Category: Bridesmaid Dresses

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Best bridesmaid style trends that your friends will love

bridal party

Your wedding is fortunately at a time when a stunning variety of bridesmaids dresses, accessories and styles are available. This widens your choices and allows you to pick the best and most stylish options for your bridal party.

Your bridesmaids are all unique. So, their dresses and accessories should also reflect this uniqueness. Although it used to be a common practice to dress bridesmaids to look the same, this is no longer a trend. One-of-a-kind bridesmaids dresses that come together beautifully are a delightful sight. Add the finishing touches with accessories that pop, and your bridal party will look stunning. Not only does this speak eons of your taste in fashion, it also shows that you want your bridal party to be happy. Let their personalities shine through the dresses you choose for each of them. This will make the day extra-special and very memorable.

In today’s round-up, we take a look at the most stylish options of all times in bridesmaids dresses. As fashion trends change every day, these are styles that never lose appeal. Enjoy the tour and don’t forget to tell us which of these trends you will choose for your bridal party.

Enigmatic florals

Spring or summer, floral prints are never out of style. In fact, the Fashion spot suggests floral prints are a classic favorite that never go out of style. Whether large or small, floral details on a dress are always feminine and romantic. Perfect for garden weddings, these prints can easily be tied to any theme. Floral bridesmaids dresses have taken on varied forms and in every imaginable color of the spectrum. We have of course, always been fans of soft and subtle watercolor florals. At the same time, pastel and neutral backgrounds and bright blooms on shimmering fabric have been equally appealing. The dresses are even more delightful when paired with features like fluttery sleeves and ruffles. Floral prints also look beautiful on both long and short gowns. Here is a sample.


This printed chiffon gown from the Mori Lee bridesmaid collection is stylish and feminine, with its sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder neckline detail and side slit. The floral details add a whimsical touch, making the dress perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Silky slip or sheath silhouette

Figure-hugging and sexy, slip and sheath dresses look amazing in silky fabrics like satin. Choose dark jewel tones and your girls will look their glamorous best. This style that was in the limelight in the ’90s is just ideal for formal weddings.  The dress exudes sophistication and the slinky look can take several years off the woman who wears it, especially when it is in satin. Pair sheath and slip dresses in solid colors with accessories to match your color theme and create a cohesive effect.

This shift dress from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaid collection has a halter neckline that adds to its fun and flirty look. Simple and youthful, the dress falls over the natural curves, with the drape along the hemline wrapping around the silhouette. Pair it with shoes and jewelry in the color of your choice, and you have a stylish choice that will make your girls love you a little more.

Tea-length gowns

Neither long nor short, this is the ideal dress length that all your girls can carry easily. Tea-length dresses look lovely without revealing too much skin. They also have the sophistication to suit semi-formal events. The dress style goes very well with most wedding themes. You have an amazing variety of options to choose from, to match it to the bridal look. Dresses in airy fabrics like chiffon, lace and tulle look best for this length.

This beauty from the Mori Lee Tulle Affairs collection is sure to impress your bridesmaids. The textured bodice contrasts well with the satin waistband and layered tulle skirt. The length is just right for your girls to carry comfortably and look elegant. The classic scoop neckline with spaghetti straps is refreshingly feminine, and the dress is available in various colors.

Tiers in the skirt

Tiered skirts have been popular in bridal fashion.. This feature is just as attractive in bridesmaids outfits. Not only is it a romantic detail in a dress, it is a refreshing change to very simple dress styles. Light fluttering tiers in airy fabrics like chiffon look very beautiful. Your girls are sure to welcome this dress style that is dramatic, but not overwhelming. Whether done in asymmetric fashion for a modern twist or simple, tiered dresses are amazing and bound to make your bridal party photos interesting.

Despite the simplicity of this gown, this Mori Lee bridesmaid dress packs a punch. The even tiers in the skirt evoke interest and make the dress one of a kind. The texture in the skirt balances out the monochromatic color and also diverts attention from the simple bodice.

Romantic rose gold sequins

Replace pretty pastels, unobtrusive neutrals and monochrome dresses with the bling of rose gold. Bridesmaids dresses embellished with rose gold sequins are very dressy and will make your girls shine like stars. The soft tint of rose gold looks good on most complexions. The other good thing about this choice is that you needn’t worry about accessories. In most cases, the dress will be a statement piece by itself. Additionally, the light color blends well with most themes, and almost acts as a neutral. Opt for dresses with rose gold sequins only in the bodice, if you don’t want too much bling.

Here is a ravishing sweetheart sheath with rose gold sequins all over, from the Alfred Angelo collection. The silhouette as well as the sparkling embellishments make this dress a winner. Choose it for a banquet venue or a country club, and it will shine at either location.

Also take a look at the dress below, that features rose sequins in the bodice alone. The embellished empire bodice contrasts beautifully with the smooth finish of the rest of the dress. This has a fun and flirty look and is ideal for semi-formal and casual weddings. This dress is also from the Alfred Angelo collection.

Interesting back details

We cannot think of a single bride who doesn’t love dresses with amazing details in the back. This design factor immediately draws focus to this angle of the dress, and adds to the glamour. While brides have intricate and very interesting details like illusion backs and keyhole cut-outs, bridal collection designers haven’t forgotten about their best friends either. Bridesmaids dresses that feature interesting back details will be loved by your girls. Most ready-made dresses feature details in sheer fabric and are combined with textured bodices for a beautiful effect. There are also designs with open backs, crystal and beaded embroidery and similar details that add style to the rear angle.

This Mori Lee bridesmaid dress has a diamond shape cut-out in the back. The detail is crafted in lace, and is the statement feature of this dress. Since the cut-out makes the dress interesting from the rear angle, consider highlighting it with a hairstyle like a high bun that keeps the hair off their shoulders. With a bateau neckline in the front, this feature adds an interesting element to the otherwise simple dress.

Jewel tones for warmth and drama

Jewel tone colors are always more attractive than plain hues. The deep richness of these colors will add an air of sophistication to the overall outfit. Hence they are perfect for adding more color to your wedding palette. The refined shimmer of jewel tones also makes it easier to match the dress to any complexion. Like this article on the Oprah website suggests, jewel colors make everyone look more radiant.  This will make it easier for you to find colors that work for most of your bridesmaids. It is also easier than working with pastels and plain shades.

This mulberry colored dress from the Mori Lee collection is exquisite for its jewel tone. Imagine the same dress sans the shimmer and you will understand how simple it would be in comparison. The rich and bold color is what makes this dress stand out and look vibrant.

Flutter sleeves

Flutter sleeves are ultra-feminine and flatters women of all sizes and shapes. The length and texture can be customized according to individual body types. This is a feature that will add a romantic vibe to your wedding scenery. It is suitable for both full-length and short dresses. While adding a modest touch to the outfit, flutter sleeves are also youthful. Soft, fluttering sleeves in airy fabric like chiffon look beautiful on dresses with ruffled details in the bodice and skirt.

The fluttering sleeve on this off-the-shoulder gown from the Mori Lee collection adds a vintage feel to this bridesmaid dress. The fluttering sleeve extends into a ruffled neckline, which is the signature element of this beautiful dress. Soft and romantic, this is a dress your bridesmaids will look lovely in. Don’t be surprised if they choose to wear it more than just once.

All-white setting

All white palettes are a safe option for your wedding. Instead of searching far and near for the perfect color for your bridesmaids,dress them in white. Then choose accessories for accent colors that tie to the palette. White bridesmaid dresses look classic, and are relatively easy to match to the bridal look. Also, white is a universal favorite that flatters every complexion. Why would wedding dresses otherwise be in white? Whether you pick your bridesmaids dresses in soft chiffon, beautiful lace or crisp organza, the color or lack-of it is bound to work seamlessly with the rest of your wedding theme.

How adorable is this cute white bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection! The ruffled bodice and illusion neckline work in harmony with the gathered A-line skirt. The waistband adds a pleasant pop of color to the all-white dress. It is very girly and this dress would look beautiful at a semi-formal wedding.

Sleek silhouettes

As fashion edges towards minimalist and crisp, clean lines and sleek silhouettes are the rage. After all, bridesmaids do not need frumpy, frilly dresses to look great. Instead, smart and sleek silhouettes are stylish and attractive. Slim-cut skirts, fitted tops and clean necklines with minimum embellishments look great in simple colors. These are especially smart in grays, browns and black. They can be paired with colorful accessories and bouquets for a perfect Pinterest album.

Simple and elegant, this no-fuss dress from the Alfred Angelo is classic and perfect for any wedding theme at all. While the dress features a dipped halter neckline, it also has a gathered waistline and fitted silhouette. The skirt is softly fluted to create asymmetric draping over the body. The back features a racer-back detail. It is the statement element of this dress.

We hope you enjoyed this collection of dresses for bridesmaids. All these designs are from our bridesmaids dress collection at Best for Bride. So, which of these design styles do you love the most? Tell us in the comment section below.

Whether you have a traditional and classic wedding on the cards or intend to have an edgier, modern theme for your special day, find all that you need at Best for Bride. Check out our wide array of bridal dresses to interesting bridesmaid dresses, accessories, dresses for the mother of the bride and more. For more details on our inventory and services, visit the Best for Bride website.

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10 new and exciting bridesmaids dress ideas

Bridesmaids in matching outfits, and resembling big balls of cotton candy! These belong to the past. Today’s brides are smart and sensible, and want their bridesmaids to look and feel great on their big day. For this to happen, it is quintessential to toss the old rule book and make way for new rules for dressing up your bridesmaids.

So, here are few ideas that will help you dress your handpicked girls to look fabulous and add extra drama and excitement to your wedding scenery. Enjoy!

Rule 1: Mix up the textures

Here is an interesting way to give each of your bridesmaids their unique style, while keeping the look cohesive–Choose dresses in the same shade but different fabrics. With this simple switch in fabric choices, you change the overall look, but with subtlety. This option also helps brides who aren’t very sure of how to do the mix ‘n’ match concept to get it right. Dresses in the same shade but using different fabrics will easily go together, and the difference in texture will add an extra dimension of fun. Most designer collections give you plenty of colors for each design, and this allows your bridesmaids enough choices. They can choose from lace and tulle, to satin and charmeuse. Another factor is that as the fabric changes, so does the price of the dress. So, this allows your bridesmaids to choose a dress for their budget, as long as the desired color is chosen. As long as there aren’t too many accessories, it is bound to bring all the bridesmaids together. Just make sure you confirm that the dresses are of the same shade, before you give a thumbs up.

We have an example here to illustrate this idea.

Our first pick is the vintage style 8622L from the Alfred Angelo collection, in a gray color and created in soft net.

We have paired it with the 7342L from the same collection, which is an organza gown in a similar shade. Notice how the different fabrics give either dress a distinct personality, even while they come together beautifully!

Rule 2: Color block with one constant

Color blocking is an easy and uncomplicated way to bring more than one color into your bridesmaids outfits. Dressing up your bridesmaids in the same colors can resemble the original pattern of having all matching bridesmaids. This doesn’t do justice to allowing your bridesmaids shine individually. The better option is to mix up color block dresses, with different colors. However, keep one color constant throughout, so that there is a unifying factor that brings their looks together.

Let us demonstrate this with an example. Take a look at the 7344S from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaids collection.  It features color blocking with a black bodice and a gray skirt.

A dress that will work well with it is the 7345S from the same collection with a black bodice and soft beige skirt.  Although distinct from the first, the black bodices are strikingly similar, and this will bind the two looks together. These dresses can be chosen in any color shade in the skirt, and so make a perfect choice to play with color blocking.

Rule 3: Neutral color dresses with accessories that pop

There are two advantages to choosing bridesmaids dresses in neutral shades—your bridesmaids are more likely to use the dress again and the colors are usually easy to mix into any color palette. White, black, brown, gray and navy are neutrals that are easy to work with and form great pairings with most color palettes. These are also shades that look good on almost every skin tone. So, your bridesmaids will not have to worry about how the color clashes with their complexion.

The result is that everyone is happy, except for one small issue; not all neutral colored dresses can make that strong presence you require for your wedding. The solution—dress it up a notch with accessories in bold colors that will not go unnoticed. Choose shoes, belts or jewelry, and it will instantly add the necessary punch of color to your bridesmaids outfits. It will certainly be a better idea than having your girls dressed in unusual colors that they may not appreciate. Since they are paired with a neutral, there is no chance of the accessories going overboard. And, how about making these your bridesmaids gifts? That way, they get to use it on your wedding day and show it off. So, you now no how to add peach, sunset yellow or bubblegum pink to your bridesmaids outfits without making your girls cringe.

Take a look at this picture to see what we mean. Here, the bridesmaids dresses are a sober beige, and a bright dose of color is added through colorful heels and bouquets. By mixing up the colors, the result is interesting and lively.

The colorful bridesmaids
Image Credits: Ms.Phoenix,via Flickr,CC BY 2.0

 Rule 4: Neutral color dresses with zingy metal and jewel tone accessories

For an ultra-stylish and glamorous look, choose neutral colored dresses and pair it with bright and beautifully designed golden accessories. There are two benefits to this choice—your bridesmaids will most likely use the neutral dress again, and the metallic accessories will also work for them on another occasion. So it is a win-win situation, where they can get the best value for their money.

Here is a beautiful black evening gown, the J4003 from the lovely Jadore collection at Best for Bride.

Featuring a wide cut scoop neckline, sheath silhouette and softly sculpted cap sleeves, the gown is a beauty by itself. However, pairing it with an oversize gold necklace, waistband and bracelet makes it a dress that personifies Hollywood glamour. We are sure your bridesmaids will be excited to have a look like this. With such brilliant accessories, they will have that festive dressy look, perfect for a wedding day. The best part is that the dress being in a neutral shade gives them so many options to dress it up differently on another occasion. So, it’s definitely not a dress that will be exiled to the confines of their closets after your big celebration.

Rule 5: Go to different lengths to vary the style

Of the different ways to keep a consistent look but add drama, one of our favorites is to vary the lengths of the various gowns while keeping the color or print constant. This gives you ample choice to choose dresses in lengths that suit different body shapes and ages. So, if you have bridesmaids from different age groups and looking entirely distinct, you can easily vary the look yet bring it all together with dresses of varying hemlines. We look at dresses from the Mori Lee bridesmaids collection to bring you two examples of dresses that can achieve this look effortlessly.

Our first choice is the navy blue tulle 112 bridesmaid gown from the Mori Lee Tulle Affairs collection.

A full-length gown in tulle, with a sweetheart neckline and interesting criss-cross ruched bodice, this dress is elegant and looks best on both tall and short bridesmaids.

Here, we pair it with the Mori Lee 11100 from the same collection.

This dress has an illusion lace neckline and cap sleeves, and a short and fun skirt that ends a little above the knee. Although the two dresses are entirely different, they make a splendid combination because of the matching color. Hence you have suitable choices both for the women who want to look elegant and the bold and fun-loving bridesmaids in your wedding party.

Rule 6: Go from dark to light in a single color

Choose colors like red or yellow, and ask your bridesmaids to pick dresses in different shades of this color. This will keep the spectrum constant, but with interesting variation. This ombre trend has been in the limelight for a while now, and is an exciting way to dress up your bridesmaids. The only thing you should remember when choosing this option for dressing your bridesmaids, is that you should choose colors that cannot vary too much. Green, purple and blue are colors that can go totally wrong, if this happens. This is because colors like turquoise can fall into both shades, although it may look entirely different from pure shades like navy blue and mint green. So, choose colors that can vary only in the intensity of the black and white they may contain, when you choose this method.

Rule 7: One color with different prints

Printed bridesmaids dresses are interesting and exciting. While you may be tempted to choose the same prints for all your bridesmaids, it is a better idea to look around and find dresses in the same color with different prints instead. This will add a subtle variation to the look, and each bridesmaid will be unique in her own way. The unifying factor will be the color that all the dresses feature, and this is all that is required to bring the overall look together. You can also consider mixing up dresses that have prints all over with those where the prints are limited to chosen areas on the dress, like the yoke or hemline. Here are two dresses from the Jadore collection. The first is the J6013 from the Jadore collection, with black prints on a beige base.

The next is the J5009 from the same collection, with the same combination of colors done entirely different.

Rule 8: Alternate plain and print

In this option, your job is relatively easy. All you have to do is finalize a color and choose one plain and one printed bridesmaid dress in it. Alternate this choice for your bridesmaids, so you have equal numbers wearing the plain colored dress, and the same number wearing printed dresses. By keeping the designs uniform and the hemlines of both styles the same, the entire group looks well coordinated and classy.

Here is a wedding party that has achieved this result with alternate plain and printed purple dresses.

@shoopsmoo &#bridesmaids
Image Credits:leesean, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The printed purple dresses feature very subtle white floral prints all over the length of the gown. The dresses blend well with the plain purple dresses that the rest of the bridesmaids wear. What we specifically loved about this combination is that the plain dresses are not exactly similar, each one features a different neckline. Thus we can safely conclude that each bridesmaid has her distinct style of dress, and yet gels in with the group seamlessly.

Rule 9: Add variety with infinity dresses

Infinity dresses are basically dresses that can be worn in various different styles. It is the true convertible dress. Here, the fabric left in the neckline and bodice to be wrapped in different ways to yield different looks. By draping the top half of the dress in different ways, you can achieve different necklines like the one-shoulder strap, strapless neckline, cap-sleeve look and more. This dress allows each of your bridesmaids to wear the style that flatters her most. Hence, it is versatile and everyone ends up happy. With this choice, you play it safe by choosing the same color for all. Even so, each has her personal style enhanced with a suitable pattern.

Rule 10: Same style, different prints

We have seen prints and plains as well as textures in the same color and pattern. Now, the only one left to experiment with is prints in the same pattern. This is a fun and exciting way to make your bridesmaids stand out from the rest of the crowd. Printed dresses make them look different from typical bridesmaids, but the unifying design brings the entire party together instantly. Here is a sample.

The Lil' Getting Ready Bridesmaid Dress Styled Shoot.
Image Credits: Plum Pretty Sugar, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

In this picture, the pretty bridesmaids sport strapless dresses with vibrant prints. The hemline is uniform, and ends at mid-thigh. The dress also features a bow detail at the waistline, making all three dresses unusually cohesive.

Hope you now have enough inspiration to mix and match and perfect your bridesmaids dress looks. For more exciting inputs on styling your wedding, as well as for all your wedding shopping needs, continue visiting us at Best for Bride—your one stop bridal destination.

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Bridesmaids dress shopping: 10 valuable tips

If you thought wedding gown shopping was stressful, just wait till you start looking for your bridesmaids dresses!

Finding the right dresses for all your girls, so they not only fit into the wedding scene beautifully, but are also satisfied with your choice, can be a little too difficult to achieve. It is a challenge alright, but one that is possible to deal with. And, we are here to help you with it today.

Go with these 10 tips listed here, and you will feel the stress of bridesmaid dress shopping lifted in a big way.

#1 Remember that one dress needn’t fit all

Unfortunately, there is no single dress style that will look good on every woman. Women are built differently, and every one of your bridesmaids will have her own unique built, height, size and color. So, choosing a single design for all your girls will usually end with one of them not looking too great. Also, it is no longer the trend to have matching bridesmaids. So, be ready to be flexible with your choices. Keep your mind on the big picture—you want a cohesive look that is interesting and attractive.

We suggest you look at dresses that are similar in two or three aspects and vary the rest of the features. For example, consider the same color and different designs, or different colors with the same design. You can also check out different dresses from the same designer collection. This way, the fabric colors will match, but your bridesmaids will each have their own unique look. One word of caution; don’t give your girls free reign to pick any dress that will fit the idea. This can end up becoming haphazard, and their overall look may not come together. It is better to stick to a certain set of criteria, and let your girls find dresses that suit them, while also meeting these requirements.

#2 Discuss budget upfront

Since your bridesmaids will be paying for the dress, you should discuss the budget with them, before you go shopping. Get a clear idea of what is the maximum they can afford to pay for their dress, and make sure you do not ask them to stretch it any further than that. Remember that the amount they suggest is usually inclusive of alterations and accessories, and it will be good if you can clarify this if you aren’t certain. Then, plan your shopping budget and do your dress research based on these numbers. Once you know the amount that your bridesmaids are ready to shell out for their dresses, you can search online. Look for collections that will give you what you want, in this range. Make the most of sales, discounts and offers.

At Best for Bride, we often offer discount on bulk bookings of more than a certain number of bridesmaids dresses. So, if you search around in advance and place your orders in one go, you will most likely be able to avail of such offers and help your girls get the best deal for their money. Also remember that it isn’t necessary that to use up all the money they are ready to spend. If you find dresses at a better bargain, I am sure they’ll appreciate it if they can keep the extra cash for themselves. So, be a considerate bride. Your bridesmaids will love you for it.

#3 Start early

Just like you spend months researching and planning your wedding day look, you will need plenty of time to find your bridesmaids dresses. So, start early, and do your research several months before the wedding. The benefit of starting early is that you can make the most of any sale or offer that comes up in the months leading up to the wedding. You should have sufficient time if you start seven to eight months before the actual date. Since you will already know what you want, it is just a matter of waiting for a good deal to come up. Research is a lot of fun, when you do it online, as you can see almost every dress that will be available in store, on the boutique website.

Once you order the dresses, you will still need time to have it altered and fitted, so it is perfect in time for your wedding day. 75% of women who buy bridesmaids dresses will need alterations. While this will mostly take just one appointment, it can also take two or more depending on the type of dress chosen. So, have your bridesmaids mark their calendars for dress appointments and alteration sessions well in advance, so everything progresses smoothly.

#4 Ask your girls for their inputs

Your bridesmaids may have ideas of what they would like to wear to your wedding. Welcome their opinions. Whether you take it or not is up to you, but it won’t hurt to ask. You can share your own vision of how you expect them to dress on the day, and then ask them for their suggestions. There are several digital apps like Pinterest and Evernote, where you can share pictures and ideas with each other. So, use this to streamline and collate all the information that your friends would like to share with you.

If there are certain styles that your bridesmaids would rather not wear at all, eliminate these from your selection. Not all girls are comfortable wearing strapless dresses or ones that are too short. So, stay away from such choices unless you know they won’t mind wearing it. The same goes for colors too. Not all colors may look good with all skin tones, and if your bridesmaid is worried that she will look sickly or washed out in a particular hue, it will be good if you choose an alternative that will work. If there are silhouettes that they think would be best on them, you can plan the overall look based on it. When you know their preferences, you can choose a dress that they will get the best out of. Dresses in universally flattering colors and in silhouettes like A-line or with V-necklines look good on most body types.

#5 Go shopping by yourself the first time

This is a simple way of ensuring that your opinions are not side-lined, and you can actually see what is available. Book the first appointment with the salon and attend it by yourself or just with a friend, say, your maid of honor. We think this is essential, because some dresses that you may have shortlisted online, may look entirely different when seen directly.

So, rather than hauling all your girls down and discovering this, it helps if you do a test run yourself and make sure that what you had in mind is what you see in person. If you do not have any specific designs in mind, and intend to go with what is available in shop, you can discuss your ideas one-on-one with the shop assistant, and find out what she has to suggest. Bring the girls in later, and the actual appointment will be a lot easier. Remember that it has to be your decision finally, so prepare for the options and you will make it in a much wiser way.

#6 Ask your girls to mark their calendars, well in advance

Not all your bridesmaids may be the super-organized or easily available. So, every extra inch of time will help you with your bridesmaid dress shopping. Once you have a general idea of what you want, or perhaps have even picked out the lot that your bridesmaids will be selecting from, don’t delay getting your girls to the shop. Fix a date and ask them to make themselves available at the said time.

If you have a relatively large bridal party, with more than 4 or 5 bridesmaids, it may be a good idea to break them up into two lots. This will help you focus on those who are there at each appointment, rather than make it a noisy and busy affair. Our suggestion is that you make your picks during your first appointment session and only show these to the bridesmaids, to choose from. This way, there will be no chances of swaying too far from your opinion, and you will get the cohesive effect you wanted, in the end. Once the dresses are picked, the shop assistant will measure your girls and suggest alterations. So, schedule their fitting appointment right away, so you can get that out of the way.

#7 Delegate duties to your most reliable friends

With a wedding to happen, we know how you will be buried under wedding planning tasks. Remember that you needn’t handle each and every detail by yourself. This is why you have a Maid of Honor and bridesmaids in your team. Delegate the responsibility of getting the girls to their dress fitting appointments, paying their dress bills on time and receiving their dresses in time for the wedding. It will be one job off your shoulders, and you can spend the saved time on something else that deserves personal attention.

If your Maid of Honor isn’t the right person to handle this task, there should be someone else on the bridesmaid team, who can do it for you. Hand over this responsibility to her instead. To be on the safe side, make sure that you check on the arrangements once in a while, so everything progresses as per plan and your bridesmaids all have their dresses in time for the wedding.

#8 Don’t stress too much over your decision

If you are the ultimate perfectionist, we know how you can easily feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of choices out there. Yes, wedding planning is a little monster, where you never know for sure whether the choice you made was actually the best one available. But, don’t sweat it!

At least in some areas, good enough is enough! So, don’t loose sleep over your bridesmaids dress selections too much. Take it light and go with what you think is good without too much deliberation. Make the most of your inspiration boards and what your shop assistant suggests, and it will most likely work out well.

#9 Accessories will complete the look

The overall look will also be determined by the accessories you chose for your bridesmaids. You have to choose bouquets, jewelry and shoes. Reusable choices are the best, as it will help your friends make their money go further. Choose neutral colors and designs that flatter everyone on the team. You can even mix and match them up, so each girl has her distinct look but still blends in well with the rest of the team.

If you feel uncertain about your dress choice, you can always dress it up or down by the apt choice of accessories. If your bridesmaids dresses were expensive, it would be very considerate if you pay for the accessories. This could double up as your bridesmaids gift too. Work with your imagination and draw inspiration from the various pictures you may have seen in magazines and online. Make sure that the accessories, hair and makeup, all come together and look attractive and suitable for your wedding theme.

#10 Remember you cannot always make everyone happy

Your bridesmaids may not always be happy with what you want them to wear. If this is the case, you may feel worried about forcing your choice on them. If you have tried your best by choosing within budget, adjusting your priorities to accommodate their likes and cannot help any further, just stop trying to make it work!

Bridesmaids should realize that it is the bride’s likes that get priority, and that they were prepared to accept it when they signed up for the role. So, don’t feel too guilty as you have to stick to your vision of how the wedding day should look and be. It’s your lifetime celebration after all, and you don’t want it to be different from what you always wanted, just because your friends aren’t too happy with your decision.

At Best for Bride, we have a comprehensive and extensive collection of bridesmaids dresses from several designers. Check it out today, and we are sure you will find dresses for all your bridesmaids in our collection.

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10 questions and answers about junior bridesmaids

Brides often have a young cousin or a niece who isn’t old enough to be a bridesmaid, but is too old to fit into the role of a flower girl. When this girl is dear to the bride, she usually wants her in the wedding party, but may not be sure of what role to give her. Fortunately, there is a perfect role to honor these not-so-little girls with, and it is “Junior Bridesmaid!”

If you have already chosen one or more junior bridesmaids, or intend to have them at your wedding, here is a list of all the things you need to know.

The bridesmaids

Image Credits: Adam Red, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

1.How old does someone have to be to be a junior bridesmaid?

Anyone who fits the description of big girl, but is not yet a grown up woman, can be a junior bridesmaid. It is usually a role suitable for girls aged between 9 and 15. This role is perfect for girls from either your family or your groom’s, or for young girls who you are very fond of and would love to include in your wedding. Think back and you will realize how you wouldn’t have been too pleased to be a flower girl when you were say 10 years old. The same goes for your junior bridesmaids. They may not be old enough to take up responsibility as a bridesmaid, but consider themselves too old to be a flower girl. So, this is the in-between role where they will be treated as a grown up girl, but the demands on them will be appropriate for their young age.

2.Does she also wear the same dress as the rest of the bridesmaids?

This is left to your discretion, and depends on how the girl looks and feels. There are teenagers who prefer to dress much older. And then, there are others who look too young for their actual age. So, go with your intuition, and of course, consult the girl and her parents. This is very important, especially if the bridesmaids dresses are on the sexier side. If your bridesmaid dress choice is one that is suitable on women of all ages, and you can find one in her size too, go with it. Otherwise, you can choose a less complicated dress that matches the rest of the bridal party look and still looks good on her. Low-cut dresses and ones with long slits are not appropriate for a young girl, and her parents may not appreciate the idea if you choose to dress her in this on your wedding day. Either search for a dress in a matching or complementing color and design, or have a seamstress alter a bridesmaid dress to suit her. Simple changes like adding straps or moving the neckline up with an illusion design may render the same dress suitable for her age. The other option is to get a whole other dress made for her, that goes well with the rest of the wedding party attire. Just make sure that you consult her before you choose her look, and that she looks modest and feels comfortable in what you choose, and all will be well.

3.When do we buy her dress and from where?

It is better to get your junior bridesmaid’s dress closer to your wedding date, as these girls are at an age where drastic changes can alter their overall appearance in a matter of months. So, it may not be a good idea to shop for your junior bridesmaids dress, several months in advance when you buy the rest of the wedding party dresses. Don’t buy it before four or five months from your wedding day, and have it altered in the month leading up to the wedding to make sure it fits. Most bridal shops like Best for Bride will have Junior Bridesmaids dress collections, and you should be able to find ones that are similar to the bridesmaids dresses you choose from the same place. If you choose from the same collection and material, you should be able to find the exact shade for both your bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids dresses. Or, you can have your bridesmaid dress picked from the prom dress collection, if there is a suitable choice there. If nothing works, you can consider having her dress custom-made.

4.Does she get the rest of the accessories, hair and makeup like the other bridesmaids?

This is again an individual choice. It is up to you to decide how she ought to look. Although most girls would rather prefer to look more like the bridesmaids than flower girls, how you dress her is entirely your choice. You can give her a bridesmaid bouquet, like the rest of your wedding party. Or, you could have a miniature version made specially for her. Be practical when you decide how her hair and makeup should be done on the day. A simplified version of your bridal party’s overall look should be fine. You can also choose similar jewelry, flowers or other accessories for her, so she blends in well with the crowd. If your bridesmaids will all be trotting around in high heels, you may have to get a low-heel shoe for your junior bridesmaid unless she is old enough to handle it. This will help you avoid any unnecessary accidents on the day. Again, it is a good idea to match it to the overall look of your wedding party, but do not choose something that is not appropriate for her age.

5.Does she have to participate in the bridal shower and bachelorette party?

She may not be able to contribute to the bridal shower or bachelorette party (as she obviously won’t have the finances for the same). Nevertheless, she can be part of the planning, help with setting it up and even with the clean-up afterwards. If you have a wild girl’s night out planned for your bachelorette party, she wouldn’t be of legal age to participate in it. So steer clear of inviting her. If it’s an appropriate event for her to participate in, welcome her in. Remember that this would also depend on whether she is comfortable with the rest of the bridal party. So, use discretion and take your stand.

6.How can she help with the wedding planning?

You may have a brilliant helper who is eager to do all she can to make your life easy, or your junior bridesmaid may be a fussy and emotional little girl who is yet to grow up and act her age. Depending on how the situation is, you can decide how involved she should be in the wedding planning. A junior bridesmaid’s main role is to be part of the wedding procession, and so anything beyond that is up to you to decide. If she is interested in helping and hosting the bridal shower, you can ask the rest of your wedding party to include her in it. You can also have her on your list to run errands, help with setting up wedding favors, purchasing the things needed for your wedding or even accompanying you to your shopping or dress alteration sessions. Young girls are usually eager to help with the tasks that others may find boring. For example, she may be the right person to help you assemble your wedding favors or to stick your wedding invitations. So, give her the responsibility to handle this task, and she will appreciate being asked for her help with the wedding.

7.Is there a pre-wedding function that she should be involved in?

Like we said earlier, it isn’t necessary for your junior bridesmaid to attend your bridal shower or bachelorette party. However, she should be invited to the rehearsal dinner, since she is very much a part of the wedding day ceremony. This will help you prepare her for her role on the wedding day. Since you will be having a rehearsal of what will happen on the wedding day, at the rehearsal, make sure she is there for it and understands her role well.

8.Does she need an escort when she walks down the aisle, and is there anything to take care of if she has one?

No! Your junior bridesmaid doesn’t need an escort for when she walks down the aisle. Unless you have an extra groomsman who can accompany her, it isn’t necessary to find someone to join her. She can walk all by herself and precede the rest of the bridesmaids in the processional, or else you can pair her up with another bridesmaid. Of course, there is nothing wrong in pairing her with an escort, if you have a suitable person for the task. The other interesting option is to have her and another bridesmaid accompany a groomsman on either side. This is not commonly seen, and so will be an interesting addition. When planning whether she should be escorted down the aisle, you can simply think of how the pairing will look. If it will be cute, it is alright. If it looks off or you are worried it may not be suitable to pair her off with someone who is several years older than her, let her walk down the aisle herself and enjoy those two minutes when all eyes are on her. The other option is to have her stand in the receiving line, if that is the best thing for her.

9.What is her role on the wedding day?

Apart from being part of the processional, she really has no other particular responsibilities to handle on the wedding day. If your junior bridesmaid is eager to participate and would love to help, you can always handle her responsibilities that she is capable of handling. She can be involved in helping the guests be seated, giving out programs or can help handle the gifts you receive at the reception. She can also be in-charge of handing out little bags with confetti or bubbles that will be used when the couple make their exit. Basically, this depends on the attitude and personality of the girl. If she would rather enjoy the party and mind her own business, let her be. Although she is a junior bridesmaid, don’t expect the same from her as you would with your other bridesmaids.

10.What do I gift her?

Like the rest of your bridesmaids, your junior bridesmaids also deserve a small gift as a token of appreciation for their involvement in your wedding. Since they are much younger than the rest of the group, it may not be a good idea to get them the same gift as the rest of the girls. Even when you have more than one junior bridesmaid, it is good to get them individual gifts that match their personalities. Go with their age and their taste, and you are bound to find something they will appreciate. Set a budget and shop like you would for their birthday. You can always customize your gift with a monogram or in the theme colors of your wedding, if you prefer. Or, if you are in doubt, it is best to consult their parents and find out what would be an ideal gift. For older girls, you can even gift a voucher to their favorite store, so they can pick whatever they like. Generic gift suggestions that usually work include personalized jewelry like necklaces with a pendant matching the letter of their name or small monogrammed tote bags with a small extra like a bridal Barbie doll inside.

You now have all the necessary information you need to know about having junior bridesmaids in your wedding party. To choose the fantastic dress for these young girls, so they are a beautiful addition to your wedding party, visit our bridesmaids dress collection at Best for Bride. All the dresses featured above belong to this collection, and you can find even more fantastic dresses for your favorite young girls. Pick both your junior bridesmaids dresses and the rest of the attire for your wedding party from our fabulous bridal party collection and find the best deals possible.