With the wedding countdown in full swing, organising your big day isn’t without its big stress factors. In the event that you’ve got more than just the one bridesmaid, you’re likely facing the politics of conflicting opinions, wanting to please everyone and the impossible task of finding a dress that suits every individual body type. It’s no mean feat by any means. But, between wedding favours, flower arrangements and somehow ensuring the men are all dressed well and matching too, it’s a job that’s got to be done. That’s why we’ve come up with a comprehensive list of things you shouldn’t forget when picking out and buying your bridesmaid dresses.
What to Look for in a Colour Scheme?
As one of the main carriers of your overall colour motif, colour is key when thinking about bridesmaids’ dresses and therefore isn’t a decision you should take lightly. For many engaged couples, a particular colour scheme might already be abundantly clear. However, if you are struggling to pin down a specific shade, here are some pointers to consider.
- Pick a colour that is timeless. Softer shades will keep your photos looking classic for years to come, rather than cringing away at garish, bold hues.
- Think about your wedding venue and how your colour scheme should complement the interior. If it’s a completely blank canvas, you can afford to be adventurous, otherwise work with the décor already there.
- Have variations of your shade. You don’t have to stick to just one colour. Having a variety not only adds depth to your overall wedding theme, but also gives you more freedom when picking out dresses, as well as flowers.
How Will the Time of Year Effect Bridesmaid Dresses?
You may already have a pretty clear image in your head of the style of bridesmaid dresses you like, but how does that fit into the time of year you’re getting married. For winter, short skirt dresses may be leaving your bridesmaids looking blue and clashing with your colour scheme (if it’s not blue, that is), whilst lace, long sleeves and faux fur shawls in the summer are likely a big no. Of course, the style you desire is important, but you also want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable on the day and look at ease in your wedding photos rather than flustered or shivering.
Picking the Right Shaped Dresses
You may wish to have all your bridesmaids traditionally in the same matching dress. However, if this isn’t important to you, why not consider finding different styles of dress to suit each individual in your wedding party? Whether you fully embrace the trend of dresses in varying shades, or you find a collection in the same hue. Retailers like Debenhams and Marks and Spencer bring out collections, from maxi dress to midi, strapless and with capped sleeves, all in matching shades. You can even get incredible discounts using voucher code websites like My Favourite Voucher Codes and secure the perfect dress for less.
Everyone is different in terms of their style as well as the bits of their bodies they like to either show off or cover up. When it comes to bridesmaid shopping this can be tricky as it’s unlikely all of your bridesmaids have the exact same body type. Whilst some may happily have their legs on display, others will be more self-conscious. But by buying different styles of dresses that still perfectly co-ordinate you can tackle a pretty big hurdle and leave everyone feeling happy.
Think About Your Bridesmaid Budget
It’s common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, but that doesn’t mean it should be a complete weight off your shoulders. It’s important to be considerate of the prices of the dresses you pick out and find one that fits into everyone’s budget. Especially when adding in the additional costs of accessories and potentially having hair and make-up done professionally on the day.
Discuss your bridesmaids’ price brackets and think of ways you can save money. As well as buying a dress you know they could wear again for another special occasion, make the most of money off deals online. You could even go down the rental route, which ushers generally do with their suits. If it’s not worth having the dress forever, hiring out your dresses could really cut costs. Companies like Girl Meets Dress are great for a huge selection of dresses to hire, all from luxury designer brands so your bridesmaids can feel like princesses, too.
Our last tip when bridesmaid dress shopping? Be happy in your choices. Ultimately this is your day and hopefully you’ve picked the kind of bridesmaids who will do anything to make you happy. Taking the time to consider weather, shape and pricing is important to ensure your day is enjoyable for everyone. But ultimately if you want your bridesmaids in neon yellow that’s your call.