The wedding has begun and you’ve picked your bridal party! Now you have begin the process of shopping for bridesmaid dresses. So, how are you supposed to find something for them all to wear? That you actually like? Don’t be stressed —this is supposed to be fun, and with these 5 tips, you’ll be organized, calm and excited about the experience.
Piece of Me
Research, research, research!
From styles and colors to prices, look into it all before you start shopping. If you’re having a lot of people in your wedding party, try to pick colors that are complementary to their various body types. Or, consider varying textures and colors like this couple did.
Create a Pinterest Board
A great way to figure out what you want before you actually start shopping for bridesmaid dresses is to pin the gowns you like. And don’t just stick with bridesmaid dresses in your search. You can look at celebrity fashion sites, magazine sites, and red carpet coverage. Once you start pinning what you like, a pattern will emerge with your favorite colors and styles.
Consider Cost
That sequin floor-length gown is so stunning, but may not be in the budget for everyone in your bridal party. So who is paying? More often than not, it’s the maids themselves, so respect this when making dress choices. Also leave room in the budget for alterations, which can cost a pretty penny. (If you order the dress way too big the alterations can cost as much as the gown itself!)
Make an Appointment at a Bridal Shop
Mestad’s Bridal and Formalwear recommends shopping at least 6 or 7 months prior to your wedding. “This will give you time to choose the style and color as well as to give your attendants time to get their measurements and payments in. Ordering your gowns at least 5-6 months before the wedding will give the gowns time to arrive in the store, be distributed to your maids, and allow them plenty of time to make any necessary alterations.”
Decide Who to Bring
This is critical to making your shopping experience a pleasant one. Don’t bring your whole bridal party if you’re planning on having a lot of bridesmaids, because too many opinions will cause tension. We suggest you bring 1-2 people max so you can focus on what you like without getting sidetracked. This is where your Maid of Honor can step in to help you decide and take notes during the appointment on what you like and dislike.
Hopefully, these tips for shopping for bridesmaid dresses will make the process fun. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun!
