Bridesmaids' Wardrobe: Guide To Directing Your Girls' Style

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the many decisions to be made is what the bridesmaids will wear. While traditionally, bridesmaids wear the same dress or outfit in the chosen wedding colour, many couples are now letting their bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This can be a great way to ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident, and it gives them the freedom to select a dress that flatters their body type and reflects their personal style. However, if you want a cohesive look for your wedding party, you may need to give your bridesmaids some guidelines to ensure their outfits match.

Discuss budget and timeline with your bridesmaids

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to discuss budgets and timelines to ensure a stress-free experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you navigate these conversations:

Discuss Budgets:

• Be Transparent: Have an open and honest conversation about dress budgets with your bridesmaids. Be mindful of their financial situation and set a price point that is comfortable for everyone. This will alleviate any financial strain and ensure your bridesmaids feel valued and respected.
• Offer a Shortlist: Provide a shortlist of dress options within a range of price points. This allows your bridesmaids to choose a dress that fits their budget without compromising on their style and preferences.
• Be Considerate: If any of your bridesmaids are facing financial difficulties, be open to discussing alternative solutions. You could suggest renting a dress, purchasing a second-hand dress, or exploring more affordable options together.

Establish a Timeline:

• Start Early: Begin the conversation about bridesmaid dresses at least seven to eight months before the wedding. This gives everyone ample time to browse, order, and alter their dresses without feeling rushed.
• Order in Advance: Encourage your bridesmaids to place their dress orders approximately six months before the wedding. Designer bridesmaid dresses can take two to three months to arrive, and additional time may be needed for alterations.
• Set Deadlines: Communicate clear deadlines for dress purchases and fittings. For example, schedule the first fitting three months before the wedding and the final fitting one month in advance. This ensures your bridesmaids stay on track and reduces the risk of last-minute surprises.
• Account for Accessories: Remind your bridesmaids to purchase their shoes and accessories, such as undergarments and jewellery, in a timely manner. These items are essential for the dress fittings to ensure the correct measurements and overall aesthetic.

Remember, effective communication and planning are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your bridesmaids when navigating the world of bridesmaid dresses.

Choose a colour palette

Choosing a colour palette is a great way to ensure your bridesmaids' outfits complement each other and create a cohesive look for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you choose a colour palette that will work for your wedding party:

• Start with your wedding colours: If you have already decided on a colour scheme for your wedding, consider choosing one or two colours from that palette for your bridesmaids' dresses. This will help to create a cohesive look that ties in with the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding.
• Consider different shades: Instead of choosing just one colour, consider selecting a few complementary colours or different shades of the same colour. This will add depth and interest to the bridesmaids' outfits while still maintaining a cohesive look. For example, you could choose a range of pastel colours or different shades of blue.
• Think about the season: Take into account the time of year your wedding will take place. For example, jewel tones are perfect for a moody winter wedding, while pastel shades are ideal for a spring celebration.
• Offer a range of options: To make it easier for your bridesmaids to find dresses in the same colour palette, provide them with a few specific options. You can create a colour palette of 3-4 complementary colours, or suggest a few different vendors or dress styles that fall within the same colour family.
• Be specific: When communicating your colour palette to your bridesmaids, be as specific as possible. Provide clear guidelines and, if possible, offer swatches or examples of the exact shades you have in mind. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and reduce the risk of miscommunication.
• Consider the lighting and venue: Keep in mind how the colours will look in the setting of your wedding. Certain colours may stand out more or less depending on the lighting and surroundings. If you are having an outdoor wedding, take into account the natural colours of the environment, such as greenery or floral backdrops.
• Allow for flexibility: While it is important to provide clear guidelines, you may also want to give your bridesmaids some flexibility to choose dresses that flatter their individual body types and styles. This can help boost their confidence and ensure they feel comfortable on your big day.
• Start the process early: Begin discussing your colour palette and dress options with your bridesmaids at least seven to eight months before the wedding. This will give your bridesmaids enough time to find and order their dresses, as well as make any necessary alterations.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate clearly with your bridesmaids and be open to their feedback and preferences. By choosing a colour palette that everyone is happy with, you can achieve a stylish and cohesive look for your wedding party.

Pick a fabric

When it comes to picking a fabric for your bridesmaids' dresses, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style and theme of your wedding. Different fabrics can create different looks, so you'll want to choose something that complements your wedding style. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to consider fabrics like lace or cotton. If you're having a more formal wedding, satin or chiffon could be a better option.

Another thing to keep in mind is the comfort of your bridesmaids. Some fabrics can be heavier or less breathable than others, so it's important to choose something that your bridesmaids will be comfortable wearing throughout the day. Consider the weather conditions during your wedding season as well. You don't want your bridesmaids to be sweating through a thick fabric in the summer heat or shivering in a lightweight fabric during a cold winter ceremony.

It's also a good idea to discuss the budget with your bridesmaids before finalising the fabric choice. Some fabrics can be more expensive than others, and you don't want to put too much financial strain on your bridal party. Be mindful of their financial situation and choose a fabric that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also budget-friendly for everyone.

Additionally, keep in mind that certain fabrics may be more suitable for different body types and styles. For example, if you want your bridesmaids to wear a particular silhouette or cut, choose a fabric that drapes well and flatters their figures. Communicate with your bridesmaids and take their preferences and comfort into account when making your decision.

Finally, don't forget to consider the colour you want for the dresses. Some fabrics come in a wider range of colours, while others may be limited. If you have a specific colour palette in mind, make sure the fabric you choose can be dyed or purchased in those shades.

Remember, the fabric you choose will impact the overall look and feel of the bridesmaids' outfits, so take the time to consider all the options and discuss it with your bridal party before making a decision.

Decide on a length

Deciding on a length for your bridesmaids' dresses is an important step in achieving a cohesive look for your bridal party. Here are some tips to consider when determining the length:

• Discuss Length Preferences: Talk to your bridesmaids about their preferences and comfort levels when it comes to dress length. Some may feel more comfortable in a floor-length gown, while others might prefer a shorter style like knee-length or midi. By considering their input, you can make informed decisions that accommodate their diverse tastes and body types.
• Bride's Vision: As the bride, your vision for the wedding should be a guiding factor. If you have a specific theme or style in mind, communicate it to your bridesmaids. Whether you prefer a classic look with floor-length gowns or a more relaxed vibe with shorter dresses, sharing your vision will help them understand your expectations.
• Venue and Season: Consider the venue and season of your wedding. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, longer dresses might be more appropriate, while a summer garden wedding could call for lighter and shorter styles.
• Consistency and Variety: Decide if you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same length or if you're open to a mix of lengths. A cohesive look with the same length can create a classic and elegant aesthetic. On the other hand, varying lengths can add visual interest and allow each bridesmaid to showcase their unique style.
• Alteration Considerations: Keep in mind that alterations might be needed for certain dress lengths. For example, floor-length gowns may need to be hemmed to ensure they don't drag on the floor, especially if your bridesmaids have varying heights. Discuss any necessary alterations with your bridal party to ensure their dresses fit perfectly.
• Comfort and Movement: Think about the comfort and ease of movement for your bridesmaids. Longer dresses can sometimes restrict movement, especially during the reception when they want to dance and socialise. Shorter dresses might be more comfortable and allow for a wider range of motion.

Be clear about the level of formality

When it comes to deciding what your bridesmaids should wear, it's important to be clear about the level of formality you expect. This will help your bridesmaids narrow down their options and ensure they're dressed appropriately for the occasion.

If your wedding is black-tie, for example, you'll want to communicate this to your bridesmaids so they can choose dresses that align with the formal nature of the event. On the other hand, if your wedding is more casual, letting your bridesmaids know will help them avoid choosing overly formal gowns.

It's also worth considering the time of year and location of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a winter wedding, your bridesmaids may appreciate the suggestion of longer dresses or thicker fabrics to keep them warm. Similarly, if your wedding is outdoors, suggesting lightweight fabrics and flowy styles can help your bridesmaids stay cool and comfortable.

Additionally, providing your bridesmaids with a clear sense of the level of formality will help them determine the appropriate shoe choice. Stilettos, for example, may be more suitable for a black-tie wedding, while flats or wedges could be a better option for a more casual affair.

To ensure your bridesmaids are well-informed, it's a good idea to communicate your expectations early on. This will give them ample time to find dresses that align with your vision and make any necessary alterations. It's also beneficial to provide specific examples or visual references to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Remember, clear communication is key to ensuring your bridesmaids not only look but also feel their best on your special day.

Frequently asked questions