4 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dresses

So you’ve asked your closest girlfriends to be your bridesmaids and stand by your side on your big day. After the initial excitement, inevitably the next question on everyone’s lips will be “what are we going to wear?”

You’ve probably only just got over the stress of finding your own dress and now you’ve got to find the dresses for your bridesmaids too – which means pleasing not just yourself, but your army of girlfriends too. This could be a disaster – but not if you know how to choose the right dresses.

Your bridesmaid’s will probably vary in shapes and sizes, and it’s your job to make sure these ladies look and feel amazing. Luckily times have changed. No longer do you have to dress your bridesmaids in identical frocks. Now it’s far more flattering and looks so much better for bridesmaid’s to be wearing dresses that suit their individual looks. Here are 4 things to consider when choosing your bridesmaid dresses:

1. The length

Generally speaking, dresses come in three lengths. These are cocktail, tea-length and floor-length and it’s important to get the right length to flatter the right girl. If one of your bridesmaid’s has legs that go on forever, then show them off with a cocktail dress. If someone else likes their ankles but are not too keen on the rest of their legs, then opt for a tea-length dress. Alternatively, if one of your girls hates their legs, go for a floor length gown.

2. The body shape

Your body shape is all about proportion and showing off your best assets. If you know your body shape, then you will be able to find clothes that fit and flatter. What body shape are you?

Hourglass: Your hips and shoulders are similar in proportion and set off by a tiny waist. Think fitted dresses, belts at the waist, wrap dresses and high waisted skirts. Show off those curves!

Pear: Your hips are wider than your shoulders. Think a-line skirts, wide hems, cowl necklines, and strapless dresses.

Inverted triangle: Your shoulders are wider than your hips. Think full skirts, dresses that bring attention to your waistline and high waisted skirts.

Rectangle: Your shoulders, hips and waist are all similar in size. Think scoop necks, sweetheart necklines, layers and dresses with ruching.

Apple: Shoulders and hip line are about the same size, and waist is wider. Think V necklines, belts at the waist, empire dresses and shorter lengths.

3. The silhouette

Drop waist, A-Line, full skirt, surplice bodice, empire waist – these are all types of silhouettes. The A-Line silhouette fits the hips and generally widens towards the hem, resembling the letter A. This is a very popular choice for brides who choose only one style of dress for all bridesmaids as the drop waist balances the lower and upper body and therefore suitable for most body shapes. The empire waist is another one that works with most body shapes (just be wary with hourglass). This is because it doesn’t require a defined waist and can add the illusion of additional height.

4. The neckline

Some of your bridesmaid’s are likely to have small busts, and other will have large busts so it’s important to take the neckline into consideration when dress shopping. Bateau, scoop, halter, one shoulder, square, sweetheart, v-neck – these are all examples of necklines for bridesmaids dresses. Halter necklines are great for those with small busts who want to show off their arms and shoulders, whereas scoop necklines will flatter bigger busts and give them a shapely look. There are a couple of necklines that will suit most body shapes though. Sweetheart necklines are a very popular choice for bridesmaid dresses as they tend to suit all shapes and sizes, and if you are after a more modern look, a one- shoulder neckline looks great on a variety of body shapes too.

And remember – there is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting the bridesmaid dresses. Whether it’s traditional, chic, vintage, identical, mismatched – it’s ultimately down to you! These tips might just help make the process a little easier. Happy shopping.