Bridesmaids' Style Guide: Informing Your Bridesmaids On Attire

Being a bridesmaid is an honour and a fun experience, but it can also be a costly and time-consuming endeavour. It's important to keep your bridesmaids informed about your expectations, especially when it comes to attire. While it's customary for bridesmaids to cover the cost of their own dresses, shoes, and alterations, it's considerate to discuss budgets beforehand and be mindful of their financial situation. You can offer flexibility by suggesting they rent a dress or choose their own within a specific colour palette or style. Ultimately, it's your day, but keeping your bridesmaids comfortable and happy will ensure a stress-free celebration.

Discuss budgets and offer financial support

When it comes to discussing budgets and offering financial support for bridesmaid dresses, there are a few key considerations and approaches to keep in mind. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on this topic:

Discuss Budgets Openly and Offer Financial Support:

Firstly, it is important to have open and transparent conversations about budgets with your bridesmaids from the very beginning. Be mindful that your bridesmaids will be investing their time and energy into your wedding, so you don't want to add undue financial strain. Have private and respectful conversations with each bridesmaid to understand their financial situation and comfort level. This will help you gauge how much they can realistically contribute towards their attire and other expenses.

Offer Financial Support or Alternatives:

If you have your heart set on a particular dress that is outside your bridesmaids' budgets, consider offering to subsidize the difference or contribute towards alterations. Alternatively, if budget constraints are an issue for some bridesmaids, you could suggest renting dresses or exploring second-hand options. Websites like Rent the Runway offer trendy and affordable rental options, ensuring your bridesmaids don't break the bank.

Be Mindful of Additional Costs:

Remember that the dress itself is not the only expense for your bridesmaids. Accessories, shoes, and alterations can quickly add up. If you're requesting specific items, such as particular shoes or jewellery, consider gifting them to your bridesmaids to alleviate their financial burden. Additionally, be mindful of other wedding-related costs, such as bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and gifts. These expenses can accumulate, so communicate openly with your bridesmaids to ensure they are comfortable with the overall budget.

Provide Options and Flexibility:

When selecting bridesmaid dresses, try to be flexible and provide options that cater to different budgets. If some bridesmaids have limited funds, consider choosing less expensive dresses that everyone can afford. Alternatively, if you have your heart set on a pricier option, be transparent about your willingness to cover part of the cost. This ensures that your bridesmaids don't feel pressured to spend beyond their means.

Plan Ahead and Communicate:

Start planning and discussing dress options well in advance. This gives you and your bridesmaids time to explore cost-effective options and make informed decisions. Effective communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and helps prevent last-minute surprises or financial strain. Remember, it's important to be considerate of your bridesmaids' financial situations while also maintaining your vision for the big day.

By discussing budgets openly, offering financial support, and being mindful of additional costs, you can ensure that your bridesmaids feel valued and comfortable throughout the wedding planning process.

Give guidelines on colour, length, material and style

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids' attire, it's important to give clear guidelines on colour, length, material and style. Here are some tips to help you inform your bridesmaids on what to wear:

• Choose the colour palette: Decide on a specific colour or a range of colours that you want your bridesmaids to wear. This will be the starting point for their attire. You can select a few complementary colours or stick to one colour but allow for different shades.
• Decide on the material: The material of the dresses will impact the overall look and feel of the attire. For example, if you're going for an ethereal, whimsical, boho theme, you might choose a lightweight, flowy fabric like chiffon or organza. For a sleek, modern event, you might opt for something like crepe or satin.
• Provide length guidelines: Inform your bridesmaids if you prefer floor-length gowns, knee-length dresses, or something in between. This will help them narrow down their options.
• Offer style suggestions: While you may not want to dictate the exact style, providing some guidelines will be helpful. You can suggest silhouettes, such as A-line or sheath, or give them options for sleeve length, necklines or other details. For example, you could specify that you'd like them to wear a full-length A-line gown with the option to choose their own sleeve length.
• Be flexible and considerate: Keep in mind that your bridesmaids have different body types, budgets and style preferences. It's important to be flexible and considerate of their needs. If possible, allow for some custom alterations to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident.
• Start the process early: Give your bridesmaids ample time to find their attire. It's recommended to have an idea of the dresses at least seven to eight months before the wedding. This will allow them to order their dresses and make any necessary alterations.
• Communicate openly: Have private conversations with each bridesmaid to understand their budget, preferences and comfort levels. This will help you make informed decisions that consider their needs and ensure they feel included in the process.

Remember, it's your special day, and you want your bridesmaids to look and feel their best. By providing clear guidelines and allowing for some flexibility, you can achieve a cohesive and stylish look for your bridal party.

Make it a group activity

Making bridesmaid dress shopping a group activity is a great way to make the experience fun for everyone involved. Here are some tips to make the most of it:

Start with a Core Group

It can be overwhelming to bring all the bridesmaids to the first dress shopping trip. Instead, start with a small group of decision-makers – perhaps your maid of honour, matron of honour, or your closest friends with a good eye for fashion and style. This way, you can narrow down your choices before presenting them to the rest of the bridesmaids.

Make a Day of It

Turn bridesmaid dress shopping into a fun outing! Start with brunch, and then head to your chosen boutiques. You may need to make appointments, so be sure to plan ahead. This approach will make the experience more enjoyable, and it will also help busier bridesmaids find time to shop.

Include Distant Bridesmaids

If some of your bridesmaids don't live nearby or can't make it in person, include them virtually. Schedule a video call with them as they shop, or create a dedicated group chat to share ideas and options.

Be Clear About Your Vision

Before you go shopping, it's helpful to have a vision for the overall look and feel of the bridesmaid dresses. Communicate this to your bridesmaids so they can keep your preferences in mind. Consider creating a Pinterest board with examples of what you're looking for to provide some parameters and offer options.

Be Mindful of Budgets

Discuss budgets privately with each bridesmaid before you start shopping. This way, you'll know how much each person is comfortable spending, and you can choose options that are within everyone's price range. It's important to be considerate of financial limitations and be prepared to cover costs for those who may need assistance.

Allow for Individuality

While you may have a specific colour or fabric in mind, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dress silhouette can make them feel more comfortable and confident. This way, they can select a style that flatters their body type and suits their personal taste.

Be clear about shoes and accessories

When it comes to shoes and accessories, it's important to be clear about your expectations to ensure your bridesmaids feel confident and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you effectively communicate your vision for their attire:

Provide Clear Guidance:

Be specific about the type of shoes and accessories you want your bridesmaids to wear. For example, if you prefer heels, make sure to communicate this, but also be open to hearing individual concerns. Some of your bridesmaids may have specific reasons for preferring flats, so it's important to be flexible and accommodating.

Choose a Cohesive Style:

Selecting a particular style or colour of shoe can help create a cohesive look for your bridal party. This could be a specific shade of shoe that complements the dresses, or a particular style, such as strappy sandals or closed-toe pumps.

Consider Accessories:

Accessories are an important part of the overall look, so don't forget to include them in your planning. Traditionally, the bride purchases and gifts the jewellery she wants her bridesmaids to wear. However, you can also give them the freedom to choose their own accessories, as long as you provide clear guidelines on the style you're looking for.

Communicate About Costs:

Be considerate of your bridesmaids' financial situations when discussing shoes and accessories. If you have specific, more expensive items in mind, consider covering the cost yourself or providing alternative, more affordable options. It's important to have open conversations about budgets to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

Plan Ahead for Availability:

Give your bridesmaids ample time to find the shoes and accessories that fit your vision. It may take some time for them to source the right items, especially if they need to special order anything. Communicate your expectations early on, and set deadlines to ensure everyone is prepared for the big day.

Be Open to Feedback:

While it's important to communicate your preferences, also be open to hearing your bridesmaids' thoughts and concerns. They may have valuable input on comfort, style, or other factors that could enhance their overall look and experience.

Remember, clear and timely communication is key to ensuring your bridesmaids understand your expectations for their shoes and accessories. By providing specific guidance and being considerate of their needs, you can help create a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Offer a shortlist of vendors

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of the bridal party. Are you looking for colourful multiway dresses or something with a little sparkle?

Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal

Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal is a renowned name in the bridal industry, offering stylish and breathtaking gowns and suits for the entire wedding party. With a rating of 4.7 out of 26 reviews, they are sure to impress.

Bridesmaids Dressing Room

This multi-award-winning business provides high-quality, made-to-order bridesmaid dresses, ensuring your bridal party looks stylish and flattering. They have a friendly and knowledgeable team who are dedicated to helping your bridesmaids find the perfect wedding-day look.

Model Chic

Model Chic is a Sydney-based one-stop shop for timeless bridesmaid dresses and formal wear, servicing Australia-wide. They offer a wide range of styles, textures, and colours, allowing you to find your dream bridesmaid dresses from the comfort of your own home.

Daniel Moore Couture

If you're looking for luxurious bridal and evening dresses, Daniel Moore Couture is the place to go. They offer made-to-measure and ready-made garments, ensuring each piece is unique and meticulously crafted. Their focus on glamour and sophistication will surely impress any bride.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom offers an extensive online wedding suite where you can find bridal party dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and bridal accessories all in one place. They feature notable brands like Alfred Sung and Reformation, catering to various styles and seasons. Nordstrom also provides tailoring services for bridal party dresses and groomsmen's suits.

Reformation

Reformation is the go-to choice if you're looking for streamlined, simple yet elegant bridesmaid dresses. They offer a range of styles in various colours, allowing you to create a matching or mismatched bridal party look. Reformation also provides free shipping and returns, making the shopping experience even more convenient.

Frequently asked questions