before they got to first base and even keep a rotating list of bridal designers in their social circles. But the dresses their bridesmaids are going to wear? Not so much. I’ve been a bridesmaid twice for my sisters’ weddings and on both occasions, I was lucky enough to wear whatever I wanted, as long as I followed the color scheme (it was only my makeup and hair that I had a real issue with, but I’ve let go). But I have heard stories of women who were forced to wear bridesmaids' dresses that were truly awful and painfully unflattering — a tiny source of consolation is that unlike in the US, bridesmaids here aren’t required to pay for their own dresses. Still, just because the bride (or the bride’s family) is picking up the tab for their dresses, it doesn’t mean that bridesmaids shouldn’t have a say on what they’re going to be wearing.

“Some girls look great in anything, but not everyone does. Bridesmaids are part of your pictures, so why wouldn’t you want them to look great?” bridal designer Lela Rose told The New York Times. Rose, who carries her own line of bridesmaids dresses that are cute, a little trendy, and most importantly, flattering for most women says that brides are a little more relaxed about forcing her bridesmaids to all wear the same thing. “Often there is one detail that brings them all together,” she explains, but after that, bridesmaids are pretty much free to choose the style, cut and sometimes, even the color that they like best.

In other words, modern brides, take note: The wardrobe of the wedding entourage is now more or less a democratic decision, not an authoritarian one, so don’t have one of those awful theme weddings (“What theme? Humiliation?”). If you do, you probably don’t deserve to have bridesmaids in the first place. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to give your bridesmaids a dress they can still use after wedding, especially since they’ve been willing to spend their own time and — if you had a destination wedding — money to be there for you on your big day. Here, designers Veejay Floresca, Jot Losa, Jian Lasala and Nina Gatan give you a couple of ideas for bridesmaids dresses that’ll look good even after the reception.

Jot Losa

What is the idea behind your design?

Every time I do bridesmaids dresses I always get inspiration from Grecian gowns with a lot of pleating and draping, since it never goes out of style. They’re classic. The idea is basically red carpet glamour.

How do you tread the delicate line between making the bridesmaids look good and not outshining the bride?

It’s the same as creating a wedding gown: I ask the bridesmaid what her assets are, her flaws that she wants to cover and what kind of gowns she has worn before. From there I create a look. Bridesmaids wearing the same dresses are not my thing. Each dress is designed specially for each bridesmaid. So as not to outshine the bride, I stay away from heavy embroidery and embellishments.

What do you think brides should keep in mind when choosing designs for their bridesmaids’ dresses?

The bride should not only think that this is her big day, but also the only day in her life she is licensed to outshine everyone. However, she must also consider that her bridesmaids need to look good as well — like “accents” in the photos! She must be aware that one design won’t fit everyone since her bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes.

* * *

Contact the designer at 0917-8515672 and info@jotlosa.com.

Veejay Floresca

What is the idea behind your design?

I always love my bridesmaids in long columnar dresses. They can have the same skirt and we can then play with different necklines for more fun. That way, each girl can have a different look, depending on what neckline flatters them best while keeping all of them looking cohesive down below. It’s a simple formula that always works! Embellishments are always kept to a minimum. Lace or crystals are often used as accents on waists or draped corners to keep everything polished and restrained yet tastefully decorated.

How do you tread the delicate line between making the bridesmaids look good and not outshining the bride?

Keeping the cut and shape simple, yet flattering is always key. Bridesmaids' dresses are never made to outshine anyone, let alone the bride. The idea is to evoke that sense of celebration of love during the wedding, but at the same time pull everything back with a touch of style and elegance. Bridesmaids dresses are supposed to complement the bridal gown, and keeping everything in muted colors and embellishments is always the way to go.

What do you think brides should keep in mind when choosing designs for their bridesmaids’ dresses?

Having a theme for your wedding is good and helpful, but brides must always think about taste and what looks flattering on her bridesmaids as well. Good fabrication, precise cutting and fit are all very important. Sometimes, too much embellishment may make your girls look older than they actually are. Brides should always put themselves in their bridesmaids’ shoes. Would they want to wear that frilly multicolored bouffant gown down that aisle? Probably not. There is always something more to be said with simplicity and elegance. You can never go wrong with those two.

* * *

Contact the designer at 919-4086 and veejayfloresca@gmail.com.

Jian Lasala

What is the idea behind your design?

Based on experience, bridesmaids really want a dress that they can use after the wedding and most of these events they go to are either proms, debuts or any parties that would require formal attire. Furthermore, bridesmaids are young and outgoing and experimental, so I thought of doing a body-hugging mullet dress. To add spunk and feminine flair, I added lace. A mullet dress shows their playful side. The dress’s material is made up of chiffon and the bodice is constructed using a crashing technique to add the illusion of intersecting lines as it enhances the wearer’s figure. The dress, by the way, is perfect for any body type.

How do you tread the delicate line between making the bridesmaids look good and not outshining the bride?

I took out some details as I imagined the bride’s dress would be to be more elaborate. A mullet dress would look like a junior version of the wedding dress without really making it look casual. It can still be elaborate though but it should be a more tamer version of the wedding gown.

What do you think brides should keep in mind when choosing designs for their bridesmaids’ dresses?

First of all, brides should make their bridesmaids look great and their dresses should match their personalities. Brides should not assign bad dresses to their bridesmaids because their photos will look bad! Choosing dresses for their bridesmaids is like coming up with a fashion collection. All the dresses can be different in design, but it should still be cohesive. There should be one common thread with all the dresses without looking like as if they are wearing a uniform. The bride should allow her bridesmaids to choose their designs once they talk to the designer but of course, she has to set some parameters.

* * *

Contact the designer at 0915-5805945 and lasala.jian@gmail.com.

Nina Gatan

What is the idea behind your design?

I like fresh-faced Old Hollywood gamines like Leslie Caron and Jean Seberg, so I designed with them in mind. It would be perfect for a garden wedding! And the bridesmaids can dance in it comfortably! No tugging at the hem.

How do you tread the delicate line between making the bridesmaids look good and not outshining the bride?

Since the top is embellished already, I kept the length of gown short and simple. Had it been floor-length with embellishment, it would be overdone. I kept the design in front same for everyone, giving them more options at the back instead. For curvy figures, I can add 3/4 sleeves. With a cohesive design, the stand-out is the bride.

What do you think brides should keep in mind when choosing designs for their bridesmaids’ dresses?

Their body structure and comfort.

* * *

Contact the designer at ninagatan@yahoo.com.

Enrico Carado

What is the idea behind your design?

It’s a black mullet dress with pink crystals. The top is textured with pleats and the skirt has uneven layers of chiffon. This is actually an existing piece that I am working on for a client’s entourage.

How do you tread the delicate line between making the bridesmaids look good and not outshining the bride?

I chose black, a neutral color, and opted for a short dress so as not to overpower the bridal gown. 

What do you think brides should keep in mind when choosing designs for their bridesmaids’ dresses?

If brides are working with a designer, it is always best to meet each other halfway. Brides know what they want, but at times it doesn’t work for their bridesmaids, so take the moment to listen to your designers to have that perfect bridesmaid dress.

* * *

Contact the designer at 0926-6233024 and enricocarado@gmail.com.