Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-23
RAINBOW COSTUMES
ARE VERY SMART FOR BRIDES
MAIDS.
Give Originality to Wedding Pro-
cession That Robes of One Color
May Lack.
RY A. T. AsHMoRE.


1t Is extraordinary how rarely the eff
fectfve Is sought in bridesmaids costume
for here, II ever there is opportunity for
great originality of taste, while the pic
turesque and the artistic can be most
charmingly carried out. AS a rule brides
maids gowns are exceedingly pretty. and
as almost invariably close attention is given
to the details of the frock 1t is most expen-
sive, but very seldom does one see a bridal
procession that is in any way distinctive
or out of the ordinary, pretty and attrac-
tive though the girls may appear. OF
course, there is always the difficulty that a
style of gown becoming to one may be quite
unsuited to another bridesmaid. and with
colors there is the same problem. which I'M
doubtedly accounts for the prevalence Of
pink roses. pink being a generally becom-
ing shade; but. all the same. even a pink
wedding can be made effective II the gowns
are OF some rather unusual model. The
hats are also somewhat unique in design.
After all, color counts for more than any
thing else, and some tone should be chosen
that will have character and be really no
ticeable for those sitting on the side aises.
There are many gowns that are exquisite
near by. but at a distance are in no way
markable. and this should be remembered.
True, yellow Is good color, but yellow is
one of the most difficult II not the most
trying. shades. and must be studied in all
lights before 1t is decided upon. Green is
another shade which Is exquisite In the pale
tints, but Is only becoming to the majority
of young girls In the more delicate tones.
Blue greens, pastel and odd shades Of blue
are effective. but the regular pale shades
of blue are seldom pretty, or. at least. are
not often attractive in a bridesmaids dress.
Mauve and lilac were formerly considered
unlucky. but superstttions are gradually
dying out. and the mauve and lavender
bridesmaids gowns of the past year have
hnAp f1a xt.E I1,,a
been seen. Pink lights up so well and is 80
apt to be becoming that it is sure to re-
main the most popular shade for brides
maid and maid of honor. If one cares for
the original, the deep tones of pink or soft
tints of old rose exceedingly pretty,
while the most brilliant shades verging to-
ward cerse. will not look too bright in the
dim light of church. 1t must be remem-
bered that the natural half light in such
edifice naturally robs color Of half its bril-
liancy, while most wedding receptions are
now in the afternoon. when electric light
Is used. and this often softens color as
toundingly.
Rainbow weddings, so called. are most at
tracttve as a change, and it is remarkable
that they are not attempted oftener. This
idea can be carried out in two. three. four
or even five colors If the bridal procession
is sufficiently long, and it is now rather the
fad to have as many attendants as one can
secure. One couple in pink, two more girls
In lavender. others in green, blue and yell
low. or whatever shades are desired. are
sure to make charming effect, provided
the colors are carefully chosen so as to har-
monize perfectly together. Frocks of white
lace and chiffon. with small brocade coats
and hats and bouquets carrying out the
most prominent color of the silk, are most
effective. These may be all from the same
brocaLe or with the rainbow effect, each
couple in different shade.
Then there are the colored costumes.
verging from palest to deepest hues of the
one color, the bride In pure white, then the
maid Of honor in softest, most delicate
shade of yellow or deep cream white. and
then each pair of bridesmaids in a deeper
shade Of yellow. the last two being almost
orange. The flowers may be roses. chrys-
anthemums, Notwithstanding to the
time of year-or of some contrasting color,
as orchids. lilies or vioets.