choosing bridal attendants: There are various titles given to the bridal attendants depending on their age and sex: read more sources of attendants' outfits: Most bridal boutiques as well as individual dress designers will undertake to provide the attendants' outfits. read more		attendants' clothes: The outfits and accessories of the bridal attendants are often central to the theme and inspiration of a wedding. read more what style? The most obvious choice of style for attendants' outfits is that which follows the same period style or design as the bride's gown. read more
choosing bridal attendants:
There are various titles given to the bridal attendants depending on their age and sex. Chief bridesmaid, maid of honour, matron of honour, junior bridesmaid, ringbearer, flower-girl or flower-boy, presenter of lucky horseshoe and baby bridesmaid as well as a best girl. The chief bridesmaid (also known as the maid-of-honour in America), is referred to as the matron-of-honour if she is married. Usually a best friend or sister of the bride, the chief bridesmaid is to assist the bride while she dresses on the day of the wedding and organise the younger bridesmaids. She is also responsible for helping to arrange the bride's dress, veil and train at the entrance to the church and throughout the day for the wedding photographs. The number of bridal attendants can vary from a singel matron of honour to ten or more bridesmaids and page-boys and will depend on the size of the bride and groom's respective families, as well as their financial resources. What outfits the attendants are to wear is usually decided on by the bride, but if the bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses it is usual for them to have some say in the matter. back to the top
bridal attendants clothes:
	The outfits and accessories of the bridal attendants are often central to the theme and inspiration of a wedding. The colour and design of their clothes may echo the bride's gown, although, they might also be inspired by the surroundings and decor of the reception venue, which could be Victorian, Edwardian or even Art Deco. Whatever the inspiration behind the outfits and accessories for bridal attendants, their appearance needs careful thought and preparation if the finished result is to be successful. Styles and colours of attendants' outfits vary enormously and can be as traditional or unconventional as the bridal gown itself. The most commonly worn styles, however, are usually based on historical designs and complement the bridal gown in some way, be it in colour, detail or shape. The age of the attendants is an important consideration when deciding upon their outfits and if there is a wide difference in ages, it will probably be difficult to decide on how to dress all of them appropriately and harmoniously. While a diminutive flower-girl looks adorable in Victorian-style ruffles and matching bloomers, the prospect of being dressed in this way is likely to be a teenager's idea of a nightmare. back to the top
sources of attendants' outfits:
Most bridal boutiques as well as individual dress designers will undertake to provide the attendants' outfits. These can be bought off-the-peg or designed and made to the bride's specifications, ensuring that they harmonize with the bridal attire. However, there are many other ways of choosing your attendants' outfits that will prove equally successful. Like the bridal gown itself, attendants' outfits can be bought from antique markets to thrift shops or be made up. Alternatively, they can be hired from a fancy dress shop, a theatrical costumier or bought off-the-peg from a fashion boutique or department store. back to the top
what style?
The most obvious choice of style for attendants' outfits is that which follows the same period style or design as the bride's gown. For example, an off-the-shoulder gown with a full, gathered skirt can be repeated in another colour for an older bridesmaid, while younger flower-girls' dresses can feature the full skirt with a short-sleeved bodice. A high-waisted Empire-style wedding gown can be echoed in similar straight dresses for bridesmaids, without trains, in pale colours such as rose pink, pale gold or in a darker colour for a dramatic contrast. For younger attendants, the high waist can be incorporated into a dress with a fuller, ballerina-length skirt and tied with a broad ribbon sash, complete with flat satin ballet slippers. Crisp organdie, which looks stunning with pintucks and pleats as a feature on hemlines, can be used to great effect for dresses of this style. Layers of muslin or embroidered Swiss lawn create softer, more flowing dresses and look lovely worn over matching pantaloons on little girls. Complementing for instance an Empire-style gown, flower-girls' and bridesmaids' dresses can feature high waistlines and puffed sleeves in floral or sprigged patterns on cotton, while page-boys' outfits can echo the high waistline on trousers that are buttoned to the shirt. This practical yet decorative element is a good idea for shirts that will inevitably become untucked. back to the top

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