Polka Dot Me Not - How to Select the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress
Written by Theresa Farrage, S.Lukas & Company Associate Planner
Raise your hand if you’ve been asked to be a maid of honor or a bridesmaid in a wedding. Most of you have been asked the question, outside of THE question, that you’ve been waiting to hear your whole life. It’s such an honor to be asked to walk down an aisle and stand beside your best friend, cousin, sister, or sister-in-law. As a former bridesmaid myself, I encourage all brides to consider their bridal party’s style and budget before selecting those polka dot dresses.
Style
While I know it’s the bride’s choice what the bridesmaids wear, brides should still be mindful of style preferences. While some styles work well for others, there’s no one size fits all approach. Consider sizing options and make sure the dress of choice suits a variety of measurements. When selecting a style, look for dresses that come in an assortment of necklines. Consider colors and patterns. Stripes aren’t everyone’s friend. Also, focus on a dress that has practicality and could potentially be worn again.
My favorite line from a bride is that she can envision you wearing the dress again. I’m sorry Karen, but this pink and lime green polka dot dress will never see the light of day after your wedding.
Photo by Blackbird Photographie
Accessories
Don’t overdue the accessory thing. It’s perfectly acceptable to tell your bridesmaids to wear a certain color shoe and the jewelry that you purchased for them to wear.
I draw the line at making people purchase a certain style and/or brand of shoe. Not everyone is comfortable walking in six inch heels that cost $300.
Photo by Blackbird Photographie
Budget
This is probably the one thing that brides overlook when selecting bridesmaid dresses. Not everyone can afford that $500 gown that you so desperately want your bridal party to wear. Select options that are affordable and realistic. Also, try to find options that don’t require a lot of alterations. If alterations are required, ensure that the fabric of choice can be easily manipulated without costing your bridesmaids a steep fee.
Photo by Sam Areman Photography
At the end of the day, your bridal party is there to support and love you, stand by you, and help you celebrate your special day. Show them some love in return and select a dress that makes them feel comfortable and confident.