How to Find a Bridesmaids Dress to Fit Every Body and Budget

Sue Walsh on April 17th, 2008

One of the most stressful things a bride has to do is pick out a dress for her bridesmaids to wear. Since people come in all shapes, heights, and sizes, it’s not easy to find a style that looks good on everyone. If you have a maid that’s particularly tall, short, full figured or flat chested, you also have to be sensitive to the fact they may be self conscious-this means not picking a dress with a plunging neckline for your A cup bridesmaid or a tight mermaid sheath for your full figured one. So what’s a bride to do? Here are some solutions!The simplest thing to do is to chose a color and length and let your maids chose their own gowns. To insure the best color match you may also want to limit them to a particular designer.Another idea is to choose a designer that offers separates. This allows each made to chose the top and skirt she feels best in. Again, just chose a color and length and let them do the rest!

If you’ve fallen in love with a gown that looks good on everyone, but have a maid or two uncomfortable with the fact it’s strapless or has a low neckline, let her pick a pretty wrap or jacket to go over it.

For the more budget conscious, try looking in department stores for pretty and reasonably priced dresses that would make great bridesmaid gowns. Stores like Target and J. Crew offer some great selections. Check the evening wear sections of other stores. Another idea is to have your gowns made by a seamstress or talented relative. This allows your maids to choose the style they like best, get a custom fit, and because you’ll purchase all the fabric at once, you’re guaranteed a perfect color match.

Picking the perfect bridesmaid’s dress doesn’t have to be stressful. Work with your maids, be sensitive to their needs and sizes, and follow the tips above and they’ll all look and feel great on the big day!

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