If you are planning your wedding, you will probably have bridesmaids. Picking bridesmaid dresses is an exciting part of planning your colors and theme into your wedding fashion. The wedding party fashion can get expensive and a little confusing. These tips will help you make all the important decisions about your bridesmaid dresses.
Budgeting for Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding planning can get expensive. Knowing who pays for what is not always so clear. Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses. When a bride requests an expensive gown that stretches beyond what is reasonable, the bride should be prepared to cover the cost. Not every budget can afford this level of generosity. You should always be mindful of the responsibility being placed on those you invite to be in your wedding party. The budget and expectations should be discussed with your bridesmaids before heading out to the bridal boutique.
The Cost of Creating the Fashion
It is challenging to put an exact dollar amount on bridesmaid dresses, since there are several factors involved. The length and size of the dress can affect the cost. A taller bridesmaid will pay slightly more. The silhouette and the fabric are also factors. The designer brand will definitely affect the price tag. The average cost of bridesmaid dresses was about $150 in 2020. It is possible to find sales and simple dresses in small boutiques for less. Depending on your vision for your wedding fashion, a single dress could cost $700 or more. The cost should not be the sole determining factor. Try to find sales, get creative and be prepared to share in the cost of the bridesmaid dresses you really want. Keep the cost in mind when choosing a dress you expect your bridesmaid to purchase. The bride is not obligated to purchase the dress. If a bridesmaid is unable to make the purchase and the money is not in the budget, they might consider taking a different role in the wedding.
Timeline for Bridesmaid Dresses
You should start exploring ideas for bridesmaid dresses about nine months prior to your wedding. Make the order not less than six months before the big day. Shipping and any necessary alterations should be calculated and put on the timeline. Bridesmaid dresses should always be purchased after the wedding dress.
Scheduling Fittings
Most bridesmaids require a fitting, regardless of body type. When the order arrives, do not delay the first fitting. Every bridesmaid should step into their dress and be prepared for some alterations. Alterations should be done a couple months prior to the wedding. Complex alterations might require more time. An early first fitting will help you create a better timeline for alterations. The final fitting should occur about one month before the wedding.
Choosing the Style and Colors
The wedding party fashion should compliment the bride without stealing the attention away. The style and silhouette of the dresses should be coordinated with the style, colors and theme of the wedding. If you are planning a formal event, your bridesmaid dresses should meet the dress code. A Bohemian themed wedding outdoors in a garden might call for an off the shoulders and flow to the floor kind of dress. You should consider the silhouette, the length, the back, the neckline, the fabric and color. A Great Gatsby inspired theme will demand the look of the 1930’s era. A daytime wedding may have a shorter hemline. If the neckline and sleeves do not provide enough options, floor-length, ankle, midcalf, below-knee, above, mid and handkerchief hemlines give us more to choose from. You might also play with terms like tea length, full length and maxi. It is important to get to know bridal fashion and choose your style early in the planning process.
Wearing the Dress You Want
You can choose the bridesmaid dresses within certain limits. While you have your wedding fashion to consider, you should also consider your request. Not every bridesmaid will look flattering in every silhouette. You should never push a bridesmaid to wear something outside of their comfort zone. A backless dress with a plunging neckline and a slit up to the hip might not work for everyone. Be mindful and make the process of choosing bridesmaid dresses a fun day that involves the opinions of the wedding party that will be wearing the dresses. Everyone should have some input and there should be some room for compromise.
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