Here Comes the Bridesmaids

Often times choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses can prove almost as difficult as finding the perfect wedding dress because this time you are shopping for several ladies and not just one. But before you get your little heart set on what you may think is the perfect bridesmaid dress, give your bridesmaids a chance to put in their two cents, they are most likely paying for it after all!

Choosing dresses with your bridesmaids is one of the more exciting activities in the wedding planning process that the entire bridal party can take part in. Getting all your girls together can prove a challenge, so be a thoughtful bride and get your bridesmaids some fun favors as a thank you for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend your girl’s day out shopping adventure. If they are not all able to attend that is okay, no need for Bridezilla to show her face, it may even prove to be a more successful trip with only a few of them there.

You will want to make the day full of fun memories and as drama free as possible, which can pose a threat when you get so many girls together. Think the new movie “Bridesmaids!” Make sure that you are open to the different opinions and the individual style of each of your bridesmaids. Trying to force your bridal party into the same mold will almost certainly end with them holding grudges! Don’t forget they want to look nice also. Traditionally bridesmaid dresses have had to match exactly, but more recent trends have bridesmaid dresses being cut differently to fit each girl’s personality, which I LOVE by the way. As long as you stay within the same color scheme, your bridesmaids can choose a cut that fits them the best whether it be strapless, with sleeves, v-neck, etc. Remember, your bridesmaids will be wearing their dresses all night long so you need to make sure that they are comfortable in the dress you choose. Another idea I love is having them in your colors. Say your colors are yellow, green, and silver. You can have each girl in a different color dress! How cute?!

Do some research before the big shopping day and have a couple dress shops in mind before you go out. This will minimize wasted time at dress shops that don’t have what you are looking for. Do not go out without a plan because your bridesmaids will get tired and frustrated with shopping all day and not finding the right dresses. Depending on how many ladies you have, you may want to schedule appointments and let the shops know you are coming. This way they can be ready for you and maybe even have the dresses that you want to see pulled.

Your bridesmaids are there to support you throughout the wedding planning process from planning your bridal showers to standing next to you on the big day. Show them that you appreciate what they are doing for you by making the experience a pleasant one. Give them a small favor to show your appreciativeness. Maybe take them for after shopping cocktails, trust me, everyone is going to need a drink after this excursion! Remember, these are some of your best friends so try and make this a time of fun for all of you to look back on with good memories!