DEBUNKING THE BRIDESMAID MYTH

Ladies, ladies, fear no more! Gone are the days of dread when your best friend asks you to stand by her on her wedding day because you get flashbacks to a really BAD Ally McBeal bridesmaid episode. Sky blue, and fuschia taffeta ruffled numbers are definitely on the Out List. Here's the real scoop on today's options for the attendant-to-be:

Almost anything goes, but it is based on the bride's attire first. The most important things to consider are whether or not the entire wedding is based on a theme, or around the gown of the bride's choosing. Let's focus for now on what the bride decides to wear.

It is at the bride's discretion what style of dress she will ultimately wear, and once she has made her final selection is when the bridesmaid dresses become the focus. Most brides now choose attendant dresses that will compliment the same style of the wedding gown. Currently, tailored looks are the hottest trend. The country is in full swing of the "less is more" theory. So many brides are leaning towards slimmer lines and much less pouff & fabric. As bridesmaids-to-be, of course, we are loving that!

Many "Millennium" attendants' dresses will feature the sleeveless look, spaghetti strap or cap sleeve style. Also hot on the fashion fair runways are tailored looks to the front with a surprise show of skin on the back. Elegance is always key, but everyone has individual tastes. As more brides spend more time toning up for their big day & incorporate the slip dress look for themselves, so shall you see the same on their attendants.

As far as attendant colors go, they continue to run the gamut. In the more metropolitan areas there is a preference towards a strong flash of color. This means the mango, banana, tropical colors are making a splash on the traditional wedding scene! Most brides follow this theme through to the flowers as well. Bright and sunny seems better when following this trend.

The flip side of this seems to be going with very soft pastels. Celadon green, soft creams and ivories, and super light lavenders continue to be popular. Navy remains on the high sell list, but gone for the moment are the hunter greens, burgundies and black that seemed so popular a few short years ago.

Keep in mind that when beginning the search for "the" perfect attendants' dress, it is essential that each attendant feel comfortable in what she will be wearing. By no means does this imply that everyone has a say-so (nothing will get decided upon) but more so that you should begin with the most "challengingly built" attendant and work out from that point. Brides today love giving their attendants the flexibility to choose from several different styles by the same designer, ensuring uniform dye colors, but allowing individuality as well.

Once the attendants' dresses are selected and in place, you can then move forward to finalizing tie, vest, cummerbund selections for the groomsmen. The key to success in bringing the complete wedding attire together is to remember your own individual tastes & visualize how the end results will compliment everyone best. It is the bride's moment to shine, so smile big for her, buck up and wear what she requests within reason, and remember that paybacks are always around the corner!