Post # 1
Member
2949 posts
Sugar bee
Ok I’m having second thoughts my bridesmaid dresses. I’m unsure whether to stick to idea of knee-length 50’s style swing dresses (which they all seem happy with) or to ask them to consider a simple full-length dress like the one on the picture below.
Which dress do you ladies think you would be able to wear again? And which would go with the overall look of the wedding party? I’ve included a pic of a dress that will be similar to my gown. The Fiance and groomsmen will be in a tux and black suits respectively – he jokes that he’ll look like James Bond surrounded by the Men in Black lol – and the wedding will be a late afternong/evening affair.
50’s style swing dresses… or….
.. or full-length dresses?
A gown similar to my dress
Post # 3
Member
1118 posts
Bumble bee
I love the 50s style ones! They’re adorable, and I defintely think that they would be easier to wear again.
Post # 4
Member
295 posts
Helper bee
I guess it depends in what type of vibe you are going for. My interpretation of your gown and your Fi in a tux is that it will be a fairly formal affair, and I think for a formal wedding, you really kind of need full length gowns, especially in NZ in almost winter.
The downside is that more than likely your bridesmaids wouldn’t be able to wear the long dress again, unless they go to some kind of ball.
I voted other, because I think the long dress is a more elegant option, but if you are having a retro themed wedding, the swing dress could work, but certainly wouldn’t look super formal.
Post # 5
Hostess
7561 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I don’t think they’ll be able to wear either of those dresses again.
The first ones are really cute but they look more costume-like to me than formal. The second one is quite classic but like a PP said, it would be too formal to wear again. Can you find a knee-length version of the second one?
I just did a quick search.
This one looks a bit vintage but is more wearable: http://www.bridalgownsuk.co.uk/pd_5669-Fuchsia-Knee-Length-Bridesmaid-Dresses-Online-Wholesale.html
Similar to your long one but knee length http://www.ihadlike.com/Light-Pink-Knee-Length-Chiffon-One-Shoulder-Bridesmaid-Dresses-p20003.html
Post # 6
Member
1120 posts
Bumble bee
@Miss Circe: If you’re concerned about comfort, I’d say knee-length. Only because you can move around (and dance!) better in a knee-length dress than in a full-length one. Plus you don’t have to worry if your dress is getting dirty/dragging on the ground..
This is from the perspective of someone who rarely wears dresses/skirts!
Post # 7
Member
1120 posts
Bumble bee
@Miss Circe: And just as a previous poster mentioned, there’s a better chance of wearing a knee-length dress again than a full-length dress.
Post # 8
Member
67 posts
Worker bee
amsale bridesmaid gowns might be something you’d be intrested in… I think it would look more elegent with your dress.
Post # 9
Member
268 posts
Helper bee
@Miss Circe
I think shorter dresses are more verstile and definitely more flattering. Every wedding i’ve been to where I had to wear a long dress I was miserable.. I’m shorter and curvy so long dresses just eat me up! At least with a shorter version, girls have the option of showing a little leg, wearing cute shoes, etc. Also.. if they take OFF their shoes to dance, they won’t trip on their dress! (happened to me… sooo not fun!). The swing style is super cute, and will be flattering on many body types.
I think you can still make shorter dresses formal (what color will they be?) – accessories will make it work! Glam up the makeup/hair, maybe ask them to wear matching (or similar) shoes, sparkle up the jewelry.. and they will match your groomsmen.
As far as wearing again.. it rarely happens no matter what! So go for the more fun/’YOU” look and just embrace it. 😀
Post # 10
Member
1674 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: September 2014 - Waldorf Astoria, Chicago
In my opinion if you are going for a more formal vibe for the wedding I would do the long gown. The short ones seem kinda costume and scream 50’s theme, of that is what you are going for then the short ones, but based off your dress and the guys in tuxes I would do a long gown 🙂
Post # 11
Member
70 posts
Worker bee
I went with a knee length cocktail dress for my girls so they’d wear it again.
Post # 12
Member
2067 posts
Buzzing bee
i personally prefer long dresses because i hate the look of uneven hemlines in photos. but maybe that’s just me. i think the second option is lovely and if they really like it they can always have it shortened to rewear. i totally would!
Post # 13
Member
2949 posts
Sugar bee
Thank you so much for the comments and vote everyone! It’s really given me a lot to think about.
@Tigerlilybride: Thanks! The girls are definitely keen with the swing dress idea since they are similar to styles they already wear. My only concern was creating disjoint in the degree of formality cause while they look great and fun, I’m worried that they’ll stand out and not in a good way if that makes sense.
@Bearimbolo: Lol yes I don’t want them to be freezing their legs off when we’re doing photos. Luckily, both the ceremony and reception will be indoors.
@AlwaysSunny: Haha perhaps the pic I used was a bad example because the Dessy dress you posted is one of the styles that I’ll be suggesting to them to consider. So do you think that would look good next to my dress?
@ksus07: Duly noted – thank you. Eugh I already dread to think how dirty the hem of my gown is going to be lol
@veragirl: That is a gorgeous dress and I do like style but we don’t really have access to Amsale here in NZ sadly.
@shorebride105: We’ve yet to discuss the colour scheme – it would either be different shades of a colour or different colours within a complimentary palette. I’ve known three of them since we were 11 and they all have distinct personalities and looks and I want them to shine on my wedding day. I owe a lot to them and it’s really important to me that they’re happy with the dresses. Plus one of the bridesmaids got married this year and I was her bridesmaid and she chose this awesome black cocktail dress that I’ve worn many tims since so there’s the added pressure to do the favour back of choosing something that there’s at least some possibilty that they can wear it again lol.
@kellynn323: Thanks 
@bridepen: That’s what my friend did for her wedding this year and I have worn the dress again. And she’s going to be my bridesmaid so I want to return the favour lol.
@mu_t: Ooh I’ll propose that idea to them – thank you!
And if anyone else would like comment, I welcome your input
Post # 15
Member
11343 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Technically, the time of day should dictate the length of the bridesmaids’ (and mothers’) dresses — long for weddings occurring at 6 p.m. or later, street length for weddings occurring earlier.
That being said, I personally prefer the look of long bridesmaids’ dresses on almost everyone. I think they are more flattering on most figure types.
Post # 16
Member
118 posts
Blushing bee
I chose other… Personally I would love any excuse to buy the swing dress, but I think that unless your dress mirrored that style (tea-length, for example) it wouldn’t be very appropriate with him wearing a tux.
