How to Design Your Own Bridesmaid's Dresses

Designing a bridesmaid’s dress is not difficult. A bridesmaid's dress should compliment the bridal party as well as adhere to the desires of the bride. An ideal bridesmaid dress will have many elements that can be customized for individuals and different clients.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Color sense
• measuring tape

1. 
   Dresses

   Start with a consultation with the bride. The bride is going to design all elements of the wedding party. She may have a very good idea of how she wants the design to look. Consult with her about colors, hem lengths and sleeve lengths. If you are a bride yourself use your own ideas about design and incorporate them into the design.

2. 
   Bridemaid's

   Choose a fabric for the dresses. The fabric should compliment the dress in question. A thicker fabric such as velvet is more appropriate for a winter or late fall wedding. A thinner fabric should as satin is more appropriate for a spring or summer wedding.

3. Consider the length of the dress. A traditional length for a bridesmaid dress is to mid calve or lower. Longer lengths can compliment a bride’s dress. Longer lengths are also more appropriate for a more formal wedding. A shorter dress works well if you are holding the wedding in afternoon or morning.

4. Decide on neckline. Necklines that reveal cleavage are more appropriate for more modern and contemporary weddings. More discrete necklines, those that cover up the neck, may more appropriate for a more traditional wedding day.
   Decide on the sleeves. You can go sleeveless for a more youthful look or have a long sleeved look for a more demure overall effect. Sleeves should compliment the overall design. Consider cap sleeves, leg of mutton sleeves or elbow length sleeves if possible.

5. Figure out the color you like. Color is an important aspect of any wedding. Chose colors that will compliment the overall theme that you have chosen. Colors should be easily seen as your bridesmaids walk down the aisle in their dresses. Consider bright colors for a winter wedding and pastels for a more summery look.
   Have the dress made. You can make it yourself if you are skilled seamstress. If you haven’t touched a sewing machine since junior high school work with a bridal shop to create the right finished dress. All dresses should be finished with great attention to detail such as beads, lace and flowers. All dresses should also be fitted properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the bridesmaids have a say in the dress. This is their party as well.
• Consider costs as well as design. Bridemaids who have to pay for their own dresses should not be subject to huge expenses.