Tips For Choosing The Best Bridesmaid Dresses

Want to bond with a woman you've just started working with? Ask her about her worst bridesmaid dress story! It'll be a doozy, guaranteed. There's a reason clichés have a kernel of truth. Sadly, the ugly bridesmaid dress is a big one. "Oh, but you'll be able to wear it again." Not likely, unfortunately. Unless, of course, you're invited to attend an ugly bridesmaid dress themed party or are at a loss for what to wear on Halloween, and it's 11:38 on October 30th. Then you'll have something to re-wear.

Ladies, there are so many options for bridesmaid dresses. Maybe you want sage green bridesmaid dresses or even grey bridesmaid dresses. There's so much more to consider as well, like if you'll need plus-size bridesmaid dresses, affordable bridesmaid dresses, or even a special maid of honor dress! Many brides say there's an art to finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses. The good news? These tips are the best for accomplishing that task. You can even use them to search for and buy bridesmaid dresses online!

Keep Bridesmaids In The Loop

Yes, this is your day, but ladies, don't forget to keep your bridesmaids in the loop. Your college roommate might surprise you by being a color genius and save you from making a visual error. Your best friend from kindergarten might save you and the rest of your squad major dough because she's the thrift shop queen. Or maybe your best friend's mom has an in with the local bridal shop. You don't have to go it alone, ladies!

Even though you have it all together and the timeline scheduled down to the second and can recall every detail, make sure your bridesmaids are in on it. Share your calendar with them. Send out group schedules. The last thing your friends want to do is bother you about when they can go in for a fitting or if they need to be thinking about dyed-to-match shoes.

Keep The Cost In Mind

Ladies, aside from your aesthetics, one of the most important things about choosing the best bridesmaid dresses is to keep the cost in mind. It's especially important when you want your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses! Money matters. The good news, ladies? You have many options for finding the perfect dresses for your bridal party. Yes, this includes local boutiques and department stores, all the way up to upscale thrift shops and online retailers.

If you're shopping at a boutique, make sure to inquire about and include alterations in the price point. You don't want to find a bargain dress only to be stuck with an alteration fee of 300 dollars! Rush delivery fees can sometimes cause sticker shock too. And, as unfair as it seems, some plus-size dresses cost more than regular sizes. So make sure all of your bridesmaids are treated fairly!

Consider The Style Of The Wedding

There's a backyard barbecue, barefoot at the beach, black tie at a cathedral, simple courthouse, or something that's uniquely you! No matter when you're getting married, don't forget to consider the style of the wedding when you're picking the right bridesmaid dresses. There's nothing more awkward — or uncomfortable — than dresses that don't fit the style. No one wants to have floor-length velvet gowns on a beach! If you've dreamed of the bridal party's attire since you were sixteen, make sure the look matches the venue you can afford or are able to book now. And, ladies, think about your gown too! If you're going to be wearing a super casual shift dress, do you really want your best friends trussed up in corset-style ballgowns?

Don't Be Afraid Of Using Multiple Dress Styles

Whoever realized that a single dress style will never look good on all body types and there's no reason each bridesmaid has to be a clone of the others should be canonized. Seriously, don't be afraid of using multiple dress styles. In fact, ladies, celebrate using multiple dress styles! Unify your best gals by color family or fabric. Then? Let them choose the silhouette that best flatters their shape!

If you want to maintain some control, select a few styles for them to choose from. If you're not picky and this is one thing you'd be thrilled to delegate, let them go wild and choose their own. Most ladies know what suits them best. If it comes down to it, you can always ask them to get your blessing before they buy something!

Choose Complementary And Versatile Colors

Don't do your best friends dirty and make them wear baby puke green. It's not great to pick a russet brown only the most statuesque redhead can pull off if all your bridesmaids are pale with dark black hair either! No matter how much you think it will work with the location or floral decor, your friends won't thank you. Besides, you'll also be stuck with pictures that aren't so great! A confident woman is the most photogenic woman. This is also where your wedding planner or floral stylist can help.

Choose complementary and versatile colors. If you're dead set on Bordeaux table linens, choosing bridesmaid dresses in desert rose or candlelight ivory can be stunning. In contrast? Gowns in peach, scarlet, or cornflower blue will be visually confusing. Don't forget about your friends, either. Think about what colors will look good on them. This is why the colors have to be versatile! And remember, picking two different colors so your bridesmaids have a choice is great too! The colors have to compliment their skin!