Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses

As well as helping the bride in the days leading up to the wedding, you also have a key role on the wedding day itself.

Depending on how many bridesmaids there are, the bride will choose matching gowns and accessories for each of them.

The key is to look pretty and stylish, yet not to draw attention away from the bride.  Hence bridesmaids tend to wear simpler, more modest gowns with less fancy trimmings.

Younger girls are sometimes called flowergirls as they follow the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.

Choosing Colors & Styles

Do bridesmaids have to wear the same color and style dress ? 

This is a sensible question, as some colors can make you look fabulous and other can make you look positively ill.  What suits a redhead, may not suit a blonde - and girls like to look good.  In the end, the choice comes down to the bride, so if you feel that what's she's chosen or is even ugly, you either choose to wear it or step down from your role.

That can depend on individual taste - if you've got more than three, then probably it will look better, but if you've got just two or three, they could probably wear the same style in different shades .

Pastel shades can work well - pale blues, pinks, lemon yellows, lavender and sage greens - all colours that can look great for a summer wedding.

Other popular colors for bridesmaid gowns include navy or royal blue, purple - some stronger and bolder choices include claret red, orange and black - which are probably more suitable for an evening reception.

Other color combinations that have been popular lately are chocolate brown teamed with pink accessories,

Whilst plain colors are the classic choice, fabric with patterns is also an option - though not often available from stores.

If you are choosing a bolder color scheme, getting the groom, best man and ushers to wear colors that co-ordinate can really make a difference.  Simply by matching ties or cravats, or handkerchiefs.

Depending on the time of year, you can also choose the length - from just below the knee, calf length or right down to the ankles.  These are all acceptable and elegant options - just find the right style that will look great in photos and complement the bride.

Budgeting to buy bridesmaid dresses

One way to really get a bargain, is to go shopping in the sales and buy clearance items.  If you go as soon as the sale starts, you may well be able to find matching dresses in the appropriate sizes, as well as being more affordable !

Alternatively, if you are having several bridesmaids, why not negotiate a discount directly with the store - or search online for the best price for your chosen design of dress.

Choose carefully and you may be able to wear your dress again, whether it's for prom, a party or a formal evening occassion.

Matching & Co-ordinating Sizes

With two or more brides maids, you're going to have varying sizes to fit - from petite through to plus size - if that's the case, buying something off the peg may be a problem, and you'll probably find that getting a dressmaker to make some styles to your design or chosen pattern, if the best option. 

If you're also having a maid or matron of honor, having the gowns made may also be a more inexpensive option too.

Having them made also allows for some weight fluctuation, which can happen if you buy the gowns months before the actual wedding - and it's relatively easy for your dressmaker to make alterations.

Recommended Resources

Bridesmaid hairstyles - easy updos and elegant wedding hair styles

ShopDress - great site for inspiration for designs and colors, as well as buying online