You can just shorten it and wear it again....really?!!

Bridesmaid dresses. Where do we even begin?! I feel that I am a "specialist" when it comes to bridesmaids dresses (just one of my many talents!). After working in a bridal boutique for over a year, I really gained an appreciation for bridesmaids!

Number 1. Your bridesmaids are not going to wear the dress again. Never. Not in a million years. They will not shorten it or wear it to a holiday party or dress it up or down for that matter. They aren't going to wear it again so just stop saying it!

Solution: Explain to your bridesmaids that you know that they are spending a lot of money and that you appreciate everything that they are doing for you. Don't say, "you can definitely wear that again!". It just adds salt to their wounds.

Number 2. Not everyone looks good in strapless (or halters, sweetheart or backless). Keep in mind that all of your ladies are built differently and that each has a different level of modesty.

Solution: As the bride you have a vision. Keep your vision alive by picking the same color scheme but letting your BM's choose their own dress. There are so many great options to choose from and it lets each of the ladies express themselves while sticking to your vision.





Number 3. Salmon taffeta will not work for everyone. Would you want to be stuffed into an unflattering color for all to see?!

Solution: Think about skin color and hair color when choosing your dress colors. If you are set on salmon then look for a shade that will be the most flattering for each of your ladies.

Number 4. These dresses are not cheap! Most bridesmaids dresses need alterations. It is just the way things work. These dresses are produced in very large quantities so fit is not the number one priority.

Solution: Look at your options. If you have a large bridal party check with the bridal store to see if you can get a discount because you are buying them all form their store. So many other stores have started carrying bridesmaids dresses that actually fit well! Check out J. Crew and Ann Taylor to view some great styles!

Number 5. Let your girl's be individuals. They are all in your wedding party for a reason and each of them is different. Why not let them show their individual style with accessories.

Solution: No matchy-matchy shoes and jewelry. Have each of the ladies choose their own shoes in the same color. This is one less thing that they will have to spend extra money on if they already have a suitable pair or if they buy something they can wear again. Do you really think that they will wear salmon satin shoes again?!


The moral of the story is, have fun! You do want to be friends with these ladies after the wedding, right?!