Bridesmaid dress length for 5:00 pm wedding?

mrwsctt · October 2009

I am getting married in August 2010. We plan to have our ceremony at 5:00 pm with the reception, dinner, dancing etc to follow. Is there any kind of protocol on what length my bridesmaid's dresses should be? Since it will be summer, I was thinking of knee length dresses. But someone told me that since our wedding will be in the evening, the dresses should be floor length. Any thoughts?

mbcdefg · October 2009

Floor-length dresses are only mandatory if you're having a really formal wedding. For a wedding that's somewhat formal but not VERY formal, nice knee-length dresses are fine. What do you think your guests will wear? The BMs should be dressed equally to, if not nicer than, your female guests. If the women guests will all wear floor-length gowns, then the BMs should also be in floor-length gowns. If the female guesst will probably be wearing nice cocktail dresses, then that is fine for your BMs. Fabric also plays a role, so avoid casual things like cotton and jersey fabrics if you're having a semi-formal wedding.

banana468 · October 2009

It's fine to have knee or floor length. The only reason why you'd 'have' to do floor length is if you're having a very formal reception. If cocktail attire is appropriate for your evening reception then it's fine for the BM dresses as well.Just one thing to keep in mind: work with the BMs to try on dresses and find one that they all like. I was amazed at what DIDN'T flatter my BMs that had huge hanger appeal.

bablingbrooke · October 2009

Makes no difference except for the level of formality. And I would argue that since summer weddings are typically less formal, you could go with any dress length.

SarahPLiz · October 2009

I think it depends totally on the overall formality of your wedding. I am having an evening wedding in November 2010, and my sisters (MOHs) have decided they want to wear floor length dresses just because the ceremony is outside and they don't want to be cold. You get to decide based on the look and feel of your wedding.

baystateapple · October 2009

My wedding is at 5:30 PM. The girls are wearing knee- or tea-length dresses (their choice). Floor-length implies formal, and neither FI nor I wanted a formal wedding.

Liz4444 · October 2009

if you are not having a black-tie affair, knee length is fine. also, you want to be conscious of fabric. for a summer wedding, you should use a chiffon, jersey or other light fabric and not a heavy silk or taffeta.

Sunny0710 · October 2009

My wedding is in Aug 2010 too, cocktails at 5, dinner at 6. My girls are wearing tea=length- it's a nice compromise. I think full length gown are harder for the ladies to wear again (although they could potentially shorten them) and knee length (depending on the style and fabric) can sometimes be too informal depending on the formality of you event. Hope that helps!! Sunny

kjane12 · October 2009

I agree with Sunny, the tea-length (longer than knee length) is a better compromise. They tend to be cuter in my opinion too

banana468 · October 2009

Keep in mind, tea length is a VERY tricky length to wear. It's not flattering on many body types. Before you opt for that style, please have your BMs try it on and see what they think. I originally wanted that length and it was hideous on my friends.

Bridesmaid dress length for 5:00 pm wedding?

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