Over the years, the humble bridesmaid dress has

With a bit of diligent searching, elegant bridesmaid dresses that will please each and every one of your attendants while complementing your own gown can be found without breaking the bank. Get your ideas flowing with this quick primer on some eye catching and figure flattering gown models that will keep your entire bridal party smiling through the whole ceremony. A-Line Chiffon Dress The perfect bridesmaid dress for a semiformal spring or summertime wedding, this gown is also a great example of a dress that will please most of your attendants. Featuring a sleek A-line silhouette, this dress will look especially great on petite women, since it naturally elongates. However, this dress features a cut that is flattering to nearly any figure, since its high waist and subtly flared skirt will work to draw the eye upward while camouflaging potential trouble areas, including the hips and waist. This chiffon dress is available in a wide range of wedding-appropriate colors and achieves an understated elegance with its pleated strapless neckline and hourglass-inspiring waistline. Long Chiffon Dress with Removable Flower Detail Another great example of a figure-flattering A-line gown, the Long Chiffon Dress will keep your entire wedding party looking beautiful for the ceremony, photos and beyond. This loosely flowing gown again draws the gaze upward with its sleek strapless ruched neckline and the very traditional bridesmaid flourish of a removable flower detail. Made of imported polyester, this lovely number is fully lined and hides any areas your bridesmaids may want to conceal with the utmost in style. This eye pleasing dress is available in 12 colors to make coordinating simple and is sure to be worn again and again even after the wedding is over by your grateful attendants. Satin Ball Gown Dress For a more traditional or upscale ceremony, this style provides an appealing alternative to more casual dresses. The ball gown silhouette of this striking number provides a formal elegance while its stark simplicity is the source of its attractive beauty and power. Marked by a fitted bodice and full, sharply flared skirt, the ball gown silhouette is one of the most form flattering styles of gown available. This particular model features modern smooth satin construction, providing an elegant canvas to add standout accessories or shoes. One of the most tried and true styles for bridal party gowns, this versatile style is available in 43 unique colors, making coordinating a cinch. Bridesmaids Separates In lieu of more traditional gown styles, many brides pass up the more contemporary style of separates when choosing bridesmaid dresses. This is unfortunate, since many of today's models make for extremely elegant options that stand up next to even the most traditional of dresses. One great example of this is illustrated by a sleek fitted bodice piece that features graceful shoulders strap adorned with pleated details that draw the eye upward. The top's pleated princess seams provide both interest and a slimming effect for bridesmaids concerned about their figures. The matching satin A-line skirt continues the sleek fitted look while making the wearer appear slimmer with its straight, simple lines. This attractive skirt can be combined with a sash for extra coverage and increased interest if you deem the design to be a bit too simple on its own. Halter Ball Gown Finally, this breathtaking yet subdued gown combines the ball gown look with a fashionable and eye grabbing illusion halter strap to flatter nearly any body type and keep your bridal party looking their absolute best on your special day. Designed from smooth satin, this dress conveys classic stylistic sensibilities while maintaining a decidedly contemporary look. The gown's intriguing halter strap stretches over a solid chest piece and wraps around the body just below the chest, creating a high waist look that elongates the body and provides an hourglass figure. A breathtaking gown that looks gorgeous on its own, your bridesmaids are sure to reuse it again and again. As these styles show, bridesmaid dresses need not be the horror story that culture seems to have deemed them. With a mix of contemporary and classic elements, these examples provide elegant yet understated looks that are certain not to detract at all from the bride. Take a moment now to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your ceremony.