No Drama Zone: Tips for Choosing the Best Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

No Drama Zone: Tips for Choosing the Best Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

No Drama Zone: Tips for Choosing the Best Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

Weddings are often notoriously stressful, with many brides-to-be being branded a ‘bridezilla’ if the stress makes them angry or upset. This is a very unfair stereotype, as many people fail to take wedding stress seriously and just assume the bride is overreacting and ‘letting things get on top of her’.

One of the main factors that can contribute to wedding stress is bridesmaids. Whilst they’re job is to support the bride and stand by her side when she says ‘I do’, choosing bridesmaids dresses can unfortunately be one of the most stressful challenges of all. Taking into account different body shapes, complexions and each bridesmaid’s personal taste can be difficult, and it’s almost impossible to please everyone especially if you have a large number of bridesmaids to take care of.

However, choosing dresses for your bridesmaids doesn’t have to be as stressful and difficult as stereotypes suggest. Drama can be avoided and money can certainly be saved, as long as you’re organized and implement the right strategies. So, if you’re worried about possible conflict choosing dresses, here are some common mistakes you should avoid to ease stress and make the entire process simple, smooth and fun – just how it should be!

Choosing dresses that don’t flatter all your bridesmaids

Unless all your bridesmaids have exactly the same figure and are very similar in height, it’s essential you choose a dress that will be universally flattering. Yes, it will take time and will require a lot more research and ‘trying on’, but it’s vital that all your bridesmaids feel comfortable and flattered by the dress you choose, otherwise it’s highly likely drama will occur which is the last thing you want.

In terms of height, it’s a good idea to avoid short dresses altogether if you have bridesmaids whose heights significantly vary. For example, if a dress is knee-length on one bridesmaid and mid-thigh on another, your bridesmaids won’t look uniform and it won’t look good in photographs. So, taking the height and body shape of your bridesmaids into account is essential, so make sure you leave enough time to make sure you get it right.

For some inspiration, it’s good to look online at different types of bridesmaid dress to get started with ideas. If you have a lot of bridesmaids to buy for, consider opting for second-hand dresses which are guaranteed to be cheaper than if you bought everything brand new.

Choosing dresses too similar to yours

Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day. Whilst there are many funny stories of bridesmaids unintentionally stealing the spotlight, being upstaged by one of your bridesmaids in terms of looks is something no bride wants to experience.

When it comes to choosing dresses for your bridesmaids, it’s always best to leave this until after you’ve chosen yours. This way, you’re able to tailor your bridesmaid’s dresses to fit around you, not the other way round. Obviously still choose dresses that will compliment you and make your bridesmaids feel comfortable, but it’s important to realize that no matter how much you want to please your bridesmaids, you should get the spotlight on your wedding day to ensure no drama occurs with your bridesmaids as the day progresses.

Giving in to all their opinions

Whilst we’ve emphasized that ensuring your bridesmaids are happy and comfortable is essential, it’s also important to put your opinions ahead of theirs. After all, it’s your wedding day and, as your bridesmaids, they should be willing to support whatever decision you make.

If one of your bridesmaids absolutely hates a dress that you’ve chosen, obviously listen to her and take her opinion into account if it’s clear it will cause a severe issue. But only take realistic opinions on board, and don’t feel like you have to give in to everything they want just to keep the peace. If your bridesmaids are set on wearing a dress that you don’t like, clashes with your color scheme or is simply too similar to your dress, don’t be afraid to say no! There are countless dress options out there just waiting to be tried on, so don’t be despondent if your bridesmaids are putting up a fight to start with.

Your bridesmaids are likely to be your best friends, so it’s important to take their feelings into consideration when choosing their dresses to avoid drama on your big day. But it’s still important to consider what you want too; as long as you’re realistic and organized, you’re almost guaranteed to find a solution that suits everyone!

Alice Nicholson works in a bridal boutique and shares her tips for wedding and bridesmaid dress shopping online to help brides-to-be make the right decision!