top tips for beautiful bridesmaids

• As well as taking into account skin tones, hair colour and body shape when deciding on styles and colours, ask bridesmaids if there are any ‘no-nos’ that you should avoid at all costs. Give them any guidelines you want them to stick as well, to save them suggesting outfits you would never want them wearing
• To keep bridesmaids happy and have them all looking ‘on message’, supply them all with the same fabric and ask each to have a dress made with it in whatever design they like
• If your bridesmaids look very different and you just can’t find one colour that suits them all, consider going to a salon where you can choose the same design in a multitude of colours
• Everyone suits black so do consider it for bridesmaids, you can always team it with a shawl or wrap to add a splash of colour. Black and white is another popular option
• If your bridesmaids live hundreds of miles away from you or each other, utilise the web and email to share your thoughts. This will save time when you do actually manage to meet up
• If you’ve got a flower girl, if possible take her shopping with you when you choose her outfit – then there’s less chance she’ll refuse to wear it a few hours before the wedding!
• The more flexible you are in your approach the less hassle you’ll have finding a fantastic outfit. Remember that if you’re dressing them identically, you’re actually drawing attention to any differences in their heights, figures etc
• Bridesmaids don’t exactly have to match the bride, but consider whether the two styles will complement each other. If possible try on the potential attendants’ dress alongside your own
• Remember that if you’re going to a traditional bridal salon to try on their bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s wise to make an appointment. And it can take a few months to deliver dresses ordered this way, so don’t put it off too long!
• If you’re on a budget choose as few bridesmaids as you can get away with: all the accessories (shoes, handbags, jewellery, bouquets...) tend to add up to quite a bit, not to mention extras such as alterations, hair and make-up!
• Don’t worry too much about people you think will expect to be bridesmaids – it’s your day and as long as you are sensitive about it, the decision shouldn’t cause massive rifts. If you’re really worried about their reaction to not being asked, involve them in another way, such as asking them to do a reading at the ceremony
• Even if it’s typical of your personality, try not to work too hard at keeping everybody happy – at some stage somebody needs to bite the bullet and make a decision, and it really should be you!