Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Searching the Bridal Shop for Gowns They Won't Hate

Apr 29, 2007
Naomi Rockler-Gladen

So you're looking for the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Or, at least, you're looking for dresses your girls won't hate. Here some some tips for helping you shop.

Bridesmaid dresses get a bad rap. Women tell horror stories of those orange taffeta monstrosities they've been forced to wear. Fortunately, the bridal industry has come a long way when it comes to bridesmaid gowns.

When choosing dresses for your maid of honor and bridesmaids, here's one cardinal rule: don't be a Bridezilla! Yes, it's your big day, but that doesn't mean your wedding attendants are peons under your command. Choose dresses they like and feel comfortable wearing.

Here are some DOs and DON'Ts when choosing a bridesmaid dress:

DO ask your girls for their input. Take them shopping with you and listen seriously to their opinions.
DON'T choose a dress that costs a fortune. Go ahead and spend as much as you want on your wedding gown, but expecting your bridesmaids to do the same is an imposition. And no, it doesn't matter if you've been forced to pay a fortune on bridesmaid gowns in the past. It's not about revenge!
DO pick a dress that flatters the body types of all your bridesmaids. A-line dresses often look good on everybody. If you have heavier bridesmaids, avoid fitted gowns. If your girls are flat-chested, avoid bodices. Ask a consultant at the bridal shop to help you choose a dress that looks great on everyone.
DO choose a color you like, as your flowers and place settings and other decorations will probably match.
DO choose a dress that your bridesmaids can use at a future formal event. Consider choosing something simple that doesn't scream "wedding!"
DON'T choose a dress that's uncomfortable or that will be too warm for the occasion.
DO consider choosing a coordinating collection for the girls to choose from. Stores like David's Bridal offer collections of mix-and-match tops and bottoms in the same color. This way, everyone can choose a look they like and still match.
DON'T ask your bridesmaids to wear dresses that they consider too revealing. If you have have a junior bridesmaid, take extra care to choose something modest.
DO choose a dress that looks nice with the bridal gown. Ask a bridal store consultant to help you pick a good match.
DO consider helping your bridesmaids pay for their gowns, especially if they are strapped financially or if you fall in love with a very expensive bridesmaid dress.
DO consider ditching the traditional bridesmaid dress idea. Find a (much cheaper) dress at a regular store, or just have everybody wear a dress they like.
DON'T take bridesmaid dress shopping too seriously. If you don't find the absolutely perfect dress, so what?