The Devil is in the Detail

Trends come and go with wedding and bridesmaid dresses, but an important one this year is for back detail. Given that the guests will be looking at the wedding party’s back view for most of the service it seems strange that there is a particular emphasis on it at the moment, but there definitely is.



A lot of wedding dresses currently feature absolutely gorgeous, dramatic low backs, sometimes finished with a bow or flower detail. So carrying this look, or part of it, through to your bridesmaids and flower girls works well. Of course sashes with big bows are a classic, and more can be made of them by using beaded fabric. But there are other ways of highlighting the back successfully. Instead of the bow, a cluster of blousy silk flowers sitting below the waistline looks so pretty, as would trails of greenery falling the length of the skirt. A very large pearl or crystal brooch used to fasten a belt or cummerbund at the back adds winter glamour. Buttons are always a feature, but can be made more interesting by having them to match the sash not the dress or, if you are using the brooch idea, have sparkly buttons to match that.



Alternatively the neckline itself can be the feature. A pretty V, or even a discreet cut-out silhouette on the back of the bodice has good impact and looks pretty and fresh, particularly in the summer or at a hot country wedding. In this case it works better to keep the front of the bodice simple.



A very effective idea is to have an A-line panel of a contrasting fabric set into the back of the skirt. Maybe lace or organza set into a silk skirt and cut slightly longer at the back. This look will add fullness and interest to the skirt although the length should be dictated by the age of the child. Very small girls would not be able to cope with a hemline that is floor length, even at the back, and would spend the day scrunching the skirt up so as not to fall over it. A nice echo would be for the panel to be in the same fabric as the bride’s dress, without it being too similar overall. A soft bustle effect looks heavenly when not too heavy, again adding fullness and definition.



Although not strictly back detail, statement sleeves can be enough to be interesting from behind. Beware, though, of statement sleeves with too much other detail in the dress – it could end up being all rather eighties and over-powering.

Whichever back detail you go for, try to have some link to your own dress, but a watered-down version. And flag up with the photographer that the back views will be as interesting and pretty as the fronts so that they don’t get missed in the pictures!