Do I Have to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress My Bridesmaids Approve Of Or Can I Just Pick What I Want Them to Wear?

Since they’re paying for them it would be nice of you to ask them to wear something they feel comfortable in. I know that it’s your big day but you don’t want to humiliate your closest friends and relatives, do you?  If this thought is based on the fact that you want to be the center of attention then don’t have any bridesmaids at all.

When shopping for dresses have a clear idea of what color and style you want and make sure as many of your bridesmaids are with you to try them on.  See what they look like and if they are comfortable in them -- can they easily walk, do they have the coverage they want or need, can they dance the night away with you and your new hubby?

Remember that the single gals could seek revenge on you when it’s your turn to be their ‘maid or they could all get back at you at the shower or bachelorette.

I Don’t Want My Bridesmaids to Buy “Bridesmaid Dresses,” Where Can I Recommend They Shop For a Dress?

That depends on what your requirements are.

Even though you are being “nice” by letting your bridesmaids choose their own bridesmaid dresses, you should still set some parameters as to color, length and formality. You want everyone to complement each other, especially in formal portraits.

If you want a relatively easy color to shop for -- black, navy, white -- then your ‘maids shouldn’t have trouble shopping at department stores or mall shops. But, if you’re requesting a specific shade -- coral, lavender, sunny yellow -- then they may have the best luck at a bridesmaid dress retailer.

A bridesmaid dress retailer will offer a variety of styles, by several designers, in a rainbow of colors. Each girl will easily find a flattering silhouette in the color of your choice.

Some national bridesmaid retailers include, David’s Bridal, Bella Bridesmaid and the online retailer WeddingtonWay.com.

I Have Eight Bridesmaids, Should We All Go Shopping for a Bridesmaid Dress Together?

While you do need everyone to try on dresses to see the fit I would suggest taking your maid of honor and maybe one other available bridesmaid for the first round of shopping. This should give you a chance to see the styles and colors available, and night fight with seven people over what they each like best.

After your maid of honor and one additional bridesmaid try on a few styles you can get an idea of what style dress you want and maybe even the color and fabric too.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to three possibilities bring the rest of the group with you to the bridesmaid dress shop, or send them some options to see on WeddingtonWay.com -- an e-bridesmaid dress store.

Trust me, fewer people mean fewer opinion, and that equals less stress for you.

I Want My Bridesmaids to Choose Their Own Dresses, What Guidelines Should I Give Them?

It’s important that your bridesmaids know what shade of color their dress should be and the formality of the wedding.

I write shade instead of color because each color comes in a range of shades. For example, blue can range from navy to royal to sky blue. Pink can be fuchsia, bubble or pale pink. You can give each ‘maid a swatch or paint chip or send them images of dresses in colors you approve of so they get the idea.

Formality is important because it will dictate the dress’ hemline. The more formal the wedding the longer the hemline. You also want consistency so giving them a guide as to what length is okay will ensure a more cohesive look in your photos.

Make sure each girl knows if her arms need to be covered or not for the ceremony. Some houses of worship may ask for arms to be covered, which means no strapless dresses.

If you’re still nervous, tell them that while they can choose their own dress you have the right to veto it. Plan some shopping dates or shop together online and you’re sure to find something that makes you and each of your bridesmaids happy.

Win Bridesmaid Dresses for Your Wedding

Still shopping for your bridesmaid dresses? Alfred Angelo stores will be celebrating Girls Night Out this Thursday, July 28th from 6-8pm where your bridesmaids can save $20 on their dress and you can enter to win a giveaway to win your bridesmaid dresses -- that's right free dresses!

In addition to shopping, there will be stylists and wedding experts on hand to answer all your wedding questions. Complimentary beauty services will also help you find the perfect look for your big day.

For more information and to find an Alfred Angelo store in your area, visit alfredangelo.com.

An Easy Way to Save Money on Your Wedding Dress

Did you know that many bridesmaid dress designers offer their dresses in white or ivory? Ever since Pippa Middleton wore a stunning ivory dress to her sister Kate’s wedding (you remember, she married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in April) brides have been picking white or ivory for their bridesmaids’ dresses.

But why not choose one for yourself?

Bridesmaid dresses can be short or long, strapless, embellished and are available in a number of fabrics, including organza, taffeta, satin and jersey, and cost a few hundred dollars at most.

The ordering process will work the same as a wedding dress in most salons. You have to have your measurements taken and the dress will take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive. Once it does you’ll need to find a good tailor to ensure a perfect fit. Unlike bridal salons bridesmaid dress stores usually don’t offer alteration services but will be able to recommend one in the area.

As for some ideas for bridesmaid dresses in white for the bride I think it’ll make a great story and will try and pull one together this week!

Bridesmaids Blog Tour: What to Do With a Bridesmaid Dress After the Wedding

The new film Bridesmaids hits theatres today, May 13th, and if you’re looking for either a great date night with your fiance or a night out with the girls order tickets now. The film is set around a wedding and it’s the story of friendship.

When Annie (Kristen Wiig) is asked to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor she has to lead a group of bridesmaids as they search for the perfect bridesmaid dress, plan a bridal shower, bachelorette party and help with the wedding details. Annie’s lfe is a mess and she finds herself competing for the bride’s attention with another ‘maid.

As brides and bridesmaids we all know that weddings can bring out both the best and worst in people and in this story it also brings a lot of laughs (and a really cute cop with a Irish accent).

Take your fiance and make this film part of your next date night or grab your bridesmaids and plan a girl’s night out. You’re sure to have a great time either way.

I walked away with a number of great planning tips for this blog but as a bride you’re sure to find ideas for your own wedding and bridesmaids will get inspired by the bridal shower and bachelorette party ideas.

The photos below show a familiar scene: the hunt for the perfect bridesmaid dress that will both flatter every bridesmaids’ figure and not hurt their wallets. But what I think about when it comes to bridesmaid dresses is what to do with them after the wedding.

If you’ve been a bridesmaid you already know you probably won’t wear the bridesmaid dress you wore again. And as the bride your bridesmaids probably won’t wear the bridesmaid dress you’ve picked no matter how flattering you think it is.

But don’t let a bridesmaid dress or dresses take up space in your closet. There are a number of options you have to make the dress wearable for you or others. Here are some ideas:

Alter it. Take your bridesmaid dress to a local tailor and talk to a professional about redesigning it. Shorten a floor-length gown to a cocktail length. Cut it in two and create a top and bottom that you can pair with other clothes.

Donate it. A number of organizations will accept donations of gently used evening wear that low-income teens can use for prom dresses.  Visit DonateMyDress.org to find a list of charities from across the country you can donate your bridesmaid dress to.

Recycle it.  Newlymaid.com is a new service by The Dessy Group that will let you exchange a used bridesmaid or party dress by any designer for a new little black dress. The dress you send in will either be recycled or donated and you’ll receive a 30-50% discount on a new dress that you can wear again and again.






This is a sponsored post brought to you by Universal Pictures’ Bridesmaids. Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Simple Silhouettes Sample Sale This Weekend

Looking to help your bridesmaids save a little money on their bridesmaid expenses?  How about getting their dresses from a sample sale?

This Friday and Saturday Simple Silhouettes in New York City will be hosting a sample sale of their bridesmaid dresses and bridal accessories.  Everything will be marked down 80% from the original prices of $280 to $400.  Some dresses will be priced as low as $50!  In addition to the bridesmaid dress collection they will also have dresses from their Simpledress line, which is perfect for brides shopping for an outfit to wear to their engagement party, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

The sale will be open from 10am-6pm Friday, April 15th and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, April 16th at the SoHo showroom, 547 Broadway between Prince and Spring Streets.

Another Fab Find: The Two Birds Rosette Dress

Another fabulous find from New York Weddings magazine show was the rosette dress from Two Birds.

If you're not familiar with Two Birds you should be, especially if you have a large bridal party.  They have one dress that can be worn in 15 different ways and is available in 20 colors.

There are four twobirdsbridesmaid.com rosette dress designs -- a floor-length, a tea length, mini and short dress.  The design is available in six colors (but you can custom order it in up to 20 other colors) and some lengths are available with rosettes at the hem, others are covered from waist to hem.

If you're looking for a fun and affordable wedding dress there is an ivory and rosewater shade that could work for your wedding.

Two Birds has stores in New York, LA, Canada, Australia and in the UK or you can place an order on their Web site, twobirdsbridesmaid.com.

Bridesmaid Gifts They Will Love

Have you ever been a bridesmaid?  Now honestly, how many times did you wear a bridesmaid dress again?

I have one bridesmaid dress that I never wore again and then as maid of honor at my sister's wedding I re-wore that skirt and top as a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding.  But actually I just wore it for the photos because we didn't walk down the aisle.  After formal portraits I changed into a different dress I had fallen in love with at a vintage store a week before the wedding -- with the bride's permission of course.

Anyway, the point is that I never wore these dresses again and you probably won't wear any of the bridesmaid dresses you've had to wear again either.

Did you get a gift that went with the dress like a necklace or earrings?  If you're never wearing the dress again when will you wear the accessories?

My point is that when shopping for bridesmaid gifts treat each of your bridesmaids to a meaningful and personal gift.  You don't have to get them all the same thing.  And like a wedding favor it's better to put your money into something that your friends will use and enjoy.

And as for how much to spend on bridesmaid gifts that's up to you.  If you're buying each girl something that she will truly enjoy I'm sure they won't compare notes behind your back and guess how much each item cost because they'll be so touched that you spent time thinking about getting them something special and not some token gift that either matches their never to be worn again bridesmaid dress or is some generic bridesmaid gift item they saw in the back of a bridal magazine.

Shopping for Bridesmaids Dresses

Shopping for bridesmaids dresses is not easy.  You have to find a dress that will fit and flatter each girl and that's not even the headache of trying to schedule shopping appointments when everyone is available.

When you find a bridesmaid dress that you like schedule an appointment for as many of your bridesmaids to go with you to try it on.  For those who can't make it, see if it's available in their area and have them make an appointment and email you a photo of themselves in the dress so you can see what it looks like.

Once you've picked a dress make sure each bridesmaid gets her measurements done correctly, the sales consultant can give them directions, and confirm that everyone has ordered their dress in a timely manner.

You should always check the store's return policy but I'm gonna bet that once ordered you can't cancel the order for a full refund so only place the order, or have the bridesmaids place their orders, after they've all tried on the dress, you've decided that it's the right color and style for your wedding and you are satisfied that everyone looks great.

Don't worry too much about picking a bridesmaid dress they can wear again because no matter what you choose they probably won't wear it again.  Sorry, that's the truth.