LOOKING GOOD MADE EASY
A simple guide for choosing the right bridesmaid dress
The subject of bridesmaids’ dresses is one that can raise the hair on your neck. We’ve all seen the hideous outfits women have been asked – forced – to wear in the name of matrimony. It’s downright deplorable! Okay, that may be a tad dramatic, but we’ve all heard of the bride who chose the homely dresses for her lovely bridesmaids in a [feeble] attempt to make herself look better.
Let’s be honest: people are not really looking at the bridesmaids. It’s the bride’s day – she’s the one in the big, white dress. It’s important to remind her of that so she’ll feel special… AND so you’ll have a better chance she’ll select an acceptable bridesmaid dress!
If you’re lucky, the bride might ask your input on the bridesmaid dress selection process. Grab this opportunity and use it wisely to benefit you and the other women in the wedding party. We’ve created an easy-to-remember guideline to choosing the right dress that will fit everyone – their body and their wallet. Play it SAFE and be sensible about Styles, Accessories, Fittings and Expenses.
SAFE – Styles, Accessories, Fittings, Expenses
Styles
Today’s gals are fortunate that bridesmaid dresses come in a much wider range of styles and sizes. Dresses can be specially ordered for your wedding party as a group or you can agree to go to a chosen store and buy one “off the rack.” It’s also more common nowadays for brides to select a two-piece ensemble and allow each woman to pick her style of top and bottom. That’s particularly helpful if the bridesmaids vary in shape and size. If your bride is less picky about her bridesmaids matching exactly, she might suggest you all wear the same basic color (like black or white), which would give you the freedom to use a dress from your own closet.
Accessories
Some think that accessories make the lady – while others think too much adornment is, well, too much. That’s your bride’s decision. You should ask her whether she wants you to buy hosiery, a coordinating wrap/shawl for your dress, identical jewelry, matching shoes or even similar lipstick and nail polish. These smaller items can be no less pricey so gently encourage the bride to keep the cost in mind. She may also decide to give the jewelry, wrap, purse – or even the entire outfit – to you as a bridemaid’s gift. But don’t bet on it.
Fittings
If the bride wants you to wear the same special-ordered dress, it’s important she make the purchase and submit all the measurements at one time. That will ensure the dresses are made from the same fabric/dye lot and, therefore, are the exact same color. So, make an appointment to have a professional seamstress or tailor takes your measurements. Send the details as quickly as possible after the bride requests them. Count on having two fittings: the first, to have the initial alterations determined, and a final fitting, to try on the dress after the adjustments have been made.
Expenses
The bridesmaid dress can be one of the “big ticket items” for the wedding – if you don’t have travel/lodging costs. But, again, the dress is not the only style expenditure, so remember the previous SAFE sections when tallying your total: figure in money for accessories and fittings when you make a budget for your wedding day outfit. Also, you’ll want to ask the bride if you can do your own hair and makeup because that’s a smart way to save some big bucks.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look like a million dollars. Experts will tell you that one of the biggest keys to style isn’t just fashion, it’s flair… it’s your confidence, charisma and the way you carry yourself. So even if the bride chooses the absolute worst dress for your body shape and skin tone, hold your head high, your flowers low and walk down that aisle with the best accessory: a smile.
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