Tradition Says That The Bride Chooses The Bridesmaids’ Dresses 

Tradition Says That The Bride Chooses The Bridesmaids’ Dresses 

January 13, 2025

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be tricky, especially if you’re indecisive, but when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid dresses, things are always more complicated than they seem. You must choose gowns that are flattering on all body types and coordinate dress fabrics, colours, and details with your wedding theme and dress for a cohesive look. If you’re not able to cover the cost of your bridesmaids’ dresses, be clear about it from the very get-go. Wedding expenses are up across the board this year. If you have a lavish taste and plenty of disposable income, make sure your bridesmaids can afford the additional expense. Pay for it all or at least offer some money towards it.

The cost of being a bridesmaid is often at the core of many conflicts that arise between friends, so if you know for a fact that one or more of your attendants might struggle to keep up with pricing, select gowns and accessories accordingly. Even the stars have affordable ensembles, so it’s possible to find bridesmaid dresses that fall in the €50 to €300 range. There are reviews on most designs if you’re not 100% convinced. Surging trends have completely changed the game, so you have countless options to choose from when it comes to styling a bridal party. No matter what looks you’re going for, it’s best to prepare yourself with ample research. 

More Often Than Not, Bridesmaids’ Dresses Suit The Wedding Theme  

A wedding is a formal occasion but with modern twists, which are unique to you as a couple and make the big day as memorable as it can be. From the venue and gowns to the décor, you have the liberty to structure the evening in any way that you please. The bridesmaid dresses should harmonise with the wedding’s overall theme, colour palette, and level of formality; they’re a reflection of your vision, so figure out the overall feeling you want for your nuptials. All bridesmaid dresses should match, but you can switch up colours, fabrics, hemlines, and silhouettes.  

Suppose your reception is held in a beautiful garden filled with lush florals and romantic details. In that case, fuchsia or turquoise dresses will make a bold statement, but as a rule of thumb, pastels and neutral colours are recommended for outdoor settings. If you’re going to tie the knot in a majestic ballroom with intricate details, you can choose from a wider range of colours, but you should opt for darker tones, like charcoal or dark brown. Thinking about the season is a must when it comes to the style and colour of the dresses. For example, go for brighter pinks and blues for the summer. 

Set Up An Online Chat To Discuss What Dresses Your Bridesmaids Have In Mind 

Consider your attendees’ comfort and preferences while maintaining a cohesive look for the wedding. After all, the bridesmaid dresses are worn just one time. Ask your bridesmaids, or better yet, your closest friends, what they think once you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three gowns. Their input will be helpful, not hurtful. A group chat is a must-have. You can bring people close together, share updates, and ensure a stress-free path to “I do!”. You can send pictures of the gowns you like or point to sites where they can check out your selection.  

WhatsApp is still the best choice for group messaging, as it offers simplicity and reliability. When it comes to conflict, bear in mind that texting leaves little room for nuance, so if one of the bridesmaids sends a yawning emoji in response to a picture, it’s not a personal attack. If misunderstandings occur, address them right away. Above all, don’t expect group members to respond early and often; let people a few hours or days away from the chat. Maybe there’s disagreement among the group. In that case, you can go with the majority when picking bridesmaid dresses. 

Know The Measurements Before Flipping Through Catalogues Or Visiting Bridal Shops

“It doesn’t fit.” This is one of the most common complaints among bridesmaids. Gather all your attendees’ measurements – bust, hip, waist, shoulder width, inseam, and sleeve length – so you can objectively judge the fit. The measurements should be taken by an experienced tailor or seamstress because getting the numbers wrong can have a disastrous effect, but if your friends can’t go to a professional, having a family member help is better than attempting to measure yourself. Every dress needs alterations. Be that as it may, if you have the correct base size, you don’t have to go above and beyond to meet the bare minimum. 

Different silhouettes emphasize and flatter different body types (or parts), and some good options to look for are A-line silhouettes, empire waist dresses, and shift dresses. If you have plus-size bridesmaids, it’s recommended to avoid ball gowns or tiered dresses because they make the attendees appear heavier. Look for ensembles that conceal problem areas and draw attention upward, balancing proportions. One good tip is to check the size range of any retailer where you’re thinking about shopping to prevent stress down the road. Some retailers have an at-home try-on option to make the shopping process a more enjoyable experience. 

Wrapping It Up 

The bride is definitely the star of the show, so you have control over various aspects of the wedding, including its location, the food that’s served, the music playing around you, and what the bridesmaids will wear. You can start shopping for bridesmaid dresses shortly after you order your own gown. Since each person has a unique style and feels comfortable in a different silhouette, why don’t you let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses? This translates into stunning photos and a more enjoyable experience overall. The bridesmaids are your best friends, your sisters, and so on, supporting you and being there for you when you need it the most. Letting them pick their own attire is the least you can do.     

Indiana Lee lives in the Northwest and has a passion for the environment and wellness. She draws her inspiration from nature and makes sure to explore the outdoors on a regular basis. Indiana loves experiencing new things and sharing with others what she learns through her writing. You can chat with Indiana on twitter @IndianaLee3