June 23, 2021
Your bridesmaids mean a lot to you, and if they said yes to supporting you on your big day, chances are you mean a lot to them too! When choosing dresses, brides can often get a little caught up in the theme of things and neglect the needs of their bridal party. If you want your bridesmaids to remember your wedding fondly, get their dresses right! Here are some useful tips and suggestions.
Most bridesmaids expect to pay for their dresses, so be cautious when it comes to cost, and consider any budget restrictions they might have. If you’re planning to pay for the dresses yourself, spend what you could afford.
However, if you are expecting your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, consider their personal financial situations. Remember that your bridesmaids will probably spend a lot on your wedding overall and dresses won’t be their only expenses.
Although bold colors can look cool in photos, sometimes less is more; a subtle or neutral tone is often ageless, and allows the bride to be the spotlight. Especially if you give them a range of colors to choose from, it’s best to keep it as subtle as possible to avoid stark variations.
One way to ensure that all of your bridesmaids are happy with their dresses is to give them a color scheme to choose from, and let them pick their own dress. Giving them leeway to find a dress cut or style that they like gives room for them to find something flattering for their body shape. You can give them more guidelines than just the color, but in order for it to be cohesive, give them a color swatch and an idea of styles, so they can shop within their budget.
Although your primary concern is the overall look of your bridal party, practicality is also a factor. Remember to consider the time of year and the weather you are likely to encounter. If it’s the height of summer, choose dresses made of lighter fabrics. You’ll also want your bridesmaids to dance the night away comfortably, so avoid anything that may restrict movement.
As with most aspects of wedding preparation, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Delays can happen at any stage in your wedding planning, so don’t get caught up by the dresses.
Some bridesmaids may buy their dresses online, which can delay things. Others may need to order their size into a store. Dresses may get lost in the mail, or alterations may need to be made. Always give yourself plenty of time if you want your bridesmaids to wear a dress they love and not a last-minute panic-buy.
Group fittings can be a fantastic way to see what your bridal party will look like together. It will also give you a chance to wear your dress again and see what you’ll look like alongside your bridesmaids. Getting everyone together will give anyone the chance to voice their opinions on how the dresses look together.
Once you’ve chosen dresses, you’ll need someone to take photos that knows how to take pictures that best compliment the party. These photos will be around for years, so you want them to be high quality. If you haven’t decided on a wedding venue, be sure and choose one that goes well with your theme, and will compliment the overall reception.
The right venue will enhance the look of your bridal party, so be sure and have a place in mind to know what would work best for your theme, and which will look best in pictures.