Bridesmaids' Style Harmony: Agreeing On The Perfect Dresses

Getting bridesmaids to agree on a dress can be a tricky task, and it's a situation that many brides will face in the lead-up to their wedding. Bridesmaids will have different body shapes, budgets, and style preferences, so finding a dress that everyone loves can be challenging. However, there are several steps brides can take to make the process easier. Firstly, it's important to be considerate of your bridesmaids' budgets and try to choose a dress that is affordable for everyone. You could also give your bridesmaids a colour or fabric and let them choose their own dress, which will allow them to pick a style that suits their body type and personality. If you want your bridesmaids to wear the same dress, it's a good idea to try it on yourself first to ensure it is comfortable and flattering. Finally, make sure you leave enough time for alterations and give everyone a deadline for their final dress choice to avoid last-minute stress.

Involve bridesmaids in the dress selection process

Involving your bridesmaids in the dress selection process is a great way to ensure everyone feels happy and comfortable on your big day. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Be considerate of their budget

It is important to discuss budgets with your bridesmaids from the start. Be transparent about the financial expectations and try to be considerate of their financial situation. This will ensure that no one feels pressured or burdened by the cost of the dress. You can also suggest rental options, which can be a more affordable alternative.

Understand their body concerns

Your bridesmaids will likely have different body types, and it is essential to respect that. Avoid silhouettes that some of your bridesmaids may be uncomfortable with, such as crop tops or super-fitted styles. If possible, choose a colour or a range of colours and allow them to select their own dresses. This way, they can choose a style that flatters their figure and makes them feel confident.

Make it a group activity

Include your bridesmaids in the dress shopping experience. Start by gathering inspiration and browsing options online and in bridal shops. Narrow down a few styles that you love, and then organise a fun shopping day with your bridesmaids. This will make the process enjoyable for everyone, and you can treat them to brunch or a night out afterwards!

Provide clear guidelines

While you want your bridesmaids to feel involved, it is also helpful to provide some parameters to guide their choices. You can create a Pinterest board with examples of what you are looking for or specify things like colour, fabric, and length. This will ensure that the dresses complement your wedding vision and create a cohesive look for your bridal party.

Be flexible with alterations

If you have your heart set on a specific silhouette, try to be flexible and open to alterations. Small tweaks like adding cap sleeves or adjusting a neckline can make a big difference in your bridesmaids' comfort level without drastically changing the overall look. Remember to leave enough time for these alterations to be made.

Try on the dress yourself

The best way to ensure your bridesmaids feel good about their dresses is to try on the dress yourself. This will allow you to experience the cut, fabric, and overall comfort of the dress. If you love it and feel confident, it will be easier to convince your bridesmaids to get on board!

Be considerate of their budgets

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. To avoid any budgetary conflict, it's important to be considerate of your bridesmaids' budgets. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning:

Discuss Finances Early On

Before deciding on a specific dress, have an open and honest conversation about finances with your bridesmaids. Ask them about their budget for the dress and any alterations that may be needed. It may be helpful to offer a few price ranges to choose from, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350 and above. This way, you can find an option that works for everyone's budget. Remember, it's essential to respect everyone's privacy during these discussions.

Offer Financial Assistance

If your desired dress is slightly above someone's budget, consider offering to pay the difference or cover alteration costs. You could also gift them accessories or offer to pay for their hair and makeup services as a way to offset the dress cost. If you're requiring specific shoes or professional hair and makeup, keep in mind that these additional expenses may impact your bridesmaids' overall budget.

Explore Affordable Options

Look for pre-owned dresses on sites like eBay or Poshmark. You might be able to find the same dress second-hand at a more affordable price. Additionally, consider allowing your bridesmaids to pick their own dresses within a specific colour palette and style guidelines. This way, they can choose an option that fits their budget and body type while still maintaining a cohesive look for the wedding party.

Plan Ahead

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on bridesmaid dresses. Black Friday sales, for example, can be a great opportunity to find a bargain. Planning ahead will increase your chances of finding affordable options that everyone loves.

Be Mindful of Additional Costs

Remember that the dress is not the only expense your bridesmaids will incur. There will likely be costs for accessories, shoes, and other wedding-related events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Be mindful of these additional expenses when discussing budgets and try to find ways to reduce costs where possible.

Remember, open communication and consideration for your bridesmaids' financial situations will go a long way in ensuring everyone feels valued and respected during the wedding planning process.

Make sure the dresses are comfortable and flattering

Making sure that your bridesmaids' dresses are comfortable and flattering is an important part of ensuring that your bridal party feels confident and happy on your big day. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose a Flattering Silhouette

Select a dress silhouette that flatters a variety of body types. A-line dresses are universally flattering as they show off the waist and then naturally flare out, providing coverage and comfort. If you want a fitted dress, consider choosing a dress with a belted waistline to accentuate your bridesmaids' curves. Alternatively, you could opt for different styles and colours to suit each individual bridesmaid's preferences and body type.

Necklines

Allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own necklines is a great way to ensure they feel comfortable and confident. V-necklines are a popular choice as they elongate the neck and enhance the overall silhouette. They are also a good option for bridesmaids who want to accentuate their chest. Thick straps are another feature to look for, as they provide support and allow for a bra to be worn underneath. One-shoulder necklines are also a good option, as they provide coverage, support, and room for accessorizing.

Fabrics

When choosing the fabric for your bridesmaids' dresses, avoid shiny textiles that will show every bump and curve. Instead, opt for matte fabrics like chiffon, which is a popular choice for bridal party attire.

Mix and Match

Allowing your bridesmaids to mix and match their dresses is a great way to ensure they feel comfortable and confident. This can be achieved by having them wear the same colour but different styles, or vice versa. You can also give them a colour palette to choose from, such as shades of green or pink.

Accessories

Accessories are a great way to bring cohesion to a mix-and-match bridal party look. Choose a pair of shoes or a specific shoe style and colour that all your bridesmaids can wear. You can also select the jewellery you would like them to wear or let them choose their own, as long as it is clear what style you are going for.

Be Sensitive

Remember to be sensitive to your bridesmaids' feelings and body image concerns. It's important that they feel comfortable and confident in their dresses, so be open to alterations or choosing a different dress if needed. Ultimately, you want everyone to be happy and enjoy the wedding day.

Be mindful of the time of year and venue when choosing styles

When choosing bridesmaid dress styles, it's important to keep the time of year and venue in mind. For example, if the wedding is taking place during the colder months, you may want to opt for heavier fabrics such as velvet or satin. On the other hand, if it's a summer wedding, lighter and more breathable fabrics like chiffon or cotton may be more appropriate.

In addition to the time of year, the venue can also play a role in the style of the bridesmaid dresses. For instance, a formal evening wedding at a fancy venue may call for more elegant and sophisticated styles, while a casual outdoor wedding could be the perfect opportunity to experiment with fun and playful looks.

It's also worth considering the colour palette of the venue when choosing dress styles. If the wedding is taking place in a garden or another natural setting, soft and subtle colours may complement the surroundings better than bold and bright shades. On the other hand, if the venue has a lot of character and unique features, you may want to choose dresses that will stand out and not get lost in the backdrop.

Another factor to keep in mind is the level of formality of the wedding. If it's a black-tie affair, you'll want to choose more formal and elegant styles for the bridesmaid dresses. On the other hand, if it's a more casual event, you can opt for something more relaxed and comfortable.

Finally, don't forget to consider the comfort of your bridesmaids. Choose styles that will not only look good but also be comfortable to wear, especially if the wedding is taking place outdoors or in a venue without much climate control.

Be flexible and willing to make alterations

Being flexible and willing to make alterations to the bridesmaids' dresses can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and happy with their outfits. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Be Open to Different Styles

It's important to be flexible and open-minded when choosing bridesmaids' dresses. Remember that everyone has different body types, budgets, and style preferences. Try to find a style that flatters everyone's figures and makes them feel confident. If your bridesmaids have different body types, consider picking a colour or range of colours and allowing them to choose their own dresses. This will empower your bridesmaids to express their unique personalities and find something that suits their individual styles.

Make Alterations

If your heart is set on a specific silhouette, try to be flexible and willing to make custom alterations to ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable. Small tweaks like adding cap sleeves, raising a neckline, or lowering a hemline can make a big difference without drastically changing the overall look of your bridal party. Be sure to leave enough time for these alterations – usually, it takes between two and three months for dresses to arrive, so plan accordingly.

Be Considerate of Budgets

It's important to be considerate of your bridesmaids' budgets when choosing their dresses. Discuss financial limitations openly and try to find options that fit within everyone's price range. If you're set on a particular dress that may be out of budget for some, be prepared to cover the cost for those who can't afford it.

Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is key. Be specific about any guidelines or expectations you have for the dresses, such as colour, fabric, or length. This will make the dress hunt easier for your bridesmaids and help ensure that everyone is on the same page. If you're open to different styles, create a Pinterest board with examples of what you're looking for to give them some parameters and options.

Be Sensitive to Individual Concerns

Remember that each of your bridesmaids has unique concerns and insecurities. Try to be sensitive to these and work together to find solutions. For example, if one of your bridesmaids is self-conscious about a particular feature, discuss possible alterations or style changes that could help them feel more comfortable and confident.

By being flexible, open-minded, and willing to make alterations, you can ensure that your bridesmaids feel happy and confident in their outfits, contributing to a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions