Choosing The Perfect Dress With Your Bridesmaids

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and choosing what the wedding party will wear is no exception. Traditionally, bridesmaids wear the same dress or outfit in the chosen wedding colour, but more and more couples are letting their bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This can be a great way to ensure that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident on your big day, and it can also save you from the stress of having to make a decision that pleases everyone. However, if you do go down this route, it's important to set some guidelines to ensure that the overall look is cohesive. For example, you might want to specify a particular colour or length. It's also a good idea to make it a group activity, so that you can share your impressions and ensure that everyone feels involved.

Should you try on a bridesmaid dress in-store or at home?

Trying on bridesmaid dresses is an important part of the wedding planning process. While it can be a fun experience, it can also be challenging due to different budgets, body types, and style preferences. Here are some tips to help you decide whether to try on a bridesmaid dress in-store or at home:

Trying on in-store:

• It is recommended to try on a bridesmaid dress in-store before purchasing, especially if alterations are needed. This way, you can ensure that the dress fits well and there are no defects.
• Trying on the dress in-store allows you to get a sense of the fabric, style, and overall look of the dress. This can be helpful if you are particular about the fit and want to avoid the hassle of returns or alterations.
• If you are trying on a dress with your bridal party, it can be a fun group activity and a chance to bond with your bridesmaids.

Trying on at home:

• Some companies offer at-home try-on programs, where you can select a few dress styles to try on at home before placing your order. This can be convenient if you don't have time to visit a store or prefer a more private setting.
• At-home try-on programs often include a measuring tape, size chart, and prepaid return shipping label, making it easy to find your perfect fit.
• Trying on dresses at home can be a more relaxed experience, especially if you have young children or are short on time. You can also involve your bridal party virtually and get their opinions before finalizing your purchase.

Ultimately, the decision to try on a bridesmaid dress in-store or at home depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and the services offered by the retailer. Both options have their advantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and ensures a stress-free experience.

What are some dos and don'ts when giving feedback about the bride's dresses?

When giving feedback about the bride's dress, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate this process:

Dos:

• Wait for the bride to voice her opinion: It's important to let the bride share her thoughts on a dress before offering your own. This way, you don't influence her initial reaction or overwhelm her with too many opinions.
• Be honest but not rude: If the bride asks for your opinion, provide constructive feedback without being hurtful. Focus on specific aspects that can be improved rather than making general negative comments.
• Guide, don't critique: Instead of criticising the dress, offer guidance and suggestions for alterations or different options. Remember, your role is to support the bride and help her make a confident decision.
• Read body language: Pay attention to the bride's body language as she tries on different dresses. If she seems excited and happy, match her energy and make her feel good about her choice. If she appears unsure, ask questions to understand her concerns and provide helpful feedback.
• Support and build her up: Your role as a bridesmaid is to support the bride emotionally and build her confidence. Make her feel special and respected, regardless of your personal taste in dresses.
• Be respectful: Always listen to the bride's opinion and be kind and respectful, even if you disagree with her choices. Remember, it's her day and her vision for the wedding.

Don'ts:

• Don't offer unsolicited advice: Avoid pushing your style or preferences on the bride. Let her make her own decisions and only offer feedback when she specifically asks for it.
• Don't disregard her budget: Be considerate of the bride's financial situation when suggesting dresses or alterations. Don't recommend options that are over her budget or pressure her to raise it.
• Don't create tension: Avoid becoming overly critical or judgemental, as this can create tension and stress for the bride. Remember, your role is to support and guide, not critique.
• Don't focus on body flaws: When giving feedback, avoid pointing out any perceived body flaws. Instead, focus on the overall fit, style, and how the dress makes her feel.
• Don't ignore the bride's vision: If the bride has a specific theme or vision for her wedding, respect that and offer feedback within those parameters. Don't try to steer her in a completely different direction unless she explicitly asks for it.
• Don't be afraid to give feedback: While it's important to be respectful and supportive, don't shy away from giving honest feedback when the bride seeks it. Your opinion can help her make an informed decision and ensure she feels confident and happy with her choice.

What are some tips for bridesmaids who are giving critical feedback?

When giving critical feedback, it's important to remember that the wedding is about the bride and her vision. Here are some tips for giving feedback as a bridesmaid:

• Be honest but not mean. It's okay to not agree with the bride's choices, but it's important to express your thoughts in a respectful way.
• Redirect questions: Instead of giving your opinion right away, ask the bride what she thinks and how she feels about the dress. This will give you an idea of her preferences and how she really feels so that you can offer more tailored advice.
• Validate but don't agree: If the bride expresses concerns about her body, acknowledge her feelings without agreeing. For example, you could say, "I don't agree, but I understand this is bothering you, so let's look at other options."
• Compliment the dress's fit, not the bride's body: Avoid compliments that focus on the bride's body alone. Instead, highlight the dress's style and how it enhances her features. For example, "That dress highlights your waist and draws attention to your shoulders. It makes you look amazing!"
• Guide, don't critique: As a bridesmaid, your role is to support and guide the bride, not criticise her choices. Offer helpful suggestions without being too critical. For example, if the bride has chosen a dress that may not be suitable for the venue, ask her if she has considered the appropriateness of the venue versus the dress.
• Read the bride's body language: Pay attention to the bride's non-verbal cues. If she comes out of the dressing room with a smile, match her energy and make her feel good about her choice. If she looks unsure, ask her questions to understand her concerns and guide her towards other options.
• Be supportive: Remember that your role is to support the bride and make the experience positive for her. Ask her what type of support she needs—whether it's guidance, a cheerleader, hands-on help, or someone to give advice after the fact.
• Be excited and enthusiastic: Match the bride's energy and enthusiasm. If she is excited about a particular dress, try to share her excitement. This will make her feel supported and validated in her choices.
• Be honest about your budget: It's important to be upfront about your financial limitations. Discuss budget expectations early on with the bride and other members of the bridal party to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts later on.

What are some tips for brides who are receiving critical feedback?

Receiving critical feedback can be challenging, especially when it comes to something as personal as your wedding dress. Here are some tips for brides who are receiving critical feedback:

• Be open-minded: It's important to keep an open mind when receiving feedback. Remember that your bridesmaids want you to look and feel your best on your big day. They may have different opinions and preferences, but ultimately, they want what's best for you.
• Communicate clearly: If you have specific ideas or requirements for your dress, communicate them clearly to your bridesmaids. This will help manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of receiving critical feedback that contradicts your vision.
• Seek constructive feedback: Encourage your bridesmaids to provide constructive feedback rather than simply criticising a dress. Ask them to suggest specific alterations or adjustments that could improve the overall look.
• Consider different perspectives: Remember that everyone has different tastes and opinions. What one person loves, another may dislike. Try to see the dress from their perspective and understand why they may have a different opinion.
• Stay true to yourself: Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you should choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. While it's important to consider the feedback of others, don't be afraid to trust your own instincts and make the final decision.
• Manage your expectations: It's important to manage your expectations when receiving feedback. Not everyone will love every dress, and that's okay. Focus on finding a dress that you and your bridesmaids can agree on, even if it's not everyone's first choice.

What are the benefits of letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses?

There are several benefits to letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses. Firstly, it can save the bride time and stress. By delegating this task to the bridesmaids, the bride has fewer details to plan and can focus on other aspects of the wedding. It also allows bridesmaids to select a dress that suits their individual style and flatters their body type, which can boost their confidence on the wedding day.

Another advantage is that it gives bridesmaids the freedom to choose a dress that they are comfortable in and that aligns with their budget. This can alleviate financial strain on the bridal party, as they can select a dress within their price range without worrying about pleasing the bride. Additionally, letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses can lead to a more unique and customised wedding look. The bridal party can mix and match colours, styles, and textures to create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that reflects current fashion trends.

However, it's important to provide clear guidelines to ensure cohesion. The bride can specify a colour scheme, length, material, or level of formality to ensure that the bridesmaids' choices align with the overall wedding theme. It's also crucial to consider the time constraints, as non-traditional bridesmaid dresses may require more time for alterations, especially for weddings less than six months away.

Frequently asked questions