Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is a very popular trend at the moment for the brides to allow their bridesmaids to choose their favourite colour, or a mix of colours selected by the bride.

We have a selection of colour swatches available for you to purchase (only certain brands supply fabric swatches). Please see the Bridesmaid Dresses/Fabric category of our shopping cart.

We generally have 5 categories of dresses A-line, Empire/High-waisted, Fitted/Sheath, Mermaid/Trumpet, Princess Ballgown. See the descriptions below to give you some basic guidance. We also have gowns that we select for being “Maternity friendly” for pregnant bridesmaids.

A-line
An A-line design is one where the skirt section falls from the natural waistline and skims over the hip line, and gradually gets wider closer to the bottom/hem, ‘ creating a triangle “A” shape, hence the name A-line. A-line dresses are available in long and short styles. A-line dresses are a safe choice for many body shapes, as the dress does not sit tight on the hips, and creates a balanced silhouette. In a long dress, an A-line design helps to create the illusion of height, as it is a smooth, clean line. Generally A-line skirts are popular with pear-shaped women, with a curvy lower part of the body.

Empire/High-waisted
Empire or High-waisted gowns drop from right under the bust line, and drape over the remaining length of the body. These styles can be a straight design, A-line or a fuller gown, and can be long or short. Empire dresses don’t have a tight waist band, making them suitable for curvy/apple shaped bodies, and helps to hide the mid-section, as the dress skims over that area of the body. The top bust section is normally fitted, which draws the attention to the upper-half of the body. Some empire styles are suitable for maternity styles, but may need some adjustments made to cater for the pregnant body shape.

Fitted/Sheath
A fitted/sheath gown is normally a straight design that sits close to the body, which defines the natural body shape. Generally these designs are more structured and have less flowing fabric on the bottom section of the dress. As these dresses are very fitted they are generally better for slimmer body shapes, or slender hour-glass shapes. They are designed to “show-off” the body. Fitted or sheath gowns are available in long or short versions. Long straight dresses tend to elongate the body.

Mermaid/Trumpet
The Mermaid or Trumpet design is one that is very fitted and body hugging from the top half right through to the knee area, and then it flares out significantly on the bottom area. This creates the effect of a “mermaid” or “trumpet” silhouette. It is generally a good design for slimmer body shapes, but can also be worn by women who are curvier but proportionally shaped. If you don’t mind flaunting your curves, then this is the dress shape for you!

Princess/Ballgown
The Princess or Ballgown style is the most extravagant shape of all. It is a dress with a tight fitted bodice, coming in at the natural waistline, and then flaring out to a very full gown at the bottom. These styles of dresses are suitable for most body shapes, except for very heavy breasted women. They are ideal for pear shaped women as the full skirt section disguises the hip and thigh area. They are a safe choice where you have a mix of body shapes in a bridal party, as it makes everyone appear similar and consistent, as the style highlights the top half of the body. Short versions of these dresses have a very “1950’s” look about them as the skirt flares out quite wide.

Yes depending on the nature of the design, you can have “bling” added to the dress. It can be as simple as adding a brooch, or a bigger embellishment to create the “wow factor” that you are after. Speak to one of our consultants to discuss your ideas about adding more details to the dress design of your choice, and how you can then have an alterations specialist add this to the design for you.

Depending on the “bling”, and the size of the piece, sometimes it can be removed. If it is a small piece that has been hand sewn, it is usually easily removed without causing damage to a dress. It is a case by case basis, as each design is different. It is best to speak to a consultant BEFORE you place your order if you have any questions.

It is best to refer to the care label on each dress to determine the appropriate way to iron or steam your dress. Always be very careful with delicate fabrics as heat can easily damage some fabrics if the iron setting is too hot. If in doubt, have the dresses professionally pressed.

Please refer to Our Designers page to view the full range of our designers.

No, however some brides have selected bridesmaid styles to be worn as a wedding dress. Many brides having a destination wedding, a casual wedding, or a second marriage, choose styles from our range to be worn as wedding dresses. They usually order their dress in a lighter tone such as white, ivory, champagne, silver or blush.