You’ve decided to get married! Congratulations! Now, it’s time to sort out the finer details. And one big ticket item on that list is choosing the perfect dress for your bridesmaids. It doesn’t matter if you have one or ten, there are always going to be varying sizes, body shapes and body types in the mix. So, how do you celebrate all your beautiful bridesmaids and make sure they’re all feeling comfortable and amazing? It’s simple – follow these rules.

1.Have a chat about the pefect dress

One of the biggest complications with choosing bridesmaids dresses is that you want them to both look good and match the aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you’re planning a beachside wedding, dresses made out of light and airy fabrics such as chiffon or organza, complete with a long and flowing shape, would work well for obtaining that beachy feel. Similarly, if the dress code is Black Tie, your ladies should probably avoid wearing cocktail dresses.

While brides will ask what they like, it might be easier to ask what they’d like to avoid. This way, you can try your best to keep them happy. For example, your best friend may dislike halterneck-style dresses, and your sister may cringe at the thought of beige. This is a great way to narrow down your choices, especially if you’re on a tight timeframe.

2.Shun the matchy-matchy trend

One way to ensure all your bridesmaids are happy is to let them choose their own dresses (with your consultation and approval, of course). Pick a colour or a colour theme and let them choose their own fabric and style. If you want them to resemble each other, you can request they choose dresses from the same designer or range. Or, you can request that their dresses all have something in common. For example, they all have lace or chiffon elements. This will ensure that the girls all look like they’re part of the bridal party, but still give them a bit of a unique flair.

You can also find a dress that comes with different necklines or details so they can personalise it. For example, one dress could be transformed to be either strapless, one shoulder, or with two straps. This gives everyone the opportunity to feel comfortable (regardless of bust size), but to still match to some extent.

3.Test the perfect dress on all body shapes

Before you say yes to those dresses, be sure that every bridesmaid has tried and tested your variety of choices. You want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and to be able to move freely at your wedding, without feeling restricted or restrained. Your beautiful bridesmaids are no doubt all going to have a variety of body shapes, skin tones and dress tastes, and it’s important that you take these into account to find something that’s universally flattering… so that everyone feels and looks amazing!

4.Don’t be afraid

While bridesmaids used to all be in block-coloured frocks with the same shoes and accessories, this isn’t the case anymore. Many brides are opting for patterned dresses, spinning a fresh taste on matching looks. Don’t be afraid to go bold and don’t be afraid to be different. If you don’t like the idea of prints, perhaps consider embracing some bling. Whether it’s sequins, beads, studs or crystal embellishing, let the girls sparkle with some texture, without being too flashy. If you are going to go with prints or bling, perhaps consider a more demure dress shape or neckline to balance it all out.

Another way of finding the perfect dress that suits everyone is to choose a two-piece outfit instead. Let’s face it, very few women are the same size in tops and pants. By choosing a two-piece set instead of dresses, it’s easy to have the items altered to fit each bridesmaids perfectly. It will also give your bridesmaids a bit more choice in what they feel comfortable in.

For example, you could choose a pattern that you love. Then have your bridesmaids choose whether they want to wear a long skirt and a halter top, or a long sleeve top and a shorter skirt, etc. They’ll be able to show off the parts of their body that they love, and they’ll have a high chance of being able to wear the items again!

5.Consider the costs

Some brides gift the dresses to their maids, but if that’s not for you, then you need to consider what you’re actually asking of your ladies. Remember, they’re still likely to get you gifts for your engagement and your wedding, not to forget the hens night and wedding shower. These costs really do add up, and everyone has different financial circumstances. The last thing you want to do is throwing them in the deep end with an uber expensive perfect dress. Don’t forget, there may be alterations that need to be done, new shoes that need to be bought and new accessories as well, so all of these costs should be factored in.

It’s best to consider all the girls separately and keep in mind their lifestyles. If you have a friend who is raking in the money and a friend who is working part-time to pay her way through university, focus the cost on the lower-earner. That way, there will be no embarrassment caused if she can’t necessarily afford the perfect dress you want.

Amazing perfect dress for your bridesmaids

Trying to keep multiple people happy can be tough. Especially when it’s your day and you want things to turn out perfectly. But bridesmaid dresses don’t have to be a huge hassle. If anything, they can be the easiest part of your wedding planning. Find dresses that both you and your bridesmaids love, and have them altered at Looksmart Alterations stores across Australia and New Zealand, to ensure they fit all the unique and beautiful body shapes of your bridesmaids. It is the perfect way to make sure everyone feels comfortable and fabulous on your big day.