Tips for Shopping for Bridesmaid Dresses
Your bridesmaids will be walking down the aisle before you, and you want to pick out the perfect dresses for them. There are different tips that may help you when shopping for these dresses.
Decide on a general price
Unless you and/or your bridesmaids have unlimited funds, you want to consider the price tag on the dresses before choosing them. If you have decided that you will pay, then make sure that you can fit them into your budget. Remember that you need to multiple the price of the dress by the number of bridesmaids so even a small increase in price will be magnified. If you will be asking your bridesmaids to pay for the gowns, then you will want to be careful. A lot of people are struggling financially. Some may even need to turn down the role if they cannot afford the dress. Definitely consider their situations when making your choice.
Shop early
Some bridesmaids dresses can literally take months to arrive. The stores may special order each one. You do not want to pick one out only to realize that it cannot get there in time. You can call the local stores to ask how long the dresses from a particular designer take to come in. Remember that you will also need to make time for alterations.
Look at your different options
Just as you probably did not rush into a decision about your wedding gown, do not do so with the bridesmaids dresses. There are many different places that sell these. A lot of stores that sell bridal gowns also have bridesmaids dresses. You will also find dresses in stores at the malls such as department stores. A lot of the fancy dresses for homecoming, prom and special events can work as bridesmaids dresses. You will just need to make sure that you can get them in the sizes that you require.
Consider stores that include alterations
Alterations can add significantly to the price of a dress. Some boutiques may include this, so you can see if you can find such a store.
Get a dress that the bridesmaids will like
Of course your opinion is most important but these are your friends and loved ones. You probably do not want them to hate the dress, counting the minutes until they can fling it off. Some brides specifically choose dresses that can be worn again.
Think about how they will look in the pictures
You may only see the dress for four hours during the wedding but you will see them for an eternity in the pictures. You want to make sure that they photograph well.
Make sure they are flattering to the bridesmaids
Some styles are more or less flattering depending on the body type of the woman wearing them. Consider this when selecting the style.
Some women choose to coordinate the bridesmaid gowns with the wedding color, theme or their own dress. Also you may want to bring your bridesmaids with you when shopping. Use these and the above tips for a good and successful experience.
