How to Select Dresses for Bridesmaids

The special women in your life will be honored and thrilled to take part in your big day. The dress that you decide to put your childhood chum, college roommate and trusted colleague in on the day of your wedding takes some thought. Your challenge will be to find a style you like that's complementary to this diverse group of gal pals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bridesmaid Dresses

1. Confirm your wedding colors and get acceptances from all of your bridesmaids before you begin your search. Keep in mind that the darker or richer the color, the more slimming the dress will be.

2. Determine your budget for the dresses in advance and let the women know what portion they'll be responsible for. It's traditional for bridesmaids to pay for their own attire, but you can offer to pay for some or all of the costs if it's in your budget.

3. Check out a few bridal magazines for ideas on cuts, materials and prices.

4. Visit bridal shows or stores for an up close and personal look at what's available. Bring a bridesmaid or female relative who will give you an honest, unbiased opinion about the styles you like.

5. Bring swatches of your wedding palette when shopping for the dresses. Show them to sales associates to eliminate color guesswork.

6. Think about how your choices will flatter the shapes and coloring of your bridesmaids. A full-length cerulean strapless will look different on a raven-haired woman of 6 feet than it will on a 5-foot-2-inch redhead.

Tips & Warnings

• Many stores overlap in selection. Note designer names and style numbers so that remote bridesmaids can try on styles at their local bridal boutiques.
• Remember that many stores stock only a few colors in each style. If you find the perfect style in the wrong color, ask a sales associate about what other colors the manufacturer offers.
• Consider having a dress made by a skilled friend or local dressmaker if your budget is tight or you want a look that's unique.

on 6/30/2006 Remember that you chose your girls because they're your dearest friends. When choosing their dresses, respect their taste and style, as well as their budget. With all the showers and parties, being in a wedding is an expensive endeavor! Your girls will be thrilled to be with you on your special day, but each will surely appreciate the opportunity to wear a dress that she feels comfortable in. And, your pictures will be a thousand times better if your girls are happy and feel good in their dresses!

on 11/22/2005 Your bridesmaids don't have to wear dresses that match exactly, or that even match at all, as long as they coordinate. My bridesmaids wore the same color but chose their own dress styles, which is great when you have friends with different body shapes. I've seen pictures of wedding parties where the bridesmaids wore dresses of different but complementary colors.