Choosing the perfect gown for your bridesmaids

Every bridesmaid deserves to feel as beautiful and happy as the bride. These days, it is not uncommon for a bride to have as many as 10 or more attendants. This makes picking dresses a bit of a dilemma. Making sure everyone feels confident, comfortable and not in the least awkward is key. But most importantly, always talk with your bridesmaids.Discuss any concerns they might have. Most bridesmaids are happy to compromise on style or colour – it is the bride’s big day, after all. Keep your friends in the loop, maybe showing them pictures in magazines or colour swatches of fabric; any problems can then be dealt with at a much earlier stage. Always take your bridesmaids to try the dresses on. An online purchase may seem like a cheap and easy option, but sizes vary, as do bridesmaids.

What colour dress should I choose?

This is a very personal choice. Look through magazines and websites for ideas. You can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere: the colour of a flower, a celebrity’s dress or even a paint chart! Always keep in mind the colour of the bridal gown. Some brides like to keep the colour scheme a secret, but this is risky. Bridesmaid dresses that clash with your future mother-in-law’s outfit might not be the best start to the day. You could also ask for the groom’s opinion on the colour scheme. He might enjoy feeling part of the decision-making.

What length dress should I choose?

Several factors will influence the length of the dress. Firstly, the location of your wedding is important – for example, a very short dress in a church might raise a few eyebrows, but could be suitable for a garden or beach ceremony. If some of your friends are very tall or some are considerably shorter, why not mix the lengths of the dresses? Younger bridesmaids will also feel more comfortable in a dress that isn’t dragging on the ground. If in doubt, you can’t go far wrong with a knee length dress. Remember that picking your bridesmaids’ dresses should be fun and never a chore. Relax and enjoy.   photo credit