Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses

When choosing bridesmaid dresses, you want to be sure that the dress compliments your bridesmaids and coordinates with your wedding colors.

Many of today's brides are choosing not to have just one style or one color for their bridesmaids dresses.

Instead, they are letting their bridesmaids wear dresses in different styles and coordinating colors. This is a great way to let your bridesmaids purchase a dress that they may be able to wear again.

However, if you are opposed to this idea, then ask your bridesmaids about the styles and designs that they are most comfortable wearing. Listen to what they have to say and take into consideration their recommendations when you are choosing their dress.

To make the shopping process less complicated, take only one bridesmaid with you - usually, the maid of honor. Once you make your decision on the dress, let each attendant know as soon as possible.

Don't expect them to all like your choice, but stick to your decision.

Styles To Avoid

When choosing bridesmaid dresses, avoid form fitting gowns and plunging necklines.

Try to find a design, fabric, and color that will flatter your bridesmaids, and hopefully, find a dress that they can wear again. No one likes to purchase an expensive dress that they will never be able to wear again - no matter how much they like you!

You might consider an alternative to the traditional wedding party gowns.

Check out department stores, mail-order catalogs, and websites. You may be able to catch a good sale on an off-the-rack special occasion dress.

The Pregnant Bridesmaid

Since most wedding are planned months in advance, there is always the chance that one of your bridesmaids may become pregnant. So what do you do?

If your bridesmaid is fine with walking down the aisle and realizes that she will have to stand for long periods, let her pick out a maternity bridesmaid dress that will be flattering on her. And be thankful that you have such a good friend!

When to Order the Bridesmaid Dress

If you do decide to order your wedding party gowns from a bridal shop, try to have your attendants order their gowns at the same time from the same shop, so that the dresses will all match.

Order the bridesmaids dresses two to three weeks after you have ordered your wedding gown. This should be at least six months before the wedding to allow for any alterations.

Junior Bridesmaid

If you are having a junior bridesmaid, she should dress exactly the same as the bridesmaids. However, if the neckline or back is very low on the dress, you may want to have it altered.

Bridesmaid's Accessories

What about the shoes and other accessories?

If your bridesmaids are wearing floor-length gowns, it would be acceptable to let them choose their own shoes - no one will really see them.

However, many brides want their bridesmaids to have similar shoes. If you feel strongly about this, then try to find shoes that are reasonably priced.

If you want your bridesmaids to have dye-to-match shoes, buy the shoes online or from a discount store. Then take them to a local shoe repair shop to be dyed. These shops usually only charge $5-$15 for dying a pair of shoes.

Jewelry

Before requesting your bridesmaids to buy matching shawls, handbags, and jewelry, take into account their ability to pay.

If you want your attendants to have any of these other accessories, then you might want to give it to them as a bridesmaid gift.

Unique Ideas

Some other bridesmaids ideas that you might like to incorporate into your wedding:

Have each bridesmaid carry a different colored flower. Then have the groomsman's boutonniere match the flower of the bridesmaid that he escorts.
Have all the bridesmaids wear the same shade of lipstick and nail polish. Preferably, a shade that is complimentary to everyone. This will look a lot better in the wedding pictures.