The Right Bridesmaids Dresses

There are literally hundreds of colours and styles to choose from when it comes to your wedding. You have to decide on exactly what you want your maids to wear. They are, after all, another important part of your Wedding Day. So where do you begin?

For a start, how many bridesmaids are you having? If you only have one then choosing the style and colour is easier. You just need to select your colour and try your bridesmaid in different styles. No problem? Actually, whether you have one or ten bridesmaids, it may not be that easy. Most bridesmaids have some idea of what they want to wear and this might not coincide with what you want them to wear. They might not be comfortable in your choice of colour for them, the colour you want might not suit them all so it’s a good idea to maybe have a couple of colours in mind, which will work with your overall theme.

What about style. We are not all the same shape or size so here you might need to be clever. If you can sort out your colour of dress you are half way there and luckily most bridesmaid styles made by any one company come in a multitude of styles and colours. Your retailer will have actual fabric swatches. The easiest way is to have simple dresses that come with different strap options. Another way is to choose the style of dress for each maid In the colour you want. This way all your maids, and flower girls, look coordinated but are wearing dresses that each feels comfortable and looks good in.

Don’t forget whose wedding this is, too. Sometimes you might upset someone because you have chosen a colour they don’t like. This, unfortunately, happened at my sister’s wedding. I was convinced that the shade of gold she chose would just ‘wash me out’. My sister put her foot down and I left the shop upset at being forced to wear something I didn’t like. I later went cap in hand to my sister to ask her forgiveness after I’d thought about it and come to realize it was her wedding after all, and I didn’t want to spoil it for her. I have to say, the dress looked fabulous on the day as well.
I see lots of brides and their maids and they all have their own ideas when they walk in the shop. It is our job to help coordinate all those ideas in to a workable solution for the bride. Sometimes this means intervening on behalf of my bride and gently persuading the maids to fall in to line!
You’ll find, too that the best way to find your bridesmaid dresses is to visit the retailer in person. Apart from the issues already covered, choosing the size is not as easy as whether it’s a 10 or 14, for example. You will need help in choosing the appropriate size depending upon accurate body measurements. Sometimes if the maid is a bit more busty they might need to have a larger dress altered to make it look the best on her. Likewise, if you have a super skinny bridesmaid alterations are likely to be needed too.
All this can only be achieved if you visit your retailer. Buying online from websites is ok, but you might be disappointed when you find the fit is not right, the colour is not what appears on your monitor and the sizes you supplied appear to have been ignored. It could be a costly lesson to learn, especially if you have to pay again for the right dresses.
My best advice is to see a retailer on their premises. They have practice in helping brides get it right for them and if something isn’t quite right they will be in a position to help you best.