Cocktail dresses entered the world stage in the Prohibition Era of the 1920s in America. It became fashionable during this era to have parties at home in the early evening and serve alcohol because drinking in public places was forbidden. Speakeasies, private bars or clubs at which illegal alcohol was sold, also became popular. Cocktails served at these private parties or clubs usually consisted of a mixture of alcohol and fruit juices. Fruit juice was used to mask the poor quality of home-made liquor.

The first cocktail dresses were longer versions of day-time dresses accessorized with gloves, hats and tiny handbags. The 1920s saw the rise of the ‘Flapper,’ however, who introduced more formal cocktail dresses. These ‘Bright Young Things’ wanted to enjoy a good time after the depressing years of The First World War. Dancing such popular dances as the Charleston was too difficult in long dresses so shorter lengths became fashionable. ‘Flappers’ loved to dress up in pretty pastel or metallic knee-length dresses. Pearls, fringes, feathers and Lady Jane shoes completed the look.

Chanel designed the first ‘Little Black Dress’ in 1926. This was a simple ebony dress without seams. After it was featured in Vogue, the dress became an instant hit with women. They started to wear it to cocktail functions. Many preferred the plain black color and the classic lines of the dress to the often over-embellished evening-wear styles previously in vogue.

Cocktail suits came into fashion during the 30ss and 40ss. These formal suits were made of luxurious materials such as satin and silk. The suits were sometimes trimmed with rhinestone buttons. Wealthy women accessorized the outfits with stunning hats, such as feathered turbans and hats with silk veils.

The 50s was the golden age of cocktail dresses. Feminine styles with tight bodices, low necklines, and sweeping skirts were worn to early evening functions. The romantic creations were usually made of filmy material such as organza. A dress that Grace Kelly wore in the film, Rear Window, is an iconic cocktail dress from this era. It had a black bodice with a flowing white chiffon skirt. Kelly wore the dress with white gloves.

Audrey Hepburn’s elegant black sheath in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a classic style of cocktail dress from the 60s. During this decade dresses worn for evening wear were often clinging and sophisticated. As women became more liberated styles became shorter and less formal.

Comfortable fashions became the vogue for cocktail parties during the later 60s and 70s. Many women chose to wear palazzo pyjamas (pantsuits with wide-legged trousers and long tops) to early evening functions. Caftans, often with psychedelic prints, were also favoured.

More formal styles returned to fashion in the 80s. Dresses with clinging bodices and wide skirts were often worn to cocktail parties during this era. They were often made of taffeta or organza.

Cocktail dresses have remained formal since the 80s. Today women can choose from many different styles. The LBD remains a popular choice. Vintage designer styles are also very fashionable.

Your Bridesmaids Aren’t Going to Agree

Not every cut and colour of bridesmaid dress is going to flatter every type of figure. Even if your bridesmaids are all a similar size and shape, some of them are not going to like the dresses. You are always going to have at least one bridesmaid who feels as if the dress is unflattering on her and is embarrassed to wear it. Don’t let this bother you too badly. It is impossible to please everyone, and your friends are there to be supportive of you on your big day. You are well within your rights to choose whatever type of bridesmaid dresses you feel will best suit your ceremony. Keep in mind, however, that a bridesmaid is also well within her rights to graciously step out of the ceremony if she is not comfortable with your choice of dresses.

Bridesmaid Dresses are Expensive

You may have been putting away money for your wedding for a year or more, but your friends haven’t. Thus, demanding that your bridesmaids shell out hundreds of pounds for designer bridesmaid dresses may leave you with no bridesmaids at all. It isn’t that your bridesmaids don’t want to participate in your wedding, but they have their own budgets to consider.

To avoid this scenario, you should inform your bridesmaids well ahead of time of the cost of each dress. Should you choose expensive bridesmaid dresses, be prepared to help with the cost or pay for each dress outright. In this situation, you will need to weigh which is more important: having the ones you love in your wedding or having those same women wear the perfect gowns.

Elaborate Bridesmaid Dresses May Upstage Your Wedding Gown

Bridesmaid dresses can be simple and elegant or colourful and extravagant. No matter which style you prefer, make sure to take your own wedding dress into consideration when choosing attire for your bridesmaids.

If your wedding dress is a simple cut while your bridesmaid dresses are elaborate, complete with a bodice and plenty of tulle, you may be unintentionally allowing your bridesmaids to upstage you on your big day. The same is true if you opt for bridesmaid dresses in a champagne or off-white colour. The last thing you want is for your guests to be confused about who is the actual bride and who is merely a bridesmaid.

To help avoid the problems that may arise when selecting bridesmaid dresses, ask for your bridesmaid help in making the selection. You may like their ideas and opt to incorporate their suggestions into your wedding. Should you have any concerns about the dresses, bring this up to your bridesmaids ahead of time. Believe it or not, your friends’ primary goal is to help you plan your dream wedding. By getting all potential problems out in the open ahead of time, you can work around them and avoid last minute stress over your bridesmaid dresses.