They are your best friends and sisters. Dress your bridesmaids in gowns that they will feel and look great in.

Step One – Begin Shopping Early
Begin looking for bridesmaid gowns eight to 12 months before the wedding. If possible, make separate shopping trips for the bridal gown and the bridesmaid dresses. It is usually easier to find your bridal gown first, and then look for your maids’ attire. Shop at several bridal shops. Each shop should have similar styles yet will have a different selection of designers. Some designers will be exclusive to that store in that area.

Step Two – Choose a Color
The bridesmaid gowns will be a prominent display of your wedding theme color. Make sure that you choose a color that will be readily available in bridal fashion. If you can, wait to solidify the color theme until you’ve found the bridesmaid gowns. Choose a color that will be flattering on fair to dark skin tones. If you have already set your color theme and are having trouble finding a gown that you like within this theme, you may order black gowns with a colored belt or wrap.

Step Three – Choose Style
Have your bridesmaids try on a variety of fashion styles. Do not become too attached to a specific style before seeing a variety of styles on your bridesmaids’ different body types. For example, do not just try strapless gowns; try halter and sweetheart necklines, too.

The latest trend in bridesmaid fashion is coordinating, not matching – that is, to make your maids look like cousins, rather than identical twin sisters. Each maid may wear the same color gown of varying styles, or the same style gown of varying colors. You’ll fast become a favorite if you allow your bridesmaids to choose what gown looks best on them.

If each girl will be wearing the same style of gown, make sure that you choose a style that will be flattering on each. Have more than one person try on the gown to see what it will look like on different body types.

Step Four – Order the Gowns
When you have found the dress, place the order as soon as possible, at least six months prior to the wedding to allow time for delivery and alterations. Be sure to talk with your bridal boutique if you need the gowns sooner; rush delivery is usually available. Each maid will need to stop by the shop to get measured or will need to call the shop with their measurements.

Involve your bridesmaids in shopping for their dress. With this, you’ll have happy, great-looking maids.

Filed under: Gowns & Dresses