How To Choose Bridesmaid Dresses
Choosing bridesmaid dresses involves balancing the bride's vision, the wedding theme, the comfort of your bridal party, and practical considerations like budget and season. This guide walks you through the process step by step, from setting a budget to coordinating final fittings, ensuring that your bridesmaids feel beautiful and appreciated while you create a cohesive and memorable wedding aesthetic.
Fast Answer
- Start by setting a clear budget and timeline, then choose a color palette or style direction that flatters all body types and fits your wedding theme.
- Involve your bridesmaids in the selection process by sharing swatches and silhouettes, and always prioritize comfort and practicality for the big day.
Before You Start
- Set a realistic budget per dress, including alterations, and decide whether you or your bridesmaids will pay for the dresses, communicating this early.
- Choose a color palette or general style (e.g., floor-length, mix-and-match) that complements your wedding theme and venue, considering the season and time of day.
- Gather your bridesmaids' sizes, measurements, and style preferences, keeping in mind that sizes vary by brand and designer.
- Research retailers and designers, both online and in stores, and schedule appointments for trying on dresses, allowing at least 4-6 months before the wedding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Establish Your Budget and Timeline
Begin by deciding how much you and your bridesmaids can afford to spend on dresses. A common range for a bridesmaid dress, including alterations, is between 100 and 300 dollars, but this can vary widely based on your region and the designer. It's essential to have an open, honest conversation with your bridal party about financial expectations. If you are requiring a specific dress, be prepared to cover the cost or offer subsidies. Also, set a timeline: order dresses at least six months before the wedding to allow for shipping, alterations, and any unexpected delays. Mark the order deadline in your calendar and communicate it clearly to your bridesmaids. This prevents last-minute stress and ensures everyone has their dress in time for fittings. Finally, factor in extra costs like shoes, jewelry, and undergarments, and discuss these openly to avoid surprises.
Choose a Color Palette and Style Direction
Select a color palette that complements your wedding theme, venue, and season. For a summer beach wedding, light pastels or bright corals work well; for a winter affair, deep jewel tones like burgundy or navy are elegant. If you want your bridesmaids to have individual styles, consider a mix-and-match approach where they all wear the same color but can choose from a variety of silhouettes. This allows each person to select a dress that flatters their body type and feels comfortable. When choosing colors, think about skin tones: a universal color like dusty blue or blush tends to suit most people. If you're unsure, order swatches and hold them up to your bridesmaids' faces. Also, consider the formality of the wedding: floor-length dresses are more formal, while knee-length are more casual. Once you have a direction, share a mood board with your bridesmaids for feedback before committing.
Select Flattering Silhouettes for All Body Types
No single dress will perfectly flatter every body, so prioritize styles that are adaptable and forgiving. A-line dresses are universally flattering, as they cinch at the waist and flow out, accommodating different hip and thigh shapes. Empire waist dresses highlight the bust and skim over the midsection. Wrap dresses are also great because they can be adjusted for fit. Avoid overly clingy fabrics like satin or jersey unless your bridesmaids are comfortable. Instead, choose structured fabrics like tulle or chiffon that provide shape. When trying on dresses, encourage your bridesmaids to move, sit, and raise their arms to ensure they can participate in all wedding activities. Also, consider the neckline: halter tops can be uncomfortable for those with larger busts, while strapless may require frequent adjusting. A sweetheart or V-neck is often more flattering and secure.
Coordinate Ordering and Sizing Accurately
Once dresses are selected, it's time to order. Carefully measure each bridesmaid according to the designer's size chart, as sizes vary significantly between brands. Do not assume your bridesmaid's usual size will be correct. Have a professional take measurements, or follow the designer's guide exactly. When ordering, it's often wise to order one size up rather than down, as it's easier to take a dress in than let it out. Place all orders together to ensure dye lots match, especially if you're ordering multiple dresses in the same color. If you're concerned about fit, consider ordering swatches or a sample to check the fabric's weight and color. After orders are placed, track shipping and confirm delivery dates. Once dresses arrive, have each bridesmaid try theirs on immediately and inspect for any defects or color discrepancies.
Plan Alterations and Fittings
Even with accurate measurements, most bridesmaids will need alterations for a perfect fit. Professional alterations can cost between 30 and 100 dollars per dress, depending on the complexity. Start fitting sessions about two months before the wedding: the dress should be tried on with the undergarments, shapewear, and shoes you plan to wear, as these affect fit. Your seamstress should mark any necessary changes, like hemming, taking in the sides, or adjusting straps. Schedule a second fitting to ensure all adjustments are correct. For out-of-town bridesmaids, recommend a trusted local tailor or coordinate a group fitting session if possible. Remember that alterations take time, so don't wait until the last minute. At the final fitting, the dress should allow you to sit, breathe, and dance comfortably.
Finalize Accessories and Emergency Kit
Now that dresses are ready, coordinate accessories like shoes, jewelry, and hairpieces to complete the look. While you don't need to match everything perfectly, aim for cohesion: for example, all shoes in the same nude tone or all jewelry in silver. Encourage your bridesmaids to break in their shoes before the wedding day to avoid blisters. Also, prepare a bridesmaid emergency kit for the big day: include sewing supplies, safety pins, stain remover wipes, fashion tape, and extra nylon stockings. Keep this kit in a designated place during the ceremony and reception. Explain to your bridesmaids how to handle minor wardrobe malfunctions, such as a slipped strap or a popped button. A quick fix can save the day, and having these items on hand will amplify your bridesmaids' confidence and comfort.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Action | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| You have bridesmaids of very different body types and you're unsure which dress style will suit everyone. | Choose a dress with an A-line or empire waist silhouette and order it in a stretch fabric like jersey or a wrap style that adjust to various shapes. | These silhouettes are flattering on most body types because they cinch at the smallest part of the waist and provide a flowing skirt that doesn't cling to hips or thighs. |
| Your wedding is in a warm climate and you're worried about your bridesmaids getting too hot in heavy dresses. | Opt for dresses made from breathable fabrics such as chiffon, organza, or lightweight crepe, and choose short or tea-length hemlines. | These fabrics allow air circulation and don't trap heat, while shorter hemlines reduce fabric weight and help your bridesmaids stay cool. |
| You have a budget that limits what each bridesmaid can spend, and designer dresses are out of reach. | Search for affordable yet stylish options on e-commerce sites, consider renting dresses, or host a sample sale shopping session to find discounts. | Renting and sample sales provide high-quality dresses at a fraction of the cost, ensuring all bridesmaids can participate without financial stress. |
Common Issues
- The dress color appears different in person than on screen.: Always order fabric swatches before making a final decision. Hold them in natural light and compare them with your wedding colors. If a swatch is off, choose a different shade or consult the designer's color chart.
- A bridesmaid's dress arrives with damaged seams or missing buttons.: Immediately contact the retailer or designer for a replacement or repair. Take clear photos of the damage and review the return policy. If time is short, have a seamstress fix the issue and request reimbursement from the company.
- One bridesmaid has a different size due to pregnancy or recent weight change.: Order a dress in a size that accommodates the current measurement and have it altered closer to the wedding. Consult with a seamstress to plan for additional fabric panels if needed. Also, consider a style with a forgiving fit, like a stretchy wrap dress.
Advanced Tips
- If you're allowing mix-and-match styles, set a clear rule like 'all dresses must be floor-length' and provide a color swatch that they must match exactly, but let them choose from a list of approved silhouettes to maintain cohesion.
- Consider the wedding's location: for outdoor weddings on grass, provide your bridesmaids with 'wedges' or block heels instead of stilettos to prevent sinking, and recommend dresses with removable straps to avoid tan lines.
- For nontraditional weddings, think beyond typical bridesmaid dresses: you might choose a jumpsuit, a maxi skirt with a top, or a separates set that allows each person to mix and match for individual expression.
Final Checklist
- Set a budget and confirm who is paying for dresses and alterations.
- Order swatches and finalize color and style at least six months in advance.
- Measure all bridesmaids and order correctly sized dresses; plan for alterations.
- Schedule final fittings and prepare an emergency kit for the wedding day.
FAQ
Who typically pays for bridesmaid dresses?
Traditionally, the bride pays for the bridesmaid dresses, but it is now common for each bridesmaid to pay for her own dress. There is no strict rule, and it's essential to have an upfront conversation about budget expectations. If you require a specific dress that is expensive, be prepared to subsidize the cost. Many modern brides ask their bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, while the bride provides accessories or a special gift.
How far in advance should we order bridesmaid dresses?
It's best to order bridesmaid dresses at least six months before the wedding. This allows sufficient time for shipping, potential delays, and alterations. If the designer provides a custom color or sizing, you may need even more time. Start the process as soon as you have your bridal party and wedding date set, and always check the retailer's shipping times.
What if my bridesmaids all have different body types?
The key is to select a dress style that is universally flattering, such as an A-line or empire waist. You can also allow your bridesmaids to choose from a line of dresses in the same color but with different silhouettes. This way, each woman can pick a style that makes her feel confident and comfortable. Use swatches to ensure the colors match exactly, and encourage your bridesmaids to have professional fittings.
