Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress Ensemble
Choosing the perfect bridesmaids dress to compliment all of your ladies’ skin tone, body shape and personal style can be a tricky task!
There are so many different things to consider!
How many bridesmaids need to be accommodated for, what is the perfect budget for the dress,
can each of the bridesmaids afford to purchase their own, what color should I choose,
what color will look good on each bridesmaid, should each dress be a different color/style,
what’s the weather going to be like,
will each bridesmaid be happy,
how far should I go in considering their wants and needs…
This list could go on and on! Selecting the perfect bridesmaid’s dresses is such a crucial part of the wedding and ceremony. We really want to be here with some advice and suggestions to make your life a little easier. You have so many other decisions to make, that any little piece of advice on these bigger decisions should be there to not only cater the look of your wedding, but to your sanity as well. So all of you brides to be, we hope this helps you breathe and make some decisions in an efficient but educated way!
Weather
First, you’ll want to consider the weather. What is your wedding date? What will the weather be like at that time of year in your specific state? Here in Arizona, we can safely say that sleeveless dresses are an OK in October just as they are in Aril or May.
The Bridesmaid Budget
This is probably the biggest issue that you’ll have when it comes to making a decision about dresses. The key to tackling it is communication. Talking about each bridesmaid’s budget on an individual basis will not only show that you care about them being in your wedding but that you want them to be able to actually afford it. Feel free to set a minimum price. This can be done by looking at what type of style and color dress that you are most likely going to want. Here is a guide that can help you determine the overall prices of certain colors and styles of dresses.
The Ensemble
What are they all going to wear? Will there be a mixture of colors and patterns or will all of your bridesmaids be matching? Here are a few different options.
Same Dress Same Color
This is the most basic choice of bridesmaid dress ensembles, as it is typically the easiest and the most affordable. If your bridesmaids don’t call for too much maintenance, just stick to choosing a dress color that goes well with your wedding scheme but doesn’t clash of course. You don’t want to have too much of one or two colors. You can also do this with accents or patterns rather than just colors. Gold sequined dresses are all the rage as of late and can really go with any season!
Same Color Different Dress
This trend has become quite popular within the past ten years. We’re sure that you’ve seen photos of a great group of bridesmaids in a beautiful lavender tone, but all of the dresses are a different cut. The style of the dresses don’t have to be the same but the color can stay the same or be chosen on a monochromatic scale. Meaning, all of the dress are a certain shade of purple
One great thing about this option is that you can accommodate to your bridesmaid’s various body types. For example, those with an hour glass or a pear shape body type can choose to wear an a-line or a fit + flare dress. Those with a straight or apple figure can choose a sheath dress or modest ballgown. Live by this helpful guide if body types are a huge proponent in the bridesmaid dress decision!
Different Color Different Dress
We know that this can seem like a daunting and over-whelming option, but don’t be afraid of a challenge if you’re not afraid of taking on a little color-opposition. The number one example of this option? Those amazing dresses seen in the first Sex and the City movie. Miranda wears a beautiful electric blue to go with her red locks and blue eyes, Charlotte wears a great black gown to match her classy dark hair and eyes, and Samantha takes on the sassy red gown to match her sassy but classy style.
The thing about this option is that it’s meant to be fun and for you to get creative! It can also be an opportunity for your bridesmaids to feel at their absolute best, comfortable in their own, unique styles. Of course, choosing the colors is really dependent on the other color scheme of your wedding, but if it allows you some room to think outside the box, then we say go for it!
While this is a basic guide to help you simplify your decision making, we strongly encourage you to get Pinterest crazy as if you aren’t already. Photographic inspiration will be your best way to go when getting a few ideas sparking in your brain! Good luck with this and remember, don’t think too hard and know that going big or going home is what will give you the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Whether that be in price, color, pattern, style, or creativity, it is completely up to your discretion!
