Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress is super easy when you know what you’re doing, but… most brides have never planned a wedding before. Thus, they aren’t aware of all the tips and tricks they can use to snag the ideal gown.
Thankfully, we know them all—we’ve got 7 amazing bridesmaid dress hacks, and are spilling the tea here.
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1. Know Where to Shop
Knowing where to look for beautiful dresses is key. Of course, this will be dependent on a few things: You’ll first want to see what your bridesmaids are able to afford. Once you know their budget, it’s easier to begin your search.
Beyond purchasing dresses from retailers that specialize in bridesmaid dresses, there are bridesmaid dress rental options. Or, you can thrift dresses—even search the racks at discount fashion retailers.
The sooner you begin your bridesmaid dress search, the better.
Finally, it can be really helpful to learn the names of different dress silhouettes and keep track of the dresses you love and the styles you’re drawn to.
Use that as your keyword to help your online search, or let the friendly woman at the dress boutique know the names of the silhouettes you’re interested in.
2. Use the Wedding Theme to Help Inform Your Choice
Establishing a wedding theme makes it much easier to choose bridesmaids’ dresses since you’re limited to what works within the parameters of your particular theme.
Bridesmaid dresses are a really fun way to amplify what you love about your theme, and if it works, don’t be afraid to make bold choices.
Floral print bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous for that garden party feel, and mix-and-match styles really enhance a rustic laid-back outdoor vibe.
3. Limit Alterations with Flexible Sizes
Typical dress alterations cost an average of $100 which—since your bridesmaids are already shelling out dough for the dress—can be a lot.
One way to limit the likelihood of needing alterations in the first place is to select dresses made from stretch fabric, gowns with an elastic or sash waist, dresses with a corset-style bodice, or even wrap dresses.
Being able to try the dresses on in person is ideal, but if that’s not feasible make sure that the retailer they’re purchased from permits exchanges or returns.
Each of these elements help reduce the likelihood of needing to have the dress altered by a professional.
4. Involve Your Bridesmaids
Because your bridesmaids will be wearing and paying for the dresses, it’s a good idea to involve them in the selection process. Help rewrite that old belief that bridesmaids dresses are ugly or frumpy, and choose something your ladies will be excited to wear as they stand proudly by your side on your wedding day.
Some brides like to choose a few styles themselves, and then present the gowns to their bridesmaids so they can vote on their favorite. Of course, however you choose to involve them and the degree in which you let them influence your choice is entirely up to you.
5. Don’t Skimp on Comfort
From start to finish, the average wedding lasts around 6 hours—not including the time it takes to get ready. That’s a long time to wear anything that pinches, is made of scratchy irritating fabric, or is otherwise uncomfortable.
You want your bridesmaids to be able to move in their dresses, breathe, dance and have fun. Therefore, don’t skimp on comfort.
Think of ways to make the dresses more comfortable, for example if the dresses are short cocktail 1920s inspired numbers, wearing bike shorts underneath for added coverage is an excellent hack.
6. Consider Weather Adaptations
If you’re tying the knot in a season known for somewhat unpredictable weather, you can keep it glam—while staying warm—by including a matching faux fur stole, long gloves, even a lacy leotard to wear under the dresses
All of these classy matching accessories will keep you and your bridesmaids looking and feeling hot.
7. Prepare Emergency Stain and Fabric Solution Kit
Stains, rips, and busted zippers—oh my! Except if you have an emergency kit handy, equipped with all the essentials.
You’ll need:
- Stain remover
- Iron and/or portable steamer
- Safety pins
- Double stick fabric tape
- Needle and thread that matches the color of the dresses
- Lint and hair removal roll
As the old saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. And odds are, you’ll save someone’s day by being prepared.
Conclusion:
Just like your wedding décor, you want your bridesmaids dresses to encapsulate your wedding theme beautifully.
After all, your bridesmaids are living breathing beauties, there to support and enhance the splendor of your special day.
Also Read-The Art of Choosing the Perfect Cocktail Dress: Tips and Insights