For the most part, the days of the horribly unflattering bridesmaids dress are behind us. The nightmare of a lime green or ridiculously ruffled monstrosity of a dress is far less common than it once was. Brides and their best gals have many more options now, and there is more freedom to what can be worn.
Despite this, finding the right dress for your maids can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider, but here are 5 things to consider as you begin your search:
1. Color
You probably know what colors look best on you, and which ones do not. Your bridesmaids probably do too. You should keep in mind the vision and over all look you want your wedding to have, but also talk to your wedding party about shades that flatter their skin tone and coloring. A bright yellow or neon is going to be harder for a lot of people to pull off, where as red heads have a harder time wearing reds. Also, keep in mind your venue, the season, and the time of day the wedding will take place. If you are having trouble deciding on one color, consider doing multiple shades of a color, like the blues above, or choose dresses in the same color family, like pastels or jewel tones. In addition, having your maid of honor wear a different, but coordinating, color or print is a great way to designate her from the crowd.
2. Cut
We all know that every body is different, and different dresses flatter different bodies. Finding a style of dress that is flattering on everyone can be a challenge, but it is possible. Sweetheart necklines and a-line silhouettes are the most universally flattering dress styles, but there are options when it comes to finding a dress or dresses that work for everyone. A great way is to choose a designer, fabric, and color and then let each maid choose a style that she prefers, like the photo on the left above. Also, many designers and companies are now offering dresses that can be customized in different ways, usually by having strips of fabric that can be tied in ways to change the bodice of the dress, like in the photo on the right. Now, you can let your girls choose their own dress, and not specify a designer or fabric, but should you choose to do this, give them some guidelines so they are not shopping blind. This will help you and your bridesmaids to know what you are wanting and what you are not. Have them send pictures to you while they are shopping just to get an idea of what they are leaning toward. At the end of the day, it is your wedding, and your bridesmaids want you to be happy, so don't be afraid to be clear about what you want.
3. Cost
These days, when bridesmaids agree to be in a wedding party, they know that there are costs that come along with that. One of those costs, more than likely, will be the bridesmaids dress. Everyone has a different financial situation. Talk to each of your girls and get an idea of how much they are capable of spending, and then keep that budget in mind while you are looking at dresses. Most brides try to keep the cost of the dress under $300 to not put a large financial strain on their wedding party. There are lots of affordable dress options out there, so you and your maids do some searching and you will be sure to find something that will work for everyone.
4. Comfort
Now, no one is going to feel like they're wearing pajamas, but you do want to try to make your wedding party feel beautiful and as comfortable as possible. The fabric of the dress can make a huge difference. A lighter fabric, like chiffon or tulle, is going to be comfortable than say a heavy satin. You also may want to be sensitive to any maids that have issues with parts of their body. A woman with a larger chest may be uncomfortable wearing a strapless dress, or if one of your maids will be pregnant at the time of the wedding, keep that in mind while you are shopping, as a tighter fitting dress may prove to be troublesome. Also, keep the time of year in mind. Choosing a short, strapless, chiffon dress in January may cause you to have to thaw out some bridesmaids at some point.
5. Cooperation
Your bridesmaids should be the women that are closest to you and love you dearly. They want your wedding day to be wonderful, and want you to be happy. At the end of the day, it is your special day, and it should be what you want it to be. That said, cooperating and coordinating with your wedding party is important, and will help your day to run smoothly. Listen to their opinions and don't be afraid to make yours known as well. Having a group document or Pinterest board is a great way to have everyone share dresses they like with the group. Be open to ideas, but also don't be afraid to put your foot down and be clear about what you want. At the end of the day, it's your wedding, and your bridesmaids will be there to support you.
All images via Pinterest.
