Dressing Your Bridesmaids

Back in February, Kelly Lundberg, our BCME expert panel member and founder of StyleMeDivine, gave her top tips to help brides-to-be find their perfect wedding dress. The choice of wedding gown is naturally first and foremost in a bride’s mind, but what about those other girls who will be standing by your side throughout the planning process, and, most importantly, on the big day itself?

Your bridesmaids deserve to look and feel fabulous, not only as part of the overall ‘look’ of the wedding itself, but also because they will no doubt be your closest friends who will be looking forward to their own chance to shine. However, choosing dresses for your bridesmaids can be problematic for a whole host of reasons. Thankfully, Kelly is here again to advise you on how to manage this often stressful task, ensuring that everybody stays happy and friendships remain intact ;-) Read on for some great advice!

Picking the perfect wedding dress is daunting enough for any bride, but the next choice is likely to prove equally as formidable. So how does a bride ensure that she chooses dresses that will not only compliment her bridesmaids but also enhance her wedding style?

You’re going to have to be inventive. If you are having more than one bridesmaid, it’s unlikely that they are going to have the same build, height or body shape. It therefore makes sense to do your research, look at wedding magazines, browse images online and go to wedding fairs before you make that all important choice. If you’re still not sure, here’s our StyleMeDivine top 4 C’s!

♡ Cut

Select a style that flatters. Times have moved on from when you had to dress bridesmaids in identical frocks. The current trend is to dress your bridesmaids in variable styles that then allow you to choose something that suits their body type. Don’t be scared to mix and match the length of the dress; cocktail length, tea-length or floor length give you great options to compliment your bridesmaids’ best attributes. After all, you want them to feel fabulous on the day too.

♡ Colour

If you have a specific colour theme, it will make choosing the dresses much easier. If, however, you are taking a more liberated approach with no colour theme, then think about the time of year, your choice of flowers and what shades might suit the skin complexion of your bridesmaids. It’s always best to maintain a coordinated look to keep all of your bridesmaids in the same colour palate and fabric.

♡ Comfort

This is often overlooked but is just as important as the cut and colour. Dresses are worn for a long period of time and need to be comfortable and stylish at both the start and end of the day. Give thought to the choice of fabric for the time of year. If it’s a winter wedding, then it’s best to avoid light and airy fabrics. On the other hand, for a summer’s wedding you wouldn’t want to choose a heavy and stiff fabric.

♡ Cost

Consider the budget of all your bridesmaids. Whilst you may well be offering to pick up the bill for the dresses, are you also going to cover the cost of their accessories? It is best to be clear up front about what you will be accountable for, and then your bridesmaids will feel in control of their appearance, and you will achieve the elegant look you desire.  A perfect solution!

With the four C’s covered, your bridesmaids can turn their attention to the part they’ve probably been excited about all along: the hen do. Every group brings its own energy. Some want countryside retreats with prosecco, pamper sessions, and long walks, while others would rather pack a city weekend with rooftop bars, escape rooms, bottomless brunch, and as many activities as they can squeeze into two days. I’ve had bridal parties whose group chats revolved around restaurant picks and the best bitcoin sportsbook for their Fantasy Football league more than anything dress-related. Whatever your crew gravitates toward, bridesmaids who feel great in their dresses carry that confidence into every part of the celebration.

Xx Kelly xX

Looking for more bridal fashion inspiration? Click here.