When it comes to wedding preparations, few things are more stressful than buying bridesmaid dresses. While the bride certainly has enough on her shoulders to try to shrug this off, she will be a lot happier with the bridal party photos if she takes the time to help the bridesmaids out with their selections. Below you will find 10 woes that the bride and her maids will have to face and tips for how to handle them with grace.
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“This will not look good on me!”
- Your bridesmaids will probably be very physically different. Each of them has wardrobe issues that they deal with every time they go shopping. The friend that is tall and thin. The shorter the dress the taller she looks. The bridesmaid that is very short and a bit heavier than the others should opt for a floor length dress that it is not tight
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Communication failure
- You told the bridesmaids to choose a green bridesmaids dress. Is it an emerald green bridesmaid dress or is it pastel green? Without detailed communication, you can expect to have some very interesting wedding photographs.
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“The dress you chose for me costs how much?
- Set an agreed upon budget. Use caution adding expenses to the dress that you expect the bridesmaids to pay for. Alterations and accessories may be out of their financial budget. Stay away from diamond earrings
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“What is my size?”
- Your bridesmaids may be out of state, If your dresses are all to be exactly the same, that means some bridesmaids may have to buy their dress over the phone or computer. But, all size 10’s are not equal. You may need a size up or a size down. Some dresses do not come in plus sizes. If you have bridesmaids who require plus sizes, they may not be able to get that particular dress.
- Allow the bridesmaids to buy different dresses made of the same color but different hues. Give them some general guides such as length, sleeves, and neckline.
- Buy the dress in the sizes the bridesmaids normally wear and ship it to them. If the dress is too small or too large, she will have the dress altered, which is an added expense.
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“Do not change my hair!”
- You can ask for the hair to be styled a certain way, but you cannot insist on cutting or adding extensions.
Here are a few other bridesmaid dress issues:
- Consider the hue that will go with your dresses. For example a green bridesmaid dress, you can have the shoes dyed (though it is an expense). However, silver shoes go with all hues of green and they are easy to find.
- Tattoos are forever. You know if your bridesmaids have them. If you do not want the tattoos to show, you must tell them. This may make it better to choose a dress with sleeves and a higher neckline. If the tattoos are on the back, a pretty shawl will cover the tatts.
- Some people simply cannot afford to be a bridesmaid. The cost of a gown and shoes, with the investment of time for rehearsals, dinners, and showers are a reach for a college student or a new mother. You can offer to help her pay for the dress or you can be understanding if she chooses to decline.
- Religion pays a huge part in our lives. If the bridesmaid’s religion is against uncovering her hair in public or not eating certain foods, you must choose a dress with a proper hair covering.
- It takes a long time to plan a wedding. In some cases a bridesmaid may become pregnant, Even if she delivers before the wedding, she will have additional weight on her frame. Select a style of dress that will show off her assets. If you love her and want her in the wedding, make a choice.