Choosing Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

Who looks good in a puffy-sleeved taffeta concoction that features a big bow on the backside? NOBODY!

Bridal folklore holds that a bride picked unflattering dresses for her bridesmaids to assure that she would be the best looking woman in the bridal party. Let’s hope that, if ever true, those days are gone.

Today’s bride not only wants to be beautiful, but also desires the same for the women in her bridal party. Choosing apparel that is flattering to all can be a daunting task - but it can be done!

Don’t put off choosing the bridesmaids dresses. Coordinating a group of women can be more challenging than a general assembling his troops for battle. Keep in mind that it can take four to six months for the dresses to arrive after ordering. After that, there are also fittings to be done.

Here are some tips in choosing bridesmaids dresses:

· Keep in mind the formality of your wedding. For an afternoon wedding, tea-length or long dresses are appropriate. For an evening wedding, long gowns should be chosen. It is traditional, and considered only proper by some, that if the bride wears a long gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses should also be long.

· The bridesmaids’ dresses should coordinate with your wedding colors. Few women, however, want to find themselves sheathed in Pepto-Bismol pink. A complimentary or neutral color should be chosen, instead. When choosing the color, keep the various skin tones of your bridesmaids in mind.

· Be considerate of your bridesmaids’ budgets when choosing their dresses. A price point of $200 is considered reasonable. Of course, if you can find something less expensive, the bridesmaids might actually be able to afford the gasoline to get to the wedding!

· Pick a style of dress that will be flattering to all your bridesmaids. You may have, in your wedding party, a woman who is six feet tall and one who is five feet tall.
As in the general population, body types can vary tremendously in your bridal party. You can’t go wrong if you choose dresses that are simple and elegant.

· In an ideal world, all bridesmaids dresses could be worn again. The trend is to pick styles that do not scream “wedding.” These days, many brides are allowing their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses. If you decide on this option, you may want to have uniformity in length and color, however.
If you follow the above guidelines in choosing your bridesmaids’ dresses, everyone will be happy and comfortable - and you will be free to enjoy your very special day.

Feel free to send pictures of your big day!

Submitted By: Deborah Armstrong