7 Tips for Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Dress

With many couples becoming recently engaged over the holidays, we have been flooded with lots of questions: What should I do first? When should we send out save-the-dates? Can my friend marry us? Should I have a tented wedding at my uncle's house?

Let's start with a question we received from one of our clients just yesterday – "How do I select bridesmaid dresses for my bridal party? I have ten bridesmaids, and they all have different body types and style preferences!"

1. Consider the season

If your wedding is in November, you probably don't want to pick a dress that is tea-length and strapless – unless of course you live in a warm climate or are having a destination wedding. Dresses that are heavy or have many layers should also be avoided in warm months. You can opt for a bolero, shawl, or pashmina to cover arms and shoulders in months that may have warmer days and cooler nights.

2. Consider the venue

If your wedding is a tented backyard affair, complete with lawn games and a pig roast, you probably don't want to pick a ballgown style, or a glitzy, beaded dress. Take into account the type of fabric the dress is made from as well.

3. Consider your wedding attire

Find a style or styles that compliment your attire, but make sure it isn't too similar.

4. Be flexible, but offer guidance

It's hard to please everyone, especially when you have a large bridal party. Try to select a line of dresses that offer similar styles with varying necklines. This will allow your bridesmaids to pick a dress in the color you want, but in a fit that works well for them. You can also select a color, and have them pick a hue in that range. This also allows for your bridesmaids to purchase attire that not only fits their body, but fits their budget. For example: A blush pink, as seen in this picture of Kristen's bridesmaids. This same logic applies to not only dresses, but also to jumpsuits or traditional two-piece suits for both men and women.

5. Choose a cut that is flattering on most body types

Maybe you have your heart set on your bridesmaids all wearing the same outfit, so what should you do then? Select a silhouette that works well for most people, such as an empire waist, maxi, or A-line style. You should also avoid strapless dresses if any of your bridesmaids are large chested, or select a dress that has the option of removable straps.

6. Go Shopping!

Ask them to go shopping with you, but don't bring them all at once. It's hard to decide when you have 10 varying opinions. Instead, shop with 3 or 4 of them at any one time.

7. Rent

Rent a bridesmaid dress? You sure can! Check out Rent the Runway, an online retailer that rents high-end dresses, skirts, and accessories for any occasion. Never thought it was possible for your attendants to wear the likes of Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhluillier, Reem Acra, or Vera Wang at a price you or they can afford? Here is your solution! You can rent the garment for 4 or 8 days, and select up to 2 size options, or even choose a second style. After the event, it's free shipping back to them and you don't even have to clean it! They handle the cleaning for you. We suggest you do a test run with a dress or two before you commit to this option.

Mint Dream Gown by Badly Mischka

Stay tuned for more planning tips and etiquette guidance in upcoming blog posts. We will try and post answers to your burning questions a couple times a month.