Expert: Sarah Maloney - 6/6/2006

Question
I just moved my wedding date to February instead of the original June.  I had already picked prospective bridesmaid gowns that were celery green, below-the-knee halter dresses.  And the gown I want is a sleeveless A-line.  Now that I moved the wedding to February, I fear that this color scheme and halter/sleeveless gowns will not be appropriate.  What styles of gowns for myself and my maids will be appropriate.  Also, is light green an appropriate color for a February wedding?  What other colors would be appropriate?  Im not really interested in dark colors because my favorites are light green and pinkish orange.  

Answer
Hi Mary Ann.
            There isn't really any hard and fast rules about what colour scheme to have according to the season. It's really personal choice!

I funny little superstition is that green is actually unlucky at weddings, although I have yet to see this in action (au contraire really, one of my Brides actually found a £20 note on her wedding day!).

I LOVE green, it's different and very versatile. The celery green you talk about sounds super. Because February is coming towards the end of the dull and dark winter months, I think a subtle but bright shade of green is ideal. Spring will be round the corner, so what better colour to choose?!
Halter neck styles give you that extra bit of coverage but still look fashionable. Some designers have matching boleros and/or stoles with their bridesmaids (or can make them to order) so do ask about this. Their website should also give you this information.

As a general rule, burgandy, red, navy blue, purple and golds tend to be popular for winter weddings, the latter for christmas weddings.

As for yourself, please, have the gown of your dreams. Don't go for sleeves because you think it's the right thing to do. If you still go for the strapless design, again you can have a bolero/stole/shrug with it. Some gowns come with stole or bolero. Alternately you can buy them seperately or have one specially made.
There are alsorts of womderful materials such as marabou feathers, fur and luxurious satins.
Ivory is very easy to match up and you can have your bridesmaids in the same, ivory and green are perfectly acceptable together.
It's more practical to have a jacket or stole as this can be used to keep warm and can them be removed for photos and for the celebrations. It can get very warm with lots of people in the same room!

What you have planned sounds really super, please don't change because you feel you have to be 'appropriate' accordning to the time of year. Many Brides go for the 'uniform' colours, it'll be nice to have something a bit different.

I hope I've helped - please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any more questions.

Kindest Regards
Sarah :0)