6 tips for choosing the right bridesmaid dresses

You’re getting married and you’ve chosen your bridesmaids – but what about their dresses? With no two bridesmaids the same, how do you choose the right dress for them while still getting the look you want for your wedding?

Here are six tips for choosing the right bridesmaid dresses so there are smiles and excitement all round.

There’s no such thing as one size fits all

The likelihood of your bridal party all being the same size, shape and taste is highly unlikely. And that’s not a bad thing; you would have chosen them for their different traits that have supported you over the years of your friendship.

When looking at dresses, if you are electing to have your bridesmaids in the same style of dress, consider styles that would look amazing on the majority. For example, halter neck dresses are great for many body shapes and sizes. So too are A-line skirts.

It’s all about material

Choosing your bridesmaid dresses isn’t just about the style of the dress, it’s also about the fabric. Flowing light material such as Chiffon tends to be a more suitable for many body types, rather than a satin, which can be clingy and unforgiving.

Oh no, not that colour!

Let’s face it, not every colour suits every person. When considering your bridesmaids dress colour, select a colour palette that works well with various skin tones. Avoid very pale and neutral colours like white or beige, as they can make a light skin tone person look sick or extremely pale. In the same way, also watch bold colours as some can also clash with your bridesmaids’ skin tones.

Consider going with colours that are more classic such as pastels, or for stronger tones navy, red or charcoal, that are more likely to suit all of your bridesmaids.

One for the colour, two for the tone

Be open to letting bridesmaids try on various styles of dresses even those with two tones. Remember what a dress looks like on a hanger is different to what it looks like on a person. If you do like the two-tone style, be sure to get all of your bridesmaids to try on the dresses to ensure it suits all of them too.

Pick your own style

You may also like to consider choosing the fabric and colour, but allowing your bridesmaids to choose dresses to suit their own style and shape. This allows the bridesmaids to maintain some individuality, without taking the shine away from you.

Where does the dress start and finish?

One thing you don’t want on your wedding day is your guests to be focusing on the shortness of you bridesmaid dresses, when they should be focusing on you, the gorgeous bride and groom. With this in mind be conscious on how short your bridesmaid dresses are. At the same time though, you don’t want the dresses too long that bridesmaids are tripping over themselves either.

Location, location, location!

Keep in mind the location when choosing bridesmaid dresses. If your wedding is spring or summer, or you are going to a tropical location, you don’t want to choose dresses that are heavy and impractical – no one wants a fainting bridesmaid!

If you are having your wedding in autumn or winter, or at a cooler location, you also don’t want your bridesmaids freezing, so consider add accessories such as a shawl or bolero jacket.

Don’t neglect comfort

Finally, while it is only for one day, you want to make sure your bridesmaids are comfortable and feeling confident in their outfit. Remember it’s hard to smile when you feel uncomfortable on the inside!

Need a little bridesmaid dress inspiration? Take a peek through our collection.

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