Bridesmaids: Stealing The Show, Breaking Traditions

It's every bride's worst nightmare: being upstaged by a bridesmaid on your big day. From wearing white to stealing the spotlight, there are many ways a bridesmaid can steal the show. But what happens when the bridesmaid is a celebrity? From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, here are some famous faces who have been part of their friend's bridal party.

Wearing white

The bride wore white, and so did her bridesmaids. It's a bold move, but one that's been done by celebrities such as Kate Middleton, NeNe Leakes, and Kim Kardashian.

The tradition of the bride wearing white dates back to the mid-1800s when Queen Victoria wore white for her wedding to Prince Albert. White is a symbol of virginity, purity, innocence, and goodness. But centuries ago, it was a symbol of status, as only the wealthiest women could afford a white dress and the risk of staining it.

If you're going to have your bridesmaids wear white, it's important to distinguish the bridal gown from the bridesmaids' dresses. You can do this by choosing different dress lengths, textures, and details. For example, if you're wearing a full-length gown with a train, choose bridesmaid dresses with a high-low hem. Or, if you're wearing a simple sheath gown, make your bridal party super chic and modern by dressing your 'maids in jumpsuits!

Pay attention to necklines, sleeve lengths, and back details. It looks best when the bride's dress has a different neckline and back. That way, you'll stand out whether you're walking up or down the aisle. If you're planning on wearing a strapless wedding gown, choose halter necklines or high necks for your bridal party.

You can also choose different fabrics to set the bride apart. If your bridal gown is made from satin or tulle, opt for a more casual fabric for your bridesmaids, such as chiffon or jersey.

White Flowers

Nothing goes better with a white dress than white flowers. This combo works regardless of your wedding theme or venue. If you're having a rustic or bohemian wedding, throw in some greenery for a more organic, natural look.

While it's a controversial choice, it's ultimately up to the bride. If the bride is happy to have her bridesmaids wear white, then that's all that matters. It's becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially for vintage-themed weddings.

A History of White Wedding Dresses

The white wedding dress became popular in the mid-1800s when Queen Victoria wore white for her wedding. Before this, brides simply wore their best dress, which could be any colour. In fact, in ancient Rome, brides wore bright yellow to symbolise their shared gods with the gods.

A Symbol of Purity

The white wedding dress is mainly regarded as a symbol of virginity, purity, innocence, and goodness. However, in some countries, a white wedding dress is seen as a symbol of mourning. In China, for example, white is the colour of funeral dresses.

A Blank Canvas

White is a flattering colour on all skin tones, from fair to dark, and it looks great in photos. It's also a blank canvas, allowing you to add colourful accessories, flowers, and decorations.

A Bold Choice

Having your bridesmaids wear white is certainly a bold choice, but it can be a stylish and elegant one. It's a great way to make a statement and show that you're not afraid to do things your own way.

Wearing a train

The train of a wedding dress is the extra fabric that extends from the back of the gown, trailing behind the wearer as they walk. Trains can add a touch of elegance and style to a bridal look, creating a cascading effect and leaving a lasting impression on guests.

There are no rules for how long a train needs to be, but certain styles may be more suitable for different venues and levels of formality. For instance, a sweep train is a subtle way to add an accent to a wedding gown, and is a great choice for brides getting married outdoors. A chapel train, which is the most common choice, adds a touch of drama to an A-line gown without being too fussy. A cathedral train, on the other hand, is a very formal option that is great for a black-tie wedding at a dramatic venue.

When it comes to bridesmaids, the decision to wear a train can be a tricky one. On the one hand, a train can add a touch of elegance and drama to the bridesmaid's look. It can also help to create a cohesive look if the bride is also wearing a train. On the other hand, a train can be cumbersome and difficult to manage, especially if there are multiple bridesmaids. It's important to consider the venue and level of formality, as well as the overall style of the wedding.

If the bridesmaids do decide to wear a train, it's crucial to have a plan for managing it. This may include having the bridesmaids help each other with fluffing and arranging the trains before walking down the aisle. It's also a good idea to assign someone to be in charge of the dresses at the altar, ensuring they look neat and tidy without being too distracting. Additionally, the bridesmaids should be prepared to help with bustling the trains after the ceremony to make it easier for the wearer to move and dance during the reception.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a train as a bridesmaid should be made in consultation with the bride, taking into account the overall vision for the wedding and the level of practicality and comfort desired.

Wearing a grey outfit

If you're a bride who wants to ensure all eyes are on you, a grey outfit for your bridesmaids could be the way to go. As one source says, "...no better way to ensure no one steals [the bride's] show right?"

This source also provides some background on the bridesmaids in the photo: they all played college basketball together, and the bride was the point guard. She grew up in a less nice neighbourhood, played basketball to pay for college, and took over the spot from a D1 recruit. In 2017, she won the national title.

If you're looking for specific dress recommendations, there are plenty of options for grey bridesmaid dresses. Birdy Grey has a Devin Plus Size Convertible Dress for $99, described as "flattering and ethereal". They also have a Jules Chiffon Dress for $99, a "dreamy maxi dress with soft romantic ruffles". Kennedy Blue's Rory Dress is $160 and would be a good choice for a formal wedding. For a beach wedding, Amsale's Alyssa Dress is a good option—it's a floor-length gown made from light-as-air fabric.

Wearing a tuxedo

The tuxedo is a timeless and sophisticated choice for any bridesmaid, and with the ever-increasing fight for gender nonconformity, it might just become the new norm. A tuxedo is a great way to make a statement and stand out from the crowd. It is also a perfect option for a bridesmaid who wants to challenge traditional gender roles and embrace a more progressive style.

When choosing a tuxedo, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the fabric and fit. Look for tuxedos made from high-quality materials such as extra-fine Italian wool, which will ensure you feel comfortable and confident. Secondly, think about the colour. While a classic black tuxedo is always a safe choice, you can also experiment with different colours like navy, burgundy, or even white. Don't be afraid to coordinate your tuxedo with the colour palette of the wedding or the bridesmaid dresses.

Accessories are also key to completing your tuxedo look. A pocket square, for example, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. You can also play around with different neckwear options, such as ties, bow ties, or scarves, to add a pop of colour or a unique detail. Don't forget to pay attention to the small details, like cufflinks, lapel pins, and even fun socks, to truly make your tuxedo your own.

Lastly, don't be afraid to mix and match. A tuxedo doesn't have to be a traditional black-tie affair. You can experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and colours to create a unique and modern look. For example, velvet tuxedos are a great way to add a touch of luxury and texture to your ensemble.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing. So, if you're considering wearing a tuxedo as a bridesmaid, go for it! It's a fun and stylish way to make a statement and celebrate the blurring of gender roles.

Wearing a colourful gown

Choose a Colourful Gown that Complements the Bride

It is important to remember that while you want to stand out as a bridesmaid, the bride should still be the centre of attention. Choose a colour that complements the bride's gown and the overall wedding colour palette. For example, at the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, Pippa Middleton, the bridesmaid, wore a classic white sheath gown, which was similar to the bride's dress. This created a cohesive look and made Pippa stand out without taking away from the bride.

Consider the Venue and Theme of the Wedding

Take into account the venue and theme of the wedding when selecting your colourful gown. For instance, at a beach wedding, light and airy colours such as pastel shades or neutrals might be more appropriate. On the other hand, for a more formal wedding in a grand venue, you could opt for richer and deeper colours like royal blue or emerald green.

Play with Different Colours and Styles

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and styles to find the perfect colourful gown. For example, at Lena Dunham's friend's wedding, the bridesmaids wore sequined skirts and nude turtlenecks, a unique and stylish combination. You could also mix and match different colours and patterns within the bridal party, like the Olsen twins did at their friend's wedding, where they wore floral outfits, with one twin in black and the other in a beaded headdress, making them stand out from the other bridesmaids.

Accessorise your Colourful Gown

Enhance your colourful gown with carefully chosen accessories. For instance, Rihanna wore a lilac dress and added a touch of purple lipstick to complement the colour of her gown. You could also opt for statement jewellery, an elegant hair accessory, or a bold pair of shoes to elevate your look and make your colourful gown even more memorable.

Be Mindful of the Bride's Preferences

While you want to stand out and steal the show, it is essential to respect the bride's wishes and preferences. Communicate with the bride beforehand to understand her vision for the bridal party and choose a colourful gown that aligns with her style and theme. This will ensure that you complement the bride's look rather than distract from it.

Frequently asked questions