July 8, 2008

Bridesmaid dresses are probably the hardest out of all the bridal dresses to shop for. This is primarily because the dress is meant to fit more than one person. (Wedding dresses run a close second sometimes, though, primarily because it is such an important dress. The decision is so big that it breeds indecisiveness.) So, how do you pick a dress that looks good on all your bridesmaids? – From your stick of a friend who is no larger than a size two, to your voluptuous friend who is nothing but curves, to your friend who struggles with her weight. The task can seem overwhelming, especially if you have a large bridal party. Not only do you have to factor in the various sizes of your bridesmaids, you also have to consider the style of your wedding, i.e. your color scheme, time of year, and the style of your wedding dress. Bridesmaid dresses - as a rule -  should complement wedding dresses. Bare in mind, this doesn’t mean match exactly. It just means that if you have chosen a soft, romantic look for your dress, then your bridesmaid dresses should also be soft and romantic, not modern or high fashion. That will have a very jarring effect.

Of course, color is important as well. Color is oftentimes informed by the time of year you are getting married. For instance, most people who get married in the fall do not choose pastel colors for their wedding palette. Those are usually colors used in spring and summer weddings. Time of the year will also inform dress material. Some heavier materials and looks would not work well for a summer wedding, for instance, whereas some of the lighter materials would seem out of place at a winter wedding. Plus, your poor bridesmaids would either end up sweating to death or freezing to death!

Once you have established these elements, you can begin to narrow down your choices by how the dress will fit on your various bridesmaids. Will it flatter them all or only a select few while the rest are left looking horrid at your wedding? Now maybe you’re thinking, “I’m not going to worry myself over this. It’s my wedding and it really only matters if I look good,” or something to that effect.

Here’s the thing – First, it does matter to you because it will ruin your pictures if you have hideous bridesmaids. Second, have some compassion. I’m sure you’ve been a bridesmaid before. Didn’t you want to look good? I find most brides who think these kinds of thoughts do so out of frustration because they are having an extremely difficult time finding bridesmaid dresses that flatter everyone. If this is you, take a deep breath. You will find a dress. Just be patient and ask for help. Get those bridesmaids of yours working for you! It’s their job!

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