From Inspire Me! on ColinCowieWeddings.com
Oh, how bridesmaids have changed! Vatana Watters of Watters fame sets us straight on what today's bridesmaids should love and what they should lose.
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While we all loved the movie Bridesmaids (Vatana included), we're pretty sure most brides would prefer to keep those crazy scenarios out of real life. So, how do you satisfy all the personalities and tastes of your girls, while also making yourself happy? We decided to take this burning question, and a few more, to the experts at Watters.
Watters started their company in 1986 solely designing bridesmaid dresses, only to add wedding gowns to their collection later on. With so many years under their sparkling and quite successful belts, they understand that brides and their girls today have a number of challenges, the biggest being the time factor.
"With today's busy lives it's so much harder for everyone in the bridal party to be a part of the selection process in person and sometimes missing out on those dressing room laughs and hugs," says Vatana. But these experts aren't daunted by the challenges; they adapt and adjust accordingly by offering brides the opportunity to connect through social media. Get the conversation started by Tweeting, Facebooking and Pinning your choices directly through their website. More and more brides are communicating through social media and in turn keeping their girls excited and engaged.
On the style side of the spectrum, one of the biggest transformations in the bridal world is the impact that fashion itself has on weddings, particularly for bridesmaids. "The styles just keep getting better and better. It's great to see ready-to-wear fashion have influence on our business," Vatana says. "Girls are so connected to fashion right now that it makes it exciting to see them respond to more up to the minute styles not only in everyday life, but for their weddings as well. We work really hard to listen to our younger voices, making sure we not only keep up on the important trends but also to inspire ourselves as well."
Just in case some of your girls don't feel like the most fabulous of fashionistas remember this: fashion is meant to be fun and fully enjoyed, so feel free to experiment with the newest silhouettes, color and important details. Sometimes you never know until you try.
We asked the Watters team to give us their top trend picks of the moment for 'maids. They are…
LACE
"It's all the rage and right on trend with the vintage look," Vatana says. Lace has been on the runways for several seasons and continues to be a very strong trend. Keep in mind that while lace can look very delicate and romantic, lace can also be cut in a very graphic, modern way. If you aren't necessarily the 'sweet' type, lace can work for you this season.
SHORT
From mod-mini to at-the-knee lengths, short is long on chic, great "for a more upscale cocktail look," advises Vatana. While we might suggest steering clear of 'just under the bum styles' and tailoring the length to the look of your leg, a short dress is fresh, youthful and ideal for summer weddings.
DRAPING
"Draped layers give a real ethereal mood," Vatana shares. Coming off the Grecian trend that was so major several seasons ago, softly draped gowns add texture and interest to dresses that might otherwise be too plain. Draping that's well thought-out and strategically placed can be extremely flattering and adds sophistication to soft chiffon and jersey fabrics.
SAME COLOR & FABRIC, DIFFERENT STYLES
This is a trend long in the making. Every bridesmaid has the option of highlighting their best features by picking a silhouette and neckline that suits them best. "This gives the girls the freedom of choice for their dress," Vatana says.
MONOCHROMATIC TONES
Soft, neutral hues like pale nudes, greys and ivories can be super chic and definitely look new. "These shades give a soft focus feel," says Vatana. Bucking the trend of bright colors, these pretty new palettes are soothing and sophisticated, just be sure that you take the time to choose the shade that flatters each girl's skin tone.
Of all the trends right now, Vatana loves, "The fashion freedom that brides are giving their maids with dresses that are in the same fabric and color, but with styles that are perfect for each friend." We second that notion and agree when she says, "I really think that in the end brides want their bridesmaids to look and feel as great as the bride on the wedding day. Happy friends make beautiful pictures and memories." And that's really what it's all about!
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