Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Brides Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

By Rosaleigh Rockefeller

Deciding on the bridesmaids' dresses is one important part of nearly all weddings. These aren't as important as the gown you'll be wearing, but they're still significant.

Many bridesmaids over the years have ended up wearing dresses that neither flattered or fit because the bride chose badly. To avoid this problem, follow a few of these hints to help you pick the right bridesmaids' dresses for your event.

Number one is knowing what you want out of the wedding before you choose the dresses. Make sure you know what gown you'll be wearing first, then choose clothes for the wedding party that will complement. A good plan helps you decide on color and style.

While it's been traditional in the past to dress all your bridesmaids identically, this is falling out of fashion, and for good reason. After all, your wedding party isn't made up of identical people, so how can they all wear the same dress? Bridesmaids who look good and feel good in their gowns will help make your wedding a success.

Of course, not picking identical gowns doesn't mean a complete sacrifice of uniformity. Think about asking your bridesmaids to pick dresses that are made in roughly the same style, out of similar materials, or that are the same color. This way, they can pick dresses that will really flatter them.

If you prefer to pick a dress, try getting one that can be easily altered. A simple a-line gown flatters the majority of body shapes (don't believe what they say about empire waists being the most flattering!).

Allow the bridesmaids to pick the length or presence of sleeves, how deep they like their necklines, and whether or not they want to wear a wrap and they'll get a great dress. This is excellent for women with a part of their body they don't want to highlight. For instance, plus sized women will get the gown variation that's best for them, and modest women can cover up.

If you're using a dress that you've picked, make sure that sizes are available to fit all your friends in the wedding party, from size two to twenty-two, if that's what's needed. Remember that bridal sizes tend to run small, and that tall or petite women may also have trouble fitting a gown that comes in only one length.

Don't choose colors that will make the bridesmaids blend into be background - a real danger if you decide to dress them in darker colors.

Will you be purchasing the gowns for your bridal party, or will the bridesmaids be buying them themselves? Either way, budget is an important consideration. Remember to add the cost of alterations and other adjustments in on top of the cost of buying the gown.

Picking out the perfect bridesmaids' gowns doesn't have to be hard. All you have to do is be willing to think ahead and plan with care.

About the Author:

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Really a very helpful and effective guide for bridesmaid dress shopping.