BrideFeed Editors
Photo: Bradley Images, Inc.
Shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be a great bonding experience for you and your favorite girls. Take a look at our top bridesmaid dress buying tips to ensure that all parties feel comfortable and secure in their ensembles.
Table of Contents
Here are all the tricks for finding the bridesmaid dresses your squad will definitely want to wear again!
Assemble the gang
Ideally, all of your bridesmaids will be able to attend the shopping experience. This way, everyone can try on the dresses and make a decision together. If there’s a maid who can’t do it, consider using a video conferencing service, like Skype or FaceTime to make her feel included.
Make it one day
Create a fun itinerary for your shopping day. Invite your friends over for a casual lunch before the dress shopping begins so everyone is well fed and bridesmaids who don’t know each other well have a chance to connect. Make appointments in advance at various boutiques and allow plenty of time at each store so that no one feels rushed.
Come prepared
You and your bridesmaids should discuss in advance the type of styles you are looking for. Email your team with some outfit ideas, and get some initial feedback. Bring photos and swatches of your color scheme, as well as a photo of your dress, so you can see how it all looks together.
Consider the location and season
When beginning your initial bridesmaid dress research, it is important that you think about the time of year and your venue to ensure the comfort of your bridesmaids. For example, a summer beach wedding requires a light dress so your waitresses stay cool and comfortable. If you are having a cold weather wedding, consider purchasing jackets or shawls for your bridesmaids.
Be flexible
Your bridesmaids are unlikely to look amazing in the same dress. They can have different body types, you can have a pregnant bridesmaid or a junior bridesmaid who might need a little more coverage. Find a dress style that you like and let your maids choose a neckline that suits them. Dresses should all be the same length and fabric to keep things coherent, but your maids will appreciate having a voice in what they wear.
Think about the potential for wear and tear
The ideal bridesmaid dress is one that your maids can wear after your wedding day. This should be an important factor in making your final decision.
Photo: Be Light Photography
How to deal with disagreements
Try to keep your mood light and cheerful throughout the day. If there are disagreements between the bridesmaids, remember that the bride has the final say on the dress of the bridesmaids. As long as you do your best to listen to everyone’s opinion, your waitresses should agree with your selection.
No pressure
If you feel like a salon appointment is not productive or is causing arguments or disagreements, cut your losses and move on to the next one. Take pictures to remind yourself of what your maids are like with the dresses being tried on, in case you have to make a decision later.
Don’t forget the boys
Today, many of the bridal parties include male attendants. If your “boyfriend” or “man of honor” wants to attend the dress shopping experience with his bridesmaids, he should be welcomed. If not, take the time to go shopping with him for his tie (which should match the bridesmaid’s dresses) so that he feels included.
Get the details
Once you’ve settled on a bridesmaid dress style, find out how long it will take for the dresses to arrive. Also, confirm whether the dresses will be shipped to individual bridesmaids or whether you will handle delivery. If the bridesmaids order their own dresses, ask them to send you the order confirmation for your peace of mind.
Tips for adaptation
Ask your bridesmaids to try on their dresses as soon as they arrive to confirm that everything is correct and proper. If a bridesmaid’s dress needs tailoring, ask her to take care of it as soon as possible so timing is not a problem.
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