The most difficult part of the wedding planning for most brides is how to pick a bridesmaids dress that your bridesmaids love. It is already difficult if you have only two attendants, can you imagine having 5 ,6 or 8 bridesmaids to make happy.

This is the advise we give to our brides, and ofcourse if you have great suggestions let me know and I am always happy to add it on.

Most important, if you have a large bridal party,  expect one bridesmaids to dislike almost any style you pick, one to dislike the color you pick and ofcourse you will always have one that will complain about the price. Now that you know that this is a normal thing, don't get upset about it.

• You will be shopping for many different woman in your bridal party, do not take them all shopping with you. You will never be able to choice a style and for sure you will not be able to make anyone happy.
• Only go shopping with those 2-3 girls that you normally would go shopping with. You know that they know your likes and dislikes. Please keep in mind  that you can also go shopping with friends, they do not nessariily have to be in the wedding.
• When you are trying to find a style that will fit on most body types, go shopping with 2-3 different body types of girls. Many brides will use themself as one body type and if you don't like it for yourself you will not like it on your bridesmaids.
• You can also go yourself and make a selection of 3 to 4 gowns that you like , then go with your bridesmaids and make a final selection out of these 4 gowns.
• When you find a style: e-mail them a  picture and give them the information of the salon you will be working with. Let them know the style number, color and price.
• As dye lots do change , it is very important that all gowns are ordered from the same dye lot. With other words the bridal salon places the order for all the bridesmaids together to insure that they are made out of the same roll of fabric. Give the girls a dead line by when to place there order with the bridal salon. If not the complete order gets held up, just because one bridesmaids is late ordering in.
• Bridesmaids should have themself professionally measured. Bust ( Largest part OVER the bust), Waist (smallest part of the upper torso, above the belly button), Hips ( Largest part OVER the buttocks and hips).
• Do not let your bridesmaids "adjust" there  measurements. We know they are all on a diet , however only about 20% actually will have lost weight by the time your wedding comes along.Very important that the gowns are ordered in the sizes that the girls are the day the order is placed.

Bridesmaids who might be or become pregnant:

• You can not change sizes afer orders are placed. Up to 4 months most pregnant bridesmaids can still fit in regular gowns. If you bridesmaid will be more along, please do NOT put her  in a regular bridesmaids gown.  Not only is it very difficult to adjust , and your bridesmaid will have a large alteration charge, she will never look her best.  Most companies have added matching /complimentary maternity gowns to there collections.They are very flattering and will make the mother to be look fantastic in your pictures. Ask you salon about the ordering times and how to size your pregnant bridesmaids, as the sizes for maternity gowns are very different. Do order closer to the wedding .

Juniors

• Juniors like flower girl gowns can only be ordered closer to the wedding . Most companies make junior gowns , looking almost the same to the bridesmaids gowns. Please check with your salon about the ordering time, most companies have a 6-8 weeks turn around. Order the Juniors gown 12-14 weeks before the wedding. They usually do not grow that much in those weeks and the size will be very accurate.

After your order is placed, ask your salon for a color swatch. Most companies will gladly send that to your salon. You will need that for the accessories, shoes  and much more. If you can not get a swatch, try to get a paint sample card from your local home improvement store.

I hope that this is helpful , if you have suggestions please email them to me.

Regards, bridalsbest