With the summer wedding season right around the corner

With the summer wedding season right around the corner, it is time to finalize those bridesmaid dress selections. You want to try your best to choose the dresses and jewelry which will suit the season, the style of your ceremony, and (within reason) the tastes of your bridesmaids. Find the key to success with these summer bridesmaid dress tips.

Choose wisely when selecting your colors. What this really means is to select any color other than black for your bridesmaid dresses. Frankly, the somber nature of black makes it a questionable choice for bridesmaids during any season, but in high summer it is far too dark and serious. If darker hues are up your alley, try a crisp shade of dark navy; it looks fantastic when combined with fresh colors like pure white and lime green. Or have fun and choose your dresses in classic, bright summery colors like fuchsia or orange. Colorful beach wedding jewelry and metallic sandals are the perfect complement to these seasonal shades.

Think Knee Length. Unless your wedding is very formal, it is probably not necessary to have floor length bridesmaid dresses for a summer wedding. This is particularly true of beach weddings, for which the dresses and bridesmaid jewelry should have a relaxed attitude, but it is also true for garden and other outdoor weddings. Your bridesmaids will thank you for their breezy knee length dresses when the day starts heating up. A short dress will also allow your attendants to show off their cute shoes.

Select the right fabrics for the right season. There is no reason to choose a heavy material with a wintery feeling, since there are so many wonderful fabrics available. Airy fabrics such as organza and chiffon are ideal for summer bridesmaid dresses. They will feel light and comfortable, and they capture the breezy spirit of the season. Linen is a good option for tropical bridesmaid dresses worn with festive beach wedding jewelry (humidity helps to keep the wrinkles somewhat under control). For preppy weddings, traditional summer materials such as madras and seersucker are also great choices. Avoid heavy fabrics like satin, velvet, and acetate taffeta. Remember that it will most likely be a hot day, and natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are lighter and more breathable than polyester and acetate.