Choosing the Perfect Bridesmaid Gown

When deciding on dresses for your wedding attendants, I suggest you avoid the “cookie cutter” bridesmaid gown—the exact same dress for everyone, regardless of body type.  Your friends are either bulging at the seams or drowning in a sea of fabric as they stand at the altar looking strangely “alike.” Don’t do this to your girls—they are your closest, dearest friends. Give them a reason to hang on to that dress, and they may actually wear it again.

When it comes to choosing attire for your bridesmaids, it might help if you consider these three key elements: age, body type and personality.

 

Age
You may have attendants who are friends from high school and then another friend who may be a co-worker and over 40. She may not want (or be able) to wear a “cut down to there” or corseted dress. So be kind and think twice: What style is age appropriate?

Body Type
Even if all your attendants are in the same age range, their body types may vary quite a bit. One attendant may be very thin while another is a bit curvier. So when choosing a dress, consider how your attendants would feel standing next to one another wearing it.

Personality
As women, our vibe can range from ultra-conservative to super chic. There’s no right or wrong personality type for a bridesmaid, as long as she is pleasant and agreeable. Avoid choosing dresses that will take attendants too far from their comfort zone.

The thing that all your attendants have in common is you, so show them some love and try to find a happy medium for all. You can do this by choosing the designer and color, and then allowing each attendant to select a cut or style of dress that fits her age, body type and personality best. Even if you don’t choose this route, try to find a dress that flatters all your attendants.

Elaine Swann is a San Diego based Lifestyle and Etiquette expert who provides brides one-on-one consulting on traditional and modern wedding etiquette. Considered an authority on etiquette and lifestyle practices, Elaine’s advice has been called upon by ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, Fox, KUSI, and Wealth TV. She’s been featured on radio programs, and print publications such as Modern Bride Magazine, Exquisite Weddings Magazine, and more. You can explore free tips and wedding etiquette advice at her website ElaineSwann.com.

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