Bridesmaid Beautiful - Let Them Shine in Individual Style

Believe it or not, one of the biggest points of stress for many brides is finding the perfect bridesmaid gown for their lovely ladies. I don't know how many times I've received calls from my brides who've been in tears because the shopping experience, which was supposed to be a fun time, turned ugly really fast. 

If you haven't been a bride or a bridesmaid before, this may sound completely absurd to you and you're probably wondering how shopping for a pretty dress can make a bride cry. Easy.  

Think about it, you didn't select each girl to be one of your bridesmaids based on the way she will look in a specific gown, you selected her because of her. That means, all your girls already have a defined sense of style and personality, and more importantly, knows what looks good and doesn't on them. You also have to consider that each one is physically different in shape, skin color and height. So, when you ask all of them to unanimously select one gown in one color, a catty situation is going to arise, and more than likely, a decision is not going to be met and there is going to be some tension. 

If for some reason a decision is met, there are always a couple ladies who despise the gown and aren't saying anything to be a good sport. However, when it comes to the wedding day, it's clearly evident in the photos that she didn't feel good in her gown. Pictures are the sure sign of a woman's confidence, and when there is a lack thereof, it translates on to film.  

Also, you are asking a lot of your ladies to be your bridesmaid. Many brides feel like the role is an honor, which it is, don't get me wrong. However, it's a major commitment in both time and money to be there for you on your special day. With that said, make a concerted effort to make them happy and feel beautiful. 

Here are some simple tips on how to make the gown selection process easier for you and them:

Be efficient with your time and do your research first. 

Don't take your entire bridal party with you to find "the gown". Go with only two other people so you don't have a million opinions in the selection process. I would advise bringing your mom and your Maid-of-Honor. 

Pick more than one gown.

Who says that everyone needs to be in the same dress? In fact, who says they need to be in the same color? Listen, the matchy-matchy thing is out so what's the point? You have a color palette so why not select several different dress styles in different colors that marry into your palette? Select three styles in three colors. The variety will add pops of color and variation in your images. 

Select gowns that accentuate different physical features.

When you select your gowns, keep in mind that each one should flatter a different body type - busty, flat, square, curvy, skinny and voluptuous. That ensures at least one gown will look amazing on each of your girls. 

Believe me, these simple suggestions will create the most efficient and stress-free shopping experience. Plus, the biggest bonus, HAPPY and BEAUTIFUL bridesmaids who will be nothing but excited to wear their gown come the wedding day.

The right hair and make-up plays an integral roles as well, but that's a topic for another time... 

Enjoy the following bridesmaids inspiration images. 

~simone