Bridesmaids Dresses and Choosing the right ones
Selecting bridesmaid's dresses that are flattering is just as crucial to the overall look of the wedding as the flowers or the cake. Most of us have either been a bridesmaid or been to a wedding where the bridesmaids' dresses just didn't hit the mark. We wonder why more attention hadn't been paid to this detail when so many thousands of dollars had been spent on the wedding. After all, this decision will be recorded in the wedding pictures for many years to come and will either make the wedding couple and their friends proud or flinch when viewed.
So, how does the bride select the best bridesmaids' dresses? She has to find a style that is attractive on someone short or tall, thin or plump, pale or dark, busty or not so much. Although a challenging task, this can be done with consensus building and research.
The first step is to have all your bridesmaids meet bringing with them a favorite long gown. This way you can see what style choices would be acceptable to your friends.
Usually the color of the bridesmaids' dresses is chosen after deciding on the wedding's color scheme. But that doesn't always bring good results. A better method would be to choose a dress color that is most flattering to the bridesmaids and then work around that choice for the color palette used in flower arrangements and other decorations for the wedding.
Building consensus among your bridesmaids about the style and color will make them happier about having to shell out big money for the dress. Isn't that the least a bride could do for her best friends?
On the second meeting (either in person or by e mail), after you have an idea about colors and styles from which to choose, have the girls vote on several dresses you have chosen. You may have selected dresses from several different stores. If that is the case, you could e mail pictures of the dresses and have the girls vote on their favorites. Have five or six options at the least.
On the third meeting, have the girls try on the approved dresses in the shop. They should have the undergarments and shoes (or similar shoes) that will be worn with the dress. Speaking of undergarments, we don't want bridesmaids tugging at bra straps or the top of their bodice to make sure their puppies don't fall out. That just doesn't fit the dignity of the occasion. Make sure everyone has the right bra. Take photos with your cell phone or digital camera as each girl tries on the dresses. Put the dresses on hold, if the store will allow. Then go for coffee and have a discussion.
When everyone has had their say, a final decision can be made that will satisfy everyone.
An option that many brides take today is to have their bridesmaids dress in different styles but of the same color or similar shade. The girls then can get more wear out of their dresses after the wedding. Even if they will be attending the same functions, they will still be able to wear their dresses without fear of showing up in something identical.
The other unifying factor in the bridesmaids' attire besides color will be their bouquets. This will distract from any differences in the styles of dress. The bride could also have the bridesmaids wear matching necklaces and earrings to further unify the look. Sometimes this jewelry is given by the bride to her bridesmaids as a gift for participating in her wedding.
Simplicity is always better. Bridesmaids' dresses should not have too many adornments. They should also not expose the bust area too much or pose a threat of wardrobe malfunction! This is the bride's day. The bridesmaids' dresses should not detract from the main attraction.
Make sure the bridesmaids get a size or two larger if purchasing the dresses a month or more in advance of the wedding. Dresses can always be taken in, but are nearly impossible to take out. The alterations person at the bridal shop or clothing store can give advice about when to schedule the final fitting to allow enough time for last minute alterations.
When deciding on the dress, also pay attention to the shoes. The girls must walk gracefully down the aisle and stand for a good half hour to an hour in one place. So, make sure the shoes are comfortable to walk and stand in and that they all match. The dresses could look great, but if the shoes aren't the right color or style, they could be an eye sore. In addition, every girl should wear the same color of hosiery. As they say, the devil is in the details.
Just remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing bridesmaids' dresses. You don't have to choose floor length dresses. You could choose cocktail length which would be equally as beautiful and provide better return on investment later. If your bridesmaids can't agree on color, you could even have each of them where a different colored dress as long as the colors look appealing in a group picture.
With a little flexibility, every bride can choose beautiful bridesmaids' dresses that will make all her friends happy. They will be getting married one day soon, too. So, for the sake of all potential bridesmaids, set a good precedent!
