While a wedding is a special occasion, planning the whole event requires many decisions, among which the most stressful can be choosing dresses for your bridesmaids. With so many colors, fabrics, and styles available, it’s only natural to get overwhelmed by the process, especially since they significantly impact the wedding details, from the flowers you choose to the ambiance of the event. The good news is that with a bit of planning, it is possible to navigate this maze and ensure the dresses match the wedding theme while coordinating with the bridesmaids’ preferences and making them feel confident on the big day.
Below are our top 5 tips that will make the process a breeze, so read on!
Consider the style of your wedding dress
First and foremost, you want to ensure that the bridesmaid dresses complement your wedding dress, so consider the type of dress you will wear on the big day, whether a modern one or an A-line embellished with beautiful embroidery.
Once you assess this aspect, you can look for a bridesmaid dress style that matches your gown – but it doesn’t mean they should look exactly the same! In fact, this is something that you want to avoid because you won’t likely stand out from the bridesmaids, and that’s not something you want on your special day, right?
The neckline is a detail that you should never match with the bridesmaids: for instance, if your wedding dress includes a sweetheart neckline, you can opt for a less dramatic neckline for the bridesmaids, like a straight neckline. Or, if it has sleeves, pick dresses that have a sleeveless style for them. Suppose your dress is modern, in this case, it only makes sense to opt for bridesmaid dresses with a classic silhouette and classic fabrics. Try to steer clear from chiffon and lace because these fabrics don’t translate into a modern look.
Make sure the dresses match the bridesmaids’ body types
While the wedding is your special day, the bridesmaids deserve to feel as beautiful as you do and not just endure gowns that aren’t suitable for their body types. It’s important to be considerate and choose bridesmaid dresses that will make them look stunning, which might mean opting for one of a few tried-and-tested options that are generally flattering no matter the body shape. For example, the classic A-line is great and will make any bridesmaid feel confident during the special day, highlighting their best features.
Remember that while the bridesmaids will likely get alterations to ensure the dresses fit perfectly, the expense and ease of this will be based on the style of the dress you’ve chosen. This is why an A-line dress can be so great: it requires only a few alterations to ensure the perfect fit for the bridesmaids.
Establish a budget
Make sure to set realistic standards for the dresses because the bridesmaids may not want to spend a fortune on them. Almost always, the dresses need alterations, and that comes with an extra cost, so it’s essential to discuss with the bridesmaids and see how much they are willing to spend on the dress. They may be willing to spend about $200 or $300 on the dress itself before dedicating extra funds to alterations, but you need to check in with them instead of making any assumptions.
Being thoughtful is important, and your bridesmaids will definitely appreciate that you are sensitive to budgetary limitations and choose a modestly priced gown if that is the case! The good news is that many styles and fabrics are available, making it easy to find stunning bridesmaid dresses to match any budget.
Pick the perfect color
While the wedding dress is generally white, many bridal styles include other hues or patterns, and there’s no doubt that bridesmaid dresses are quite versatile. In fact, recent trends showcase an increased trend for a palette of colors not just for the bridesmaids’ dresses but also for the brides. While this definitely presents an opportunity, it can also be a challenge to accommodate the color preferences of all bridesmaids.
Of course, the wedding color scheme will also influence the color selection, as you have to make sure that the dresses work well with the décor, flowers, and more. Furthermore, it’s essential to consider the different colors that complement your wedding dress as well as the skin tones of the bridesmaids. If you feel overwhelmed with the different options, it can be helpful to narrow down your choices by considering current color trends that match your favorite color scheme – obviously, this is your wedding, so it’s ultimately up to you and your partner to choose the color options! If you still have doubts, remember to check Pinterest for inspiration, and compare different options.
Think of the season and the location
The season is definitely an important consideration when choosing the color and style of the dresses. For instance, if the wedding is planned for the fall or winter, it makes sense to choose darker and richer hues like deep reds, blues, and greens. On the other hand, spring and summer are associated with light, so nudes, purples, pastels, and pinks are more suitable if the wedding happens during one of these two seasons. If you’re seeking black-tie glamor, we recommend opting for traditional hues such as black or white.
The location of the wedding is just as important as the season because it will call for a unique style for the bridesmaid dresses. Whether the wedding takes place at the beach, garden, or ballroom, it’s essential to assess this aspect as it will set the ambiance, tone, and aesthetic, and your wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses need to mirror these aspects.
The bottom line
Choosing bridesmaid dresses doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By focusing on the tips above, you can ensure your bridesmaids will feel and look their best on the big day. Don’t forget to start shopping for dresses as soon as possible, making the process much less stressful. Lastly, remember to have fun. After all, you only plan your wedding once, so you might as well enjoy it!
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team