The Modern Maid

I don't normally encourage the bride to match her maids and vice versa. The bride's look should be the focal visual of the day. However, when a bride asks my thoughts for attendants I always give a match, but don't match reply. The word "match" conjures 1980s prom when the date wore a light blue vest and tie to match the light blue dress equipped with a light blue corsage. 

The wedding party should look like they're attending the same wedding, but that's where it ends. As long as the color story of the wedding is reflected somehow in the attendants' garments it's current, fresh and very sophisticated. I love how some of these ensemble looks are put together. The primary colors pop with the fun, blush tulle gown. The muted blushes and tropical prints work beautifully. I also like the tonal looks as well where one color of different variations is used. The bridal party should frame the bride and groom not to overwhelm and distract, but augment and soften. All of these are textbook.

 

 Of course my vintage spin I always weave in my posts must be mentioned. You could say very early vintage, in the times of the Roman Empire, the function of the bridesmaid and groomsman were to shun evil spirits away from the couple. Thus why they dressed like the couple to confuse those unwanted wedding guests/spirits. Later the girls' function were to protect the bride from being kidnapped, again by dressing in decoy fashion, so she could safely arrive to the groom's village and be wed uneventfully.

That tradition continued for centuries all the way until relatively modern times. Though I don't love the over coordinated matching as mentioned, these maiden garments are exquisite. I especially gush over the colored veils/hats each bridesmaid wore in those years.

One last morsel of knowledge I will disclose is this. Don't purchase your attendants' attire before the gown is chosen. You need to fall in love with your gown and all its splendor. Once you do, let it take you away in your creativity. It will not only guide you down the aisle feeling your best, but it will unleash your style unique only to you. The gorgeous frame will be complete and the spirits gone!