About Bridal & Maid of Honor Dresses

Try on several dresses in different styles to find the right one.

The most looked-upon women at any wedding are the bride and her maid of honor. As the bride, you can be very flexible and creative with the dresses you choose for your wedding day. This is time when a woman looks her most radiant, so take the time to wisely choose the dress you wear and the ones that surround you.

History

Traditionally, the bride and bridesmaid dressed identically. This was done to confuse the evil spirits who would come to harm the bride. Her chosen friend would dress up identically to take her safely to the wedding place.

Significance

Today's bride wants her own identity, especially when it concerns the wedding gown. The bridesmaid or maid of honor wants her own identity as well, so the bride may choose a coordinating color of the bridal theme. The dresses of the two women need to be planned so that they look good together.

Function

The bride should choose a bridal dress that conceals some areas and highlights others. Try out several gowns at the store and get opinions from your close friends or family. Many brides end up trying on 15 to 20 gowns before finding the perfect dress. It is always better to have the gown tailored by a professional so it will fit well. Allow a period of six to seven months for ordering the dress, plus an additional one to two months for alterations and fittings.

Considerations

When choosing a gown for the bridesmaid, keep her budget in mind. It is your wedding and, although you may want to spend a fortune, be wary of picking an expensive dress for your maid of honor. When choosing the dress for your maid of honor, take her shopping with you. Typically the bride picks the color and the dress for the maid of honor--however, you want your friend to feel comfortable at your wedding, so pick a dress that flatters her. Keep dresses simple, yet stylish. You can opt for the same dress for all the bridesmaids or give them the choice of color and style. That way, they can stay within their budget. The maid of honor should have a slightly different dress than the rest of the bridesmaids. For winter weddings, consider adding a coordinating wrap. For summer weddings, add a sash or some other accessory.

Warning

The bridesmaid should dress in such a manner that she complements the bride but does not attract more attention.

Expert Insight

Choosing a bridal gown for the biggest day of your life is an important task. There are so many things to consider, such as budget, season or weather, fabric, embellishments and style. Bridal magazines and websites will help you find a dress in a style you like. Take these with you when shopping. Try not to pick the first dress you try on unless you are in love with it. Try on many dresses in many different styles and fabrics during your first bridal gown shopping trip. This will give you an idea of what looks good on you.

Resources

• The Knot: Maid of Honor Dress Gallery
• The Knot: Wedding Gown Guide