Ah, the humble bridesmaid dress. For centuries now, it’s been an afterthought. Used as a vessel to showcase the bride in the best way possible, the bridal party is usually separated from the rest of the (more stylishly dressed) guests. Identifiable as bridesmaids, they shuffle past wearing notoriously ill-fitting puffed sleeves with itchy looking fabric and – dare we say – pained expressions on their face.
We’re here to say, it doesn’t have to be like that.
Brides are starting to realize that modern, elegantly dressed bridesmaids can take the vibe of their big day up a couple notches. There’s no doubt about it, a boho wedding is even better when the bridesmaids are wearing dresses made of loose flowy fabric, cinched at the waist.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at all things bridesmaid dresses.
1. Who Pays for the Bridesmaid Dress?
Most bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dress.
Thus, establishing a budget that the bridal party is comfortable with is the best course of action. On average, bridesmaids pay $200 to $300 for their dress… and don’t forget to factor in shoes and other accessories as well.
If the dress is something that the bridesmaids would wear again, like to a graduation or something, the potential of getting multiple use out of it may make it more appealing, especially if it’s on the higher end of the budget.
The topic of budget is sensitive for some, however, by creating an anonymous online poll to vote on the budget, and coming up with ways to help those with less disposable income, can make it a little less awkward.
2. Color, Cut and Style
Any dress, pantsuit, gown, cocktail affair – you name it – can be a bridesmaid dress. Gone are the days where shapeless pastel smocks are the norm.
Because of this, it can make dress selection feel overwhelming. To help narrow down the selection, choosing something that plays up the wedding aesthetic helps. Knowing the wedding day colors helps too.
Coming up with a few choices and having the group vote on their faves is usually a better course of action than having everyone pick their favorite and sharing it with the group.
Be mindful of different body types and comfort levels.
Plus, there’s no rule that states each dress has to be exactly the same. Some brides select the color and material, and let the bridesmaids pick whichever style they like best. Other brides love the variety of a mismatched style.
What are the rules? There are none!
3. Measurements
It is imperative that the bridal party have their measurements taken. There are countless articles online that show how to do it yourself. However, getting them done professionally is more favorable. Search for a tailor in your area, or any other boutique that offers that service.
This is something that should be done at least 7 months before the big day, with the intention of choosing and ordering the dresses by the 6-month mark at the very latest.
4. Alterations
No later than a month before the wedding (but not too much before that, either) is when the bridesmaid dress alterations need to happen.
Make sure the appointment is booked well in advance, as many boutiques fill up fast, especially during the regular wedding season months.
You want to leave enough time so that it’s not taken care of last minute, but you don’t want to have the alterations done months beforehand, just in case your body shape fluctuates within that span.
5. Everything Else
As mentioned before, shoes, accessories, and hair and makeup add the finishing touches.
Just like with the dress selection, these can all contribute to the aesthetic of the big day, from flower crowns for rustic or cottagecore vibes, to cowboy boots for a country themed to-do.
Nothing says polished more than matching accessories, but a simple gold necklace of their choosing is beautiful too.
Some brides gift their bridesmaids a simple piece to wear and commemorate the special day, others allow them to choose their own jewelry, or forgo it completely. As with the dresses, the same rules (there are no rules!) apply.
Conclusion:
We hope you feel inspired and empowered; you’re a bridesmaid dress know-it-all now.
You have some ideas and are ready to let your creativity flag fly during the fun of dress selection, but you’re also aware of the other aspects, such as budget, fitting, and perhaps most important of all, alterations.
Because unless your wedding aesthetic is punk rock, bridesmaid dresses with bunched fabric that’s held together with safety pins doesn’t quite nail the beau idéal look you’re aiming for.
