When planning a wedding, the choice of wedding attire is one of the most important decisions that you will have to make. Obviously, the bridal gown is priority number one, and the bride will be spending a lot of time and money finding the perfect dress for the big day. But choosing the dresses and accessories for the bridesmaids is equally important, and can be just as difficult as selecting the wedding gown itself. After all, you may have chosen three or four of your closest friends to be your bridesmaids, and that means finding dresses that flatter each of them while still complementing the all important wedding gown. Achieving the right balance can be tricky, and it will take some time and effort. But with a few helpful hints we can make the process less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.
First Things First – Consider Your Bridesmaids
The first step in choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses is to consider the bridesmaids themselves. These are your closest friends, and that’s why you have asked them to be a part of your wedding. While the final decision is yours, be mindful of the needs and feelings of the friends you have chosen as bridesmaids. For example, the bridesmaid herself traditionally pays for a bridesmaid’s dress. Limit your choices to a price range that is suitable for everyone in your wedding party. You don’t want to embarrass one of your closest friends by forcing them to bow out of your wedding because they can’t afford the elaborate gown you have chosen for them. If someone in your wedding party finds it difficult to cover the cost of their bridesmaid dress, discreetly offer to pay some, or all, of the cost yourself.
Matching Your Color Theme
If you have decided on a theme for your wedding that includes a specific color palette, your bridesmaid dresses should reflect that theme. In many ways, having a specific color theme for your wedding will make choosing your bridesmaid’s attire that much easier, as certain color combinations will automatically be excluded. While the ultimate decision is yours, involve your bridesmaids in the selection process, and let them choose shades that best suit their own styles and complexions. Different shades and colors can be pulled together using the bridesmaid’s bouquets to create the desired effect on the big day.
Style and Cut
Once you have chosen a color scheme, you will need to decide on a style and cut for your bridesmaid dresses. This is another area where the bridesmaids themselves may wish to have a little input. Every woman’s body shape is different, and what flatters one may not suit another. What often works is to choose a designer that offers similar dresses with different necklines, and let your bridesmaids pick the cut that most flatters their body type. This allows you to have the coordinated look you desire for your wedding party, while giving your bridesmaids some control over their own appearance.
Comfort is Always a Consideration
When choosing dresses for your bridesmaids, keep the comfort of your wedding party in mind. Avoid heavy fabrics for a summer wedding as your bridesmaids will spend the day sweltering in the heat. Likewise, light airy fabrics for a fall or winter wedding are also ill-advised. In this instance, common sense prevails. Look for dresses that are both attractive, and comfortable.
Fittings
It is important to begin shopping for your bridesmaid dresses early. Each bridesmaid will need to be measured for her gown, and will likely have to attend a few fittings. Alterations will take time, and you want to be certain that the dresses will be delivered in time for the wedding. Don’t leave the wedding party’s attire to the last minute.
Finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses takes time and careful consideration. While the ultimate decision is always the bride’s, it is important to include the bridesmaids in the selection process. Remember, they will be wearing these dresses on the big day, and they should feel as confident and beautiful as possible. Start early, take your time, and your wedding party will have all of the glamour and elegance that you desire.
