True or False: Bridesmaid Dresses

One of the most stressful times for a bride-to-be is deciding on bridesmaid dresses. Long time bridal industry expert and wedding gown consultant, Christa Smith, provides solutions to common hurdles experienced by brides. Let’s Play True or False: Bridesmaid Dresses edition.

#1: I should take all my bridesmaids together to select their dress. 

FALSE

Too many opinions can make the process long and stressful. Instead, try taking one girl who is harder to fit. Then narrow the choices down to three dresses before getting the majority opinion.

#2: Telling my girls to go buy any dress, in an attempt to be the cool and carefree bride, will make it easier for them.

FALSE

Your girls ultimately want you, the bride, to be happy with the dress. Take the pressure off of them. Save them hours of stressful shopping and narrow down the choices before they go shopping.

#3: I found bridesmaid dresses online for a really great price, but I’m feeling like it might be too good to be true.  

TRUE

The bridal industry has issued a “Buyer Beware” alert concerning vendors that are strictly on-line retailers. More often than not, these are scams and the buyer has no recourse when the wrong dresses or the wrong sizes arrive. Sometimes, they don’t arrive at all. It’s not worth the stress, money, and loss of time.  

#4: It is not possible for all my girls to look great in the same dress.  

FALSE

Most designers are aware of the many differing body types in the average bridal party, and offer styles to accommodate each other. Ask your bridal consultant for assistance. They have seen the dresses on all shapes and sizes and can make suggestions unique to your wedding.  

#5: I should order my bridesmaid’s dresses in a timely manner.  

TRUE

Your bridesmaid’s time is valuable. You don’t want your girls running around for alterations and accessories at the last minute. Having dresses arrive no later than a month before your big day will ease the stress.

#6: Allowing my girls to wear different dress styles, means the colors and fabrics won’t match.  

FALSE

Bridesmaid designers offer different styles and necklines in the same color and fabric.  Narrow down the choice to dresses that come in the color and fabric you want and then let your maids pick the style they are most comfortable in.

#7: My bridesmaid’s dresses will require alterations.

TRUE

Most bridesmaid dresses are ordered to the closest manufactured size and they are not cut to your bridesmaid’s exact measurements. Make sure your girls understand this and budget time and money accordingly.  

#8: I won’t be able to find a dress for an expectant bridesmaid.  

FALSE

It has become common for designers to offer select styles in maternity. Bridal salons are used to working with sizing for expectant bridesmaids and will know the best options based on baby’s due date.

#9: I should be mindful of price, even though my bridesmaids can afford it.

TRUE

Be sensitive to budget. Never assume you know how much your girls can afford. If you have caviar taste, offer to pay at least half.

#10: I am getting a good deal if alterations are included in the price of the dress.

FALSE

You know the saying, “Nothing is free,” if alterations are included in the price, you are most likely paying for the overall average cost of alterations. If minimal alterations are needed, the cost could be less than the average rate.