How to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses

You’ve bought your wedding dress and now it’s time to start searching for your bridesmaids dresses! Where to start? Should you visit bridal stores? Should you buy bridesmaids dresses online? How can you make the process as stress-free as possible?

Search
First it’s important to think of the theme of your wedding. What styles and colours will create the right atmosphere? A good idea is to create a folder or mood board by collecting pictures of dresses you like from magazines or by searching bridesmaids dresses online. Searching online for images of bridesmaids dresses from real weddings is a fantastic way to see what your bridesmaids dresses would look like on real people, not a studio model. You can also see what dress styles suit different body types. Many suppliers can be contacted about their bridesmaids dresses online, through their website and by e-mail. Genuine suppliers will be happy to answer any of your questions or to provide suggestions for your bridal party.

Prepare
Viewing bridesmaids dresses online will show you the ranges available in various stores, the stockists’ locations and trading hours. Once you have short-listed your favourite styles it’s time to book some appointments. This will ensure a consultant is available to attend to your bridal party and that you have full use of the change rooms. You may wish to ring the store ahead of time to let them know the particular bridesmaids dresses you saw online and are interested in trying on. This is also a good time to highlight if you require any specialised advice, for example, for a pregnant bridesmaid.

Try
Ask your bridesmaids to bring along a pair of heals and the right underwear to the appointment. You may also wish to bring along a picture of your wedding gown, fabric swatches, accessories or anything that will show the consultant your vision for the wedding. Whilst you will have your preferred styles, try to be open to suggestions from your bridesmaids and the consultant. The bridesmaids dresses which you skipped over online or on the rack may look stunning on your bridesmaids!

Buy
As with wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses may take up to 16 weeks to be made. Ideally you should purchase them no later than 6 months before the wedding to allow sufficient time for alterations. Avoid purchasing bridesmaids dresses online. Whilst they may often appear cheaper than standard retail prices, there are many hidden pitfalls. Dresses may appear significantly different on your bridesmaids than on the website’s model. Colour ranges for online bridesmaids dresses are far inferior to viewing a real fabric swatch. Most importantly the in-store service provided by a real life bridesmaids consultant is invaluable. Should you have any problems with your bridesmaids dresses purchased online such as fabric faults, variations in colour or incorrect sizing, you will be responsible for handling the situation on your own. However, by purchasing your dresses from a trusted supplier, you can rely on support from knowledgeable consultants who are experienced in these matters.