Choosing bridesmaids dresses seems like one of the fun things on your wedding planning to do list, but it can be a nightmare.
Your style may be very different from your bridesmaids’ style and they are bound to have their own opinion of what they want to wear.
But, at the end of the day, it’s all about YOUR vision for YOUR special day and bridesmaids dresses are one piece of that puzzle.
Nevertheless, there are a few things you want to consider when choosing bridesmaids dresses. This will reduce the risk of your bridesmaids hating the dresses you pick out for them.
1. What’s the season?
The first thing you want to consider when choosing bridesmaids dresses is the season in which you are getting married.
You want to make sure that your friends are comfortable, so making them wear strapless, knee-length dresses in the middle of winter is not a smart choice.
Instead, go with a heavier fabric and full-length skirt and consider adding a faux fur stole to keep them cozy.
At the same time, you don’t want them to sweat to death under a mountain of fabric in 100 degree, hot and humid summer weather.
PSA: Sweating off your make-up and sticky hair is not a cute look for pictures.
So, if you’re expecting high temperatures on your wedding day, opt for lighter fabrics and a shorter dress.
2. Where are you getting married?
Next, you want to consider where you are getting married when choosing bridesmaids dresses.
If you’re planning to have a destination beach wedding, skip the flowy fabrics and stick to something a little more form-fitting.
Sure, light fabrics tend to look great on the beach but you only need a breeze to tousle everything up. And after all, you want all eyes to be on you, not on your bridesmaids’ underwear…
Will your ceremony be held on a lawn or other soft surface?
You will want to skip the heels for your bridesmaids so they don’t get stuck! Or you could purchase these super neat heel savers!
Again, the idea is that everybody will be at their happiest if they’re comfortable.
Considering the expected temperature and location of your wedding is the least you can do when choosing bridesmaids dresses.
3. How old are your bridesmaids?
Next, you will also want to consider your bridesmaids’ age.
If most of your bridesmaids are in their 20s or early 30s, you can choose bridesmaids dresses that are strapless and basically any length.
However, if you include some junior bridesmaids that are younger, you will need to pick an age appropriate style. If you chose a strapless dress, add some straps or go with a completely different, yet complimentary, bridesmaids dress.
Similarly, if your bridesmaids are a bit older, they may feel more comfortable if you don’t make them spend the day in a gown that boasts a plunging neckline and high-slit.
Pick a style that highlights their best features!
4. How busty are your bridesmaids?
You will not believe the number of complaints you’ll get from your busty friends if you go with a strapless bridesmaids dress.
Really, you’ll get the same complaints if your girl’s girls are a bit on the small side.
Your best bet in either case is a dress with straps.
Or better yet, give your bridesmaids the option of choosing what neckline they would prefer. Those who want straps can choose if it’s a halter-neck, off the shoulder, spaghetti or thick straps. And those who prefer strapless can get exactly that.
This way, they can make the choice based on their level of comfort, but still give you the aesthetic that you desire.
5. What’s your bridesmaids usual style?
This consideration when choosing bridesmaids dresses goes hand-in-hand with being age appropriate.
You like your friends because you have a good time together, not because they all look like Victoria Secret models.
(…right?…)
So, since bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes (all of which are AWESOME & PERFECT) consider their usual style.
If most of them tend to dress more modestly, choose bridesmaids dresses that aren’t too revealing.
If they don’t really experiment with colors, choose a dress in a mute shade of purple rather than a hot pink.
And if they’re all completely different, consider letting them choose their own style of dress.
You can set certain parameters like length, fabric, and color(s) and see what they come up with! If you go with this option, make sure they order from the same vendor, it will help with color and style-matching.
6. What is your goal for your wedding?
Lastly, when choosing bridesmaids dresses, consider your goal for your wedding.
Do you want everybody to look picture perfect, but be stiff and uncomfortable, gritting their teeth and counting down the minutes until they can get out of their dress and shove it in the back of the closet?
My guess is, no, that’s not at all what you’re going for.
Of course, you want everything to look great and match, but most importantly you want everybody to FEEL great and enjoy your special day.
I promise, if your bridesmaids feel comfortable in their dresses, they will be much happier, which means less whining and complaining. In short, less stress for you!
Another great way to reduce stress on your wedding day is to communicate all the small details with your guests using WedTexts!
You can pre-schedule text messages or send them in real-time.
Your guests will feel super appreciated and like they know what’s going on at all times.
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