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Traditional & Custom Wedding Ceremonies

You used to think finding clothes to flatter your own figure was a challenge? Try finding a dress that flatters 3, 4, 5, maybe even 6 or more very different figures, in a style and color you like, a reasonable price range and that will be worn again! Keep smiling......Actually, it is possible to find dresses for your wedding party that meet these criteria, it might just take a little extra effort and time on your part. And given that these women have agreed to stand up for you during this big event (not to mention smile and buy the dress you ultimately choose, whether they like it or not!), a little time and effort is the least you can contribute.

Options

The majority of brides choose identical gowns for their bridesmaids, although this is not a handfast rule. Alternatives include choosing the same dress in varying shades of the same color, different dresses in the same basic color, a bolt of material for bridesmaids to have their own dresses made, or the same dress for the bridesmaids and something a little different for your maid/matron of honor. If you choose the dress, clearly you are assured they will all match the day of the wedding. If you allow your bridesmaids to choose a dress within particular guidelines, a cocktail length dress in navy, for example, you allow them to choose something they like within a price range they can comfortably afford (and increase the chances they'll choose something they will definitely wear again).

If you prefer the first approach, choosing it yourself, your best bet is to shop around and get a sense for the styles available, keeping in mind the formality of your wedding and your preferred colors. Bridal shops, department stores, and regular women's clothing stores are all good choices to start (link to our advertisers). Your might prefer to do this early legwork on your own, involving your bridesmaids once you have narrowed it down to 3-4 selections. Do keep in mind that these women are purchasing this dress to please you, not to mention incurring other wedding related expenses, so try to be reasonable in your price range and diligent in finding gowns they will likely wear again. You may not be able to please everyone but this consideration will take you a long way in showing your appreciation for their support. In considering dresses, think about not just the front but the back of the dress as well; attendants generally spend some time during the ceremony with their backs to the other wedding guests.

Ordering Dresses

Once you have narrowed the selection down, show pictures or the actual dress to as many of your bridesmaids as you can and ask for their opinions. Make your final selection based on these comments. If the store is a national chain, you can have the bridesmaids purchase their own dress at their local store. Each woman can then make her own arrangements for alterations. If you are purchasing from a local bridal shop or other local store, ask a salesperson for a measurement form and send it off to your distant bridesmaids, providing a stamped, return envelope for their convenience. Once you have their measurements, and consequently can choose the appropriate size, order all of the dresses at once and have the bridesmaids reimburse you when they arrive in town. If possible, they should arrive several days prior to the wedding so that alterations may be made.

Accessories

You may also want to order the same accessories, for example, headpieces or fresh flowers for their hair, earrings or other jewelry, for all of your bridesmaids, to complement their dresses. (Jewelry for the wedding day, in fact, can make a nice bridesmaid's gift.) Shoes and stockings do not need to be identical but should be similar; you can let your bridesmaids know your preferences but again give them the freedom to wear or purchase something most comfortable for them.

Maid of Honor

If you choose to have the wedding party wear identical dresses then the maid or matron of honor is dressed the same as the other bridesmaids. If you would like to set her off in her special role, you could have her wear the same dress as the other bridesmaids but in a different color, or have her carry a slightly different bouquet from the others.

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