Let’s get one thing straight: a bridesmaids dress is not just any dress. Rather, it’s an extension of the wedding itself. The dress should serve to enhance the theme, and help showcase the wedding gown beautifully.
Ideally, it should be flawless enough that each bridesmaid looks forward to slipping into it on the wedding day, and rewears it to any special event that calls for something extraordinary.
So, to set you up for bridesmaid dress success, we’ve got 5 things you should do to ensure you don’t settle for anything less.
Here’s what you need to do.
1. Begin Looking for Bridesmaids Dresses ASAP
As you enter the early stages of wedding planning, keep the bridesmaid dresses in mind. You’ll likely want to choose dresses in the wedding colors, so it’s helpful to have an idea of what those are, early on.
Knowing where to look for the perfect dress is important as well, and Bella Bridesmaids is one of the best places to shop. They have an incredible selection of gorgeous dresses in every style, color, and fabric—you’re guaranteed to find something that fits perfectly with the aesthetic of your big day.
2. Involve Your Bridesmaids
It’s important to involve your bridesmaids—and they’ll happily share their input. Of course, the degree to which you let them influence your decision is entirely up to you.
Some brides choose a few different bridesmaid dress options and then have their bridal party vote on their favorites. Just be warned, if you have an eclectic mix of bridesmaids who have all different styles, you may have to be the one who makes the final decision.
It’s worth noting that it’s important to consider your bridesmaids comfort level. Do your best to not choose something that makes them uncomfortable, or they feel awkward wearing.
Additionally, since bridesmaids typically pay for their dresses, it’s good to be upfront about budget. Privately ask each what they’re comfortable spending, and try to find a dress at a price that everyone can afford.
3. Keep the Wedding Aesthetic and Weather in Mind
Clarifying the wedding theme or aesthetic early on is one of the best things you can do to ensure seamless wedding planning. That way, once you have your ideas narrowed down, you don’t have to look at every! single! dress!
Knowing the theme frees you up; your range of selection is slimmer–it’s based on what fits the overall aesthetic and vibe. You just have to decide which of the dresses within that group you like the best.
Other important factors to consider here are the type of venue where you’re tying the knot and the season.
The fabric you choose and the style of dress should take into account things like heat, humidity, and wind. A velvet maxi dress with long sleeves is probably not a good idea in a hot and humid climate, just like a mini sundress may not be ideal if you’re getting married by the sea, in an area prone to sudden gusts of wind.
One final important consideration in this category is ease of movement. If there’s going to be a lot of dancing during the reception, choose something that won’t limit any moves.
4. Choose Universally Flattering Styles
One of the trickier things about bridesmaid dresses is they will be worn by people of different shapes and sizes.
One way to mitigate this challenge is to choose a dress style that looks flattering on every body, like the A-line dress. This style of dress is fitted at the waist, and flares out from there. It is one of the most popular styles of dress due to how universally beautiful and flattering it looks.
Empire waist dresses which cinch just below the bust are another option that also looks good on everyone.
5. Don’t Skip the Alterations
Another reason why it’s important to begin bridesmaid dress shopping ASAP is because often, they need little tweaks and alterations. This is definitely not something you want to leave until the last minute.
Having the dresses adjusted to fit each bridesmaid perfectly is the key to looking gorgeous and polished when the big day arrives.
Bridesmaid dress fitting costs should be factored in as part of the dress purchase price, and average around $75. The alterations should be scheduled no later than two weeks before the wedding.
Those looking to minimize the likelihood of alterations can do so by choosing a dress in a stretchy fabric, or opting for a wrap-style dress.
A-Line dresses are also less likely to require alteration.
Conclusion:
By paying attention to these details, you end up with everything: a bridesmaid dress that you and your bridesmaids love—a gown they’ll look absolutely gorgeous wearing as they stand beside you on your wedding day.
