Stunning bridesmaids in black

Selecting bridesmaids dresses and accessorizing them can be one of the most exhausting aspects of planning a wedding. If your bridesmaids are all similar sizes, then the task can be a little easier; but if they are all different body shapes and sizes, it can be quite difficult. Remember that your bridesmaids are there to assist and attend to you on your big day, so be considerate to them.

So how do you choose dresses and accessories that will compliment each girl’s figure, without starting world war 3?

Here are the 10 do’s and don’ts of dressing your bridesmaids:

1. DO select your wedding dress first! YOU are the bride, and it is YOUR day, so your dress comes first.

2. DON’T select bridesmaids dresses that will clash with your wedding dress. The colour and style of the dresses should compliment, not clash, with your dress.

3. DO consult your bridesmaids! Ask them what sort of dress they would feel comfortable in. For example, are they comfortable wearing a sleeveless dress, or thin straps? Do they prefer a short dress or full length dress?

4. DON’T assume that they will just go along with whatever dress you pick out for them.

5. DO ask them to go shopping with you. You may go with just one of them on your first shopping trip, and then once you have narrowed down the selection, take them all so that they can try the dresses on. Of course if distance is a problem, for example, some of the bridesmaids are in different states or countries (it does happen!) then you may need to email photos of the dress or dresses for them to have a look at and give you their feedback.

6. DON’T choose dresses that may be unflattering on some of the girls. Other than you, your bridesmaids will be in the limelight, and no bridesmaid wants to wear a dress that looks dreadful on her. So be considerate when choosing the dress style.

7. DO choose fabrics that compliment your wedding dress fabrics. For example, if your wedding dress is in a flowy chiffon or goergette, then the bridesmaids dresses should be in a similar flowy fabric.  Choosing a contrasting fabric, such as a firm silk or satin, will create a clash in this case.

8. DON’T choose accessories that clash with the dresses. That is, the jewelry and shoes should all compliment each other.

9. DO choose flowers that will compliment their complete ensemble. For example, you may choose flowers that are the same colour tones as the dresses, such as purple dress – pink / purple / cream flowers; or a complimentary but contrasting colour, such as black dress – bold, colourful flowers like the stunning bridesmaids in black, shown above.

10. DON’T forget that your bridesmaids are usually your nearest and dearest friends and / or family members, and you don’t want to ruin any of those relationships in the process!

 What colour and style are your bridesmaids’ dresses? How did you accessorize them?