Maybe you were a bridesmaid once too , and the dress that “ you will definitely wear again ” hasn ’ t seen the light of day since the only time it was worn . Now that you are the bride-to-be , you need to make decisions about bridesmaids dresses that will suit your wedding style , flatter your bridesmaids figures , and not bankrupt any of you . This might sound virtually impossible , but it is very achievable , and a confident bridal squad , without complaints , is what every bride strives for .
Times are tough Always bear in mind that your girls will have out of the ordinary expenses on your wedding day , so try to be frugal in your choices . Everyone is not on the same financial level , and as a soul sister , you should attempt to have everyone looking stylish within a financial limit . The bridesmaids pay for their own dresses , accessories , shoes , transport etc . – give everyone the benefit of the doubt and choose a dress that won ’ t create an uncomfortable situation where one of your girls cannot afford it . Maybe be specific about colours and let them buy their own dresses . Or – in a nod to the guys – consider renting bridesmaids dresses .
Be you when you shop These are big decisions to make . Be true to yourself before you plan this big excursion . If you have a strong personality and like things done your way , having a show-down in a store will not be the way to go , if one of your bridesmaids disagree with you . In this instance , plan a get-together brunch with some tipple to get everyone relaxed , and have a think tank about what you should be looking for . If you are comfortable operating in a group in the mall , with multiple suggestions being voiced and discussed , then take them with you , and decide as you go ( after the brunch and drinks of course ). It is important that everyone in the squad feels that she has been considered – just make it work best based on your shopping personality .
To each their own style If there are 5 bridesmaids , there will be 5 body types and heights to consider . This is where using colour as the uniform indicator makes things so much easier . If , however , you have your heart set on a specific shape , then small tweaks to style , per person , will still give the illusion of uniformity , but each dress will be personalised . Adding a capped sleeve , bringing up or lowering a neckline , lengthening or shortening the dress , or dropping a high slit lower , will make your girls feel confident and considered , and will not detract from the overall impression that you are trying to create .
Your venue dictates style too The bridesmaids dresses are dictated by where your wedding will be held too . Nothing will look more out of place in an outdoor clearing under trees , than a squad of bridesmaids in floor-length body-hugging gowns and 6 inch stilettos . The climate is also a deciding factor – skip heavy fabrics and unnecessary lengths of sleeves for lighter , airier fabrics in the heat of summer . Don ’ t opt for open shoulder and open backs without including wraps in the ensemble , as it cools down . And lastly – everyone should wear appropriate footwear . Those stilettos will not cut in on grass or sand next to a riverside – opt for block heels , wedges or flats . Think of their comfort and grace as they are walking – we don ’ t want anyone getting stuck , losing a shoe , or toppling sideways , causing embarrassment , or ruining an awesome photo opportunity .
Have a test run with them Your bridesmaids won ’ t steal the show , but they will be in front of a room full of people , and will also be photographed a lot . They also want to look amazing . Let them all don their dresses , and stand back and observe . Is the cut unflattering ? Is the fabric making someone itch ? Can they move comfortably ? Are all the important bits covered ? If everyone looks good and feels good , you will have found your winners .
To each their own footwear You may be thinking in terms of the perfect wedding photos , and that everyone wearing the same shoes will be a perfect finishing touch . But shoes are a hughly personal choice . The girls need to be comfortable for as long as you do , and everyone wants to move around and dance without feeling the blisters forming . Your girls probably have a pair of nude or metallic go-to shoes – give a bit of direction , and then let them be .
The finishing touch Always remember that the girl that was first your sister or friend , and is now your bridesmaid , had a unique personality and traits that you loved . This is why she is on this road with you . Don ’ t try to box them all in by looking identical in all aspects . By all means – if you have gifted them with a set of earrings , bangles , or a necklace to wear on the day – let them wear it , but leave the rest to their own style . Let them be themselves and they will be happy . Happy , comfortable and confident bridesmaids look wonderful on photos – which make you look even better !