Top Three Tips for Shopping for a Bridesmaid Dress

After you’ve bought your bridal gown, the very next step is to look for the bridesmaid dresses to complete your bridal party look. Following these three tips will help make your shopping experience easier for you and all of your bridesmaids.

1. STYLE: When you go into a bridal boutique, ask what the popular dress styles are. Consultants can help you find a dress that flatters a range of body types since bridesmaids always vary in sizes. Chiffon is usually the ideal fabric for a bridesmaid dress, as it flows nicely and gives a soft look. You also want the dress to compliment your gown in minute details. If you have a strapless sweetheart top, then match their dresses with the same neckline. If your gown has lace on it, then pick their dresses with a sheer lace top, or one that has subtle lace appliqués. These little details and tie-ins will make the look flow smoothly together.

2. COLOR: Color options for dresses were originally limited to the bridesmaids. Nowadays, brides too can wear different color gowns such as white, ivory, blush, light gold, alabaster, and so on. With that being said, the color choices for bridesmaids can be difficult. Wait to pick your colors after you’ve bought your dress, so that you can match them accordingly. Also keep in mind that every manufacturer has their own names and shades for their colors. When looking at dresses, ask your consultant for the appropriate color swatches, and ask if they apply to all of the sample dresses. Certain manufacturers only make a few dresses in a certain color or fabric, so it is good to be aware. They will usually change the fabric for an additional fee, so be sure to ask your consultant what your options are so that there aren’t any surprises at checkout.

3. TIME: Believe it or not, bridesmaids dresses may take as long to come in (and sometimes longer) than your wedding dress. Most manufacturers take three to four months to get dresses sent out, but they will also accommodate quick weddings for additional rush fees. It is important to start looking at bridesmaid dresses right after you buy your gown to insure everything will come in on time. You want to avoid rush fees if possible, and you want to allow ample time for your girls to receive alterations if needed. Keep in mind too that most bridal salons won’t place your order until all of your bridesmaids have paid and gotten measured. Be sure that all of your girls are aware of the stores policies to avoid fees or additional stressors.

Tania Rodriguez

Tania Rodriguez

Associate Contributor at BridalHotList.com
Tania has been working as a bridal consultant for the past two years. She feels that the most wonderful feeling is to help someone find their wedding dress because it's something that will be a part of their lives forever.
Tania Rodriguez
Tania Rodriguez

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Comments

  1. Andrea Carter says:

    That’s so crazy that bridesmaid dresses could come later than bridal gowns! Planning ahead pays off :)

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