Bridesmaid dresses get a bad rap. Women tell horror stories of those orange taffeta monstrosities they¡¯ve been forced to wear. Fortunately, the bridal industry has come a long way when it comes to bridesmaid gowns.
When choosing dresses for your maid of honor and bridesmaids, here¡¯s one cardinal rule: don¡¯t be a Bridezilla! Yes, it¡¯s your big day, but that doesn¡¯t mean your wedding attendants are peons under your command. Choose dresses they like and feel comfortable wearing.
Here are some DOs and DON¡¯Ts when choosing a bridesmaid dress:
" DO ask your girls for their input. Take them shopping with you and listen seriously to their opinions.
" DON¡¯T choose a dress that costs a fortune. Go ahead and spend as much as you want on your wedding gown, but expecting your bridesmaids to do the same is an imposition. And no, it doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯ve been forced to pay a fortune on bridesmaid gowns in the past. It¡¯s not about revenge!
" DO pick a dress that flatters the body types of all your bridesmaids.
A-Line Bridesmaid Dresses often look good on everybody. If you have heavier bridesmaids, avoid
High Neck Bridesmaid Dresses. If your girls are flat-chested, avoid bodices. Ask a consultant at the bridal shop to help you choose a dress that looks great on everyone.
" DO choose a color you like, as your flowers and place settings and other decorations will probably match.
" DO choose a dress that your bridesmaids can use at a future formal event. Consider choosing something simple that doesn¡¯t scream ¡°wedding!¡±
" DON¡¯T choose
Zippered Back Bridesmaid Dresses that¡¯s uncomfortable or that will be too warm for the occasion.
" DO consider choosing a coordinating collection for the girls to choose from. Stores like David¡¯s Bridal offer collections of mix-and-match tops and bottoms in the same color. This way, everyone can choose a look they like and still match.
" DON¡¯T ask your bridesmaids to wear
Backless Bridesmaid Dresses that they consider too revealing. If you have have a junior bridesmaid, take extra care to choose some
Modest Bridesmaid Dresses.
" DO choose a dress that looks nice with the bridal gown. Ask a bridal store consultant to help you pick a good match.
" DO consider helping your bridesmaids pay for their gowns, especially if they are strapped financially or if you fall in love with a very expensive bridesmaid dress.
" DO consider ditching the traditional bridesmaid dress idea. Find a (much cheaper) dress at a regular store, or just have everybody wear a dress they like.
" DON¡¯T take bridesmaid dress shopping too seriously. If you don¡¯t find the absolutely perfect dress, so what?
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