Finding a bridesmaids dress that everyone will love is about as likely as winning Oz Lotto but you’ll at least be able to keep some of them as friends after the wedding if you…
Do
Give Lots of Leeway
If you’re having the bridesmaids dress in the same style, allow them to choose the color of it. By doing so, they’ll be able to select a shade that complements their skin tones and hair coloring. Alternatively, if you would like them to be in the same hue to match the wedding décor let them choose the style that flatters them the most.
Be a Fabric Fairy
Gone are the days when a bride could force her bridesmaids to dress in a puffy taffeta creation. The designers of bridesmaid’s dresses are now using better quality fabrics like duping silk, chiffon, satin, velvet and crepe so select one that will make your bridesmaids feel sleek and sexy rather than frumpy and resentful. If you’re having the bridesmaid’s dresses made, try Bloom Fabrics in Melbourne, http://www.brideonline.com.au/bloomfabrics/default.htm, who use an exquisite range of designer wedding fabrics including hand beaded silks, laces, georgettes and chiffons selected from the finest textile houses in Europe and Asia for their made-to-measure garments.
Consider the Costs
Traditionally the attendants pay for their own wedding dresses so don’t expect them to shell out a fortune for the honour of standing by your side. A good compromise is to hire the bridesmaid dresses. After Five Formals in Brisbane, http://www.brideonline.com.au/qld/afterfive/, have an extensive range of bridesmaid gowns for hire with prices starting as low as $85.
Don’t
Shop En Masse
Never take all your attendants with you to shop for the bridesmaids dresses. They’ll never agree on anything and it will just cause conflict between them. Take just your maid/matron of honour – there’s a reason why people say ‘too many chefs spoil the broth’.
Be a FuddyDuddy
Dress your bridesmaids in this season’s hottest colors. Platinum is very in at the moment as is sand, taupe, orange and fuchsia. Experiment with design too. Designer Lisa Merton of Culture Shock in Melbourne, http://www.brideonline.com.au/nsw/cultureshock/, draws inspiration from both Australia’s multicultural lifestyle and her travels around the world to create eclectic but stunning designs for the bold bride. Creative embroidery, delicate beading, Swarovski crystals and ethnic jewelry are combined with exquisite Indian saris, dramatic Japanese kimonos and fine European laces to make her fresh and original bridesmaid dresses.
Leave Things Until the Last Minute
With all the discussions and disagreements that go with selecting a bridesmaid gown, it’s tempting to leave the decision until the last minute and then order your attendants into any old dress. However, bridesmaid’s dresses should be chosen at least five months before the wedding to allow time for alterations.
