George Boyle
Deciding on the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your wedding can be a fun but challenging task. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right length for a long bridesmaid dress. Firstly, you'll want to ensure the dresses are hemmed to an appropriate length to avoid any tripping hazards. The dresses should be long enough to cover the shoes when standing, but short enough that they don't need to be lifted while walking. For outdoor weddings, consider whether your bridesmaids will be walking on grass or sand, as this may impact the ideal length. For indoor weddings, a classic hem that just grazes the floor is always elegant. Additionally, consider the comfort and personal style of your bridesmaids. If they will be wearing flats, a hem that sits about 1 inch above the floor is a good option to prevent tripping. Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you can decide how important it is to you that all the dresses match in length.
What You'll Learn
Hemming
Standard Hem Length
The ideal hem length for a long bridesmaid dress can vary slightly, but generally, there are three popular options. The first option is to have the dress sit 1 inch above the floor, which is a good choice if the bridesmaid will be wearing flats. The second option is to have the dress gracefully touch the floor, creating a classic and elegant look, particularly for indoor weddings. The third option is to go for a slight puddle effect, where the dress creates a small puddle of fabric on the floor. This option should be approached with caution as it can be tricky to walk in and may require careful management throughout the day.
Factors Affecting Hem Length
When deciding on the hem length, it is essential to consider the wedding location. For outdoor weddings, especially on grass or sand, a hem that is slightly shorter might be more practical to avoid dragging the dress and collecting debris. Additionally, the type of shoe worn by the bridesmaid will impact the ideal hem length. It is crucial to bring the shoes that will be worn on the wedding day to the dress fitting to ensure the correct hem length.
Cost of Hemming
The cost of hemming a bridesmaid dress typically ranges from $45 to $90, but several factors can influence the final price. These factors include the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, whether a rolled hem or a horsehair hem is required, and if the hemming needs to be done from the waist. Additionally, the seamstress's rates and location can also impact the cost.
Timing of Hemming
It is recommended to schedule the first fitting for alterations about a month before the wedding. However, if extensive adjustments are anticipated, it is advisable to schedule the first fitting six weeks in advance to allow for multiple fittings if needed. During the peak wedding season, it is important to book appointments well in advance to secure a spot.
Consistency in Hem Length
It is generally recommended that all bridesmaids' dresses be hemmed to a consistent length to create a neat and cohesive look for the bridal party. This may require some communication and coordination among the bridesmaids and the bride to ensure everyone's dresses are altered appropriately.
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Cost
The cost of a long bridesmaid dress can vary depending on several factors. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for alterations, with hemming costs ranging from $45 to $90. However, it's important to note that the price can differ based on location, with tailoring in some cities costing up to $240.
The complexity of the alterations also influences the cost. Taking in or letting out sizes, shortening the dress, or adjusting straps will vary in price. Additionally, the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, the type of hem, and whether alterations are needed from the waist can all impact the final price.
To save on alteration costs, it is recommended to try on the dress before buying to ensure a good fit and reduce the need for extensive alterations. Opting for an A-line style can also minimise alterations as they flatter most body shapes. If the dress already sweeps the floor, skipping the hem alteration and pairing it with the right pair of heels may be a good option.
It is worth noting that the cost of the dress itself can vary depending on the designer, style, and length. Some designers may not offer extra length for taller bridesmaids, and the availability of sizes can impact the price. Additionally, certain fabrics may be more suited to specific lengths, and the formality of the event can also play a role in the overall cost.
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Seasonality
The season in which the wedding is held will have a significant impact on the style of long bridesmaid dresses that are appropriate.
For a spring wedding, pastel colours are always a popular choice, with shades of lavender, lilac, and yellow being top colours for 2024. Dusty blue and dusty rose are also leading the pack for this season. Prints, especially florals, are also a good choice for spring. Chiffon is a popular fabric choice for spring bridesmaid dresses as it is lightweight and comfortable. Crepe, lace, georgette, and satin are also good options.
Summer weddings are a good opportunity for bridesmaids to wear bold colours such as deep yellow, burgundy, or purple.
For autumn weddings, deep chocolate brown gives off fall vibes, but shades of taupe and champagne are also a good choice.
Winter bridesmaid dresses are often long and can feature long sleeves, heavier fabrics, and soft velvet. Jewel tones, metallics, burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and black are all popular colours for winter bridesmaid dresses.
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Fabric
When it comes to choosing the fabric for long bridesmaid dresses, there are numerous factors to consider. The fabric should complement the wedding dress, suit the season, and fit the desired aesthetic. Here are some popular fabric options for long bridesmaid dresses:
Chiffon
Chiffon is a popular choice for bridesmaids, especially for weddings during warmer months. It is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a soft and airy feel. Chiffon is known for its beautiful drape, creating an ethereal look. It is often layered due to its sheer nature and comes in various textures, including crinkle chiffon.
Satin
Satin is a versatile fabric with a lustrous sheen and a structured look. It is a popular choice for formal celebrations and can be used in various styles, from fit-and-flare to ball gowns. Satin has a matte finish on the inside and a glossy finish on the outside, giving it a luxurious appearance.
Crepe
Crepe fabric is a versatile option that can be worn year-round. It has a matte finish and a slightly crinkled, pebbled texture. Crepe can be woven or knitted from various fibres, and while it is lightweight, it has a slight rigidity. Crepe back satin is a luxurious variation, offering both comfort and a glamorous sheen.
Lace
Lace is a classic choice for wedding dresses and can also be used for bridesmaid dresses. It comes in various weights, patterns, and textures, adding dimension and interest to the outfit. Lace is inherently sheer, so it is usually backed or lined for coverage.
Tulle
Tulle is a light and airy net fabric that offers slight structure and fullness. It is often used in layered designs due to its sheer nature. Tulle can be ultra-soft or stiff, depending on the fibres used and the way it is woven.
Velvet
Velvet is an excellent choice for weddings during the colder months. It has a rich, buttery-smooth texture and looks particularly elegant in jewel tones. Stretch velvet is a popular option for autumn and winter weddings, providing a soft and plush feel.
Georgette
Georgette is similar to chiffon but is slightly heavier and less sheer. It has a bit of a crepe-like surface texture and is suitable for warm weather months.
Mesh
Mesh is a comfortable fabric with excellent draping capabilities, creating a soft and flowy look. It has a stretchable quality, making it ideal for creating flattering details such as ruching and pleating.
These are just a few examples of the many fabric options available for long bridesmaid dresses. Each fabric has unique qualities and can be chosen to match the desired style, season, and overall aesthetic of the wedding.
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Height of wearer
The height of the wearer is an important consideration when choosing the length of a bridesmaid dress. If you have a group of bridesmaids with varying heights, it may be more flattering to opt for short dresses, as long dresses can drown petite women. Additionally, if you have a tall bridesmaid, not all designers offer extra length on their dresses.
If you're opting for long dresses, it's essential to consider the height of the wearer to ensure the dress is hemmed correctly. The dress should be long enough to cover the bridesmaid's shoes, but short enough that they don't have to lift it to walk. As a general rule, the dress should hang around 2-2.5 inches from the floor. However, this may vary depending on the height of the wearer and the style of the dress.
It's also important to consider the shoes that will be worn with the long dresses. The height of the heel can impact the length of the dress, so it's crucial to factor this into the hemming process. Additionally, if your bridesmaids plan to wear flats, the dress may need to be hemmed differently than if they were wearing heels.
Ultimately, the decision on dress length should consider the height range of all the bridesmaids and their comfort levels. Short dresses may be more versatile and flattering for a group of varying heights, while long dresses can be elegant and formal but may require extra length for taller bridesmaids.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three popular options for the length of a bridesmaid dress. The first is to have the dress sit 1 inch above the floor, the second is to have the dress gracefully touch the floor, and the third is to go for a slight puddle effect. It's important to consider the wedding location and the bridesmaid's personal style and comfort when deciding on the length. If the bridesmaid is wearing flats, it's generally recommended to choose a hem that sits 1 inch above the floor to avoid any tripping.
Having all the bridesmaid dresses at the same length creates a neat and cohesive look for the bridal party. While it may not be a big deal if one dress is slightly longer or shorter than the others, it can be distracting and look sloppy if there are significant differences in length. Additionally, having dresses of varying lengths can make it difficult to find shoes that match and complement the dresses.
The cost of hemming a bridesmaid dress typically ranges from $45 to $90, but several factors can influence the final price. These factors include the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, whether it requires a rolled or horsehair hem, and whether the hemming is done from the waist. Additionally, the cost of alterations can vary depending on the location and the seamstress's rates.
