Bridesmaid Dresses They'll Love, Traditions Advice from OurWeddingDay.com

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Bridesmaid Dresses They'll Love

Let Them Have Dresses They'll Wear Again

When it comes to wedding bridesmaid dresses, many brides tell their bridesmaids, “You can wear it again.” But do we really believe them? Fortunately, there are many bridesmaid dress options that both you and your bridesmaids will love the day of the wedding and for other special occasions to come. Helping your bridesmaids get more than one use out of their bridesmaid dress lessens the economical commitment of buying the dress, and it's also an eco-friendly way to reuse materials and reduce waste.

The Right Fabric
Since the wedding bridesmaid dresses can always be altered for fit and hem length, the fabric is the most important element for continued use. Stay away from taffeta and satin, which scream "formal affair!" Instead, choose a natural silk doupioni fabric because it has a matte finish that makes the dress look less “bridal party” and more “lounge party.”

Find the Right Shape, Cut & Neckline
Strapless is always a safe bet because not only does it complement most body types, but your bridesmaids can easily throw a cardigan over it for a more casual look. Kick pleats in the back will give the dress a more flirty, feminine shape. Length is key; if you want your girls to be able to use the dress again, it should drop just below the knee. This length is conservative enough for the wedding and also for work, but sexy enough for a fun girls' night out or a romantic date.

Color & Pattern
A classic color like navy is much more versatile than hues like fuchsia, tangerine or chartreuse. Combining classic and neutral colors in a pattern is fun for both the wedding and your monthly girls brunch or baby shower. A fun pattern and more color will liven up the mood and give the dress a loose, fun vibe. If you’re worried about the dress not looking formal enough in these patterns, another option is to go neutral with a steel gray, ivory or beige. These colors will look classy on the big day and can easily be paired up with attention-grabbing accessories for an entirely different evening look.

Pale shades in your wedding bridesmaid dresses will give your wedding an air of romance, while pastel-colored bridesmaid dresses might verge on the side of "Pretty In Pink." Who doesn’t want another gorgeous LBD (little black dress) in her closet? Not-so-basic black will give a delightfully dramatic contrast to your white gown. Yet another fun option is jewel-tone. Envision your bridesmaids strutting their stuff down the aisle in sapphire or amethyst. They’ll applaud your bold choice and fashion-forward eye, and thank you for picking a dress they can feel beautiful in again and again.

A Little Help from Your Maid of Honor
Invite your maid of honor over for bonding and wedding party fashion brainstorming. Put your heads together and think of your wedding party and their body shapes, sizes and what would suit both your vision and their body types.

Money Matters
Since bridesmaids are responsible for purchasing their own dresses, it’s common courtesy to not go overboard. The average price of bridesmaid dresses is $200-$400. If your choice is on the higher end you should consider offering to chip in $50 or $100 in lieu of a traditional bridesmaid gift like jewelry. If your bridesmaids truly knew they could wear their wedding bridesmaid dresses again, the financial investment won't seem as steep.