May 23 2008
Bridesmaid Dresses - Can you make everyone happy?
When I found the bridesmaid dresses for my upcoming wedding, I sent a photo to my bridal party and crossed my fingers, praying they liked it. I had fallen in love with the dress and would have been crushed if no one approved, but luckily all four agreed it was stunning (well that’s my word for it. In reality, everyone bought the dress with no disagreements - and that was good enough for me
).
If majority voted no on my choice of bridesmaid dress, I would have moved on and found something else. I know it can be a tedious task so I’ve compiled a list, based on my personal experience, for brides in the search for that perfect bridesmaid dress!
1. Get some input! Your bridesmaids are all different people with different tastes. Allow them to have some input into what they will be wearing on your big day – but keep the colour scheme to your own discretion. If you find a photo of your perfect dress, send it along. If the majority is reacting negatively, move on to the next!
2. It is ok to mix and match! Bridal parties come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s rare to get a group of girls together with exactly the same measurements. Therefore, don’t be afraid to allow your party to choose a dress that flatters each individual body type. Someone may like a halter top, another may prefer strapless. As long as the dress is the same colour and material, let your girls be comfortable.
3. Keep Finances in mind! Yes your bridesmaids will be honoured to be such a large part of your important day; however they don’t want to go into debt for you! Keep everyone’s financial situation in mind as you hunt for the perfect dress. If need be, prepare to assist with the purchase. Perhaps paying for the down payment or the alterations will be greatly appreciated if that ‘perfect’ dress goes beyond a bridesmaid’s budget.
4. Take it to the mall! Just because a store doesn’t have the word ‘bridal’ in its title, doesn’t mean you can’t buy a bridesmaid dress there! Look in your favourite clothing stores, especially around Christmas and end of spring when Prom and Graduation season starts.
5. Don’t stomp on the fun! Be laid back when it comes to footwear and don’t make your girls wear the same shoes. They have already spent money on the dress, and most likely hair and shower gifts etc. you can’t expect them to purchase the shoes on top of it all. Let them wear their own shoes (within reason. Obviously sneakers won’t cut it. And pink doesn’t go well with red) If someone’s feet hurt, so will their face in photos!
