Why Block Colours are a Bridesmaids Best Friend

Today we are shooting video content for The Knot which is I must confess lots of fun. We get to call in gorgeous wedding and bridesmaids dresses, play with sparkling accessories and speak to some of the bridal industry’s greatest talents. What is a little daunting is when you have to find something in your personal wardrobe that is going to look good on camera. For, as anyone who has done tv or film will know, there are a list of what not to wear items as long as your both your arms put together.

It starts with most female’s staple wardrobe colour black. Correct you read it right. According the research wearing head-to-toe black will make you ‘disappear into a hole’ when on camera.  Patterns should be thrown aside as they can go ga-ga when the lighting hits it making you look you are encased in a buzzing strobe. Red is also a tricky shade. And this is without even considering the colours of the set or backdrop – after all you don’t want to clash or disappear. When I went through my wardrobe with this list last night to pick out something to wear nearly every item was turned away for the job. It’s easy to see why television stations have wardrobe departments full of special stylists who devote all their time to sourcing camera friendly looks.

How does this related to bridesmaids? Well we all know that having a videographer, as well as photographer, at weddings in 2010 is more the rule than the exception. So, while the style of video should differ from television and hopefully the lighting won’t be so harsh, it still can’t hurt to dress for the camera. So bridesmaids in pretty pastels or strong bright block colours are going to have a clear advantage on film. They should be rushing to thank the bride.

Image above: this divine emerald green dress which just appeared at the Yves Saint-Laurent A/W 2011 show is the ideal block colour for video but see how the black gloves make the models arms vanish on the dark background...no wonder she looks so cross!

--- Alicia Richardson