Wedding Tips Part 2: Bridesmaids

 

I wrote an earlier post about Wedding Tips and Tricks that I have found over the years, this is a second part.  I hope to have a few posts for you on Wedding planning tips.  Again I am no expert on the subject. Today we are going to discuss Bridesmaids. I do not have my tips in any particular order of importance.

I do hope my tips help someone.  

Think carefully when choosing your Bridesmaids. Make a list, write why they should be a BM, then narrow down the list.  And think of which order they will be lined up, and with who the groom has chosen as his Groomsmen.

Ask your Bridesmaid if they even want this honor, don't assume they do.

Let your BMs know what you expect from each one of them.  Some you may want to give more responsibilities to.  Some you may want more help from than the others, some have certain talents and others may have connections.  Communication is important!!

If you choose to have "Junior" Bridesmaid(s), just remember they most likely can not do all the stuff that the older girls/ladies can.  So think of something special/different for them.

When ordering Bridesmaids dresses:  Try to get everyone together at one time, if possible.  If they are all wearing the same color, you should order them at the same time so the color is the same.  So they are cut from the same bolt of fabric.  Also, very important-let your BM know if they are paying for the dress or if you are!!  

A very important thing to remember is that these dresses also take time. Please don't wait to the last minute to order.  Just as your dress could take up to 9 months, Bridesmaids' dresses can take up to 6 months (maybe longer)

Decide if you want all your BMs in the same dress/same color or different dresses/same color.  Or if everyone is wearing a different dress and color, but in the same shade.  Different styles, designer and material are different color shades.  Let the girls/ladies know the limitations of what they can get. Remember, You are in charge of color and style.  If someone picks something you don't like, you should tell them. (politely) 

Remember the colors you choose for your wedding/bridesmaids may not look good on everyone.  This is an important thing to remember

Stand your ground, this is your wedding.  And you will be the one with the photos from this wonderful day.

Do keep in mind that some salons will hold the bride accountable for all bridal party dresses that are not paid for or picked up by a certain date. Some will also give a discount to the bridal party if the Bride has bought at their store.  This is something to check on.  Check to see if your local Bridal store sells for the WHOLE party.

And do get your girls a little gift for being part of your special day.  You don't have to spend $100's  on them. Like earrings, Pajamas, or a candle.

Make plans to do things together, a day that you and the girls go shopping or mini-golf.  Something fun, that isn't all about the wedding.  This would be a fun time for everyone to get to know each other if they don't already.  

**Side note, these dress tips do not pertain to places like Amazon, Macy's etc. these tips are for Bridal stores

Thank you for reading this, I hope you are enjoying this group of posts.  I hope that I have been able to help at least one person.  Please comment, if you have anything to add!  I love to hear from my readers.

This post is not by a professional, this is just from my experience and as a bridal consultant. I did have a little help from one of my other consultants from The Barn Bridal on this post. This post does contain affiliate links.

Wedding Tips and Tricks

 I am no bridal expert nor am I a wedding planner, but I do have some tips and tricks I would like to share.  All of this has been at the foremost of my mind lately since I went back to work after 14 years of being a SAHM, I found  a job as a bridal consultant at a local small bridal store.  I found my job as I went to buy my daughters' their bridesmaids dresses for my son's wedding.  After the wedding, I was like "I could help others with some tips".    Again, these are tips I've come across, have found out through my job as a Bridal consultant or from going through them as a bride and Mother of the Groom. I do not have my tips in any particular order of importance.

Dress Shopping

Highly recommend buying/ordering your dress at least 9 months in advance!! yes, really.  You have to remember you want a dress in your size, so that does take quite some time to make.

Research different Bridal shops/salons, find one that works best for you. Example: hours of operation, appointment fee (yes, some charge for an appointment), sizes and budget.

Alterations, are usually done 1-2 months before the wedding.

Its ok to workout in the time before your wedding.  However you must be careful on what exercises you are doing.  You  could build muscle in your back, arms, and shoulders- then your dress will fit differently than when you ordered and were measured.

When dress shopping, do not bring too many people with you.  Too many opinions could really mess up your thinking and you could end up with a dress that you don't really like.  Or you could get confused, discouraged, overwhelmed. 

If you like even something about a dress, give it a shot.  Try it on.  You never know.  Dresses look different on than they do hanging.  

Sometimes, you just know that's your dress.  Sometimes you have it narrowed down to 2-3 dresses, each one a different style.  Take pictures of you in the dress, go put your regular clothes on and look at the pictures.  This does help.  

Keep in Mind that wedding dress sizes are not the same as street clothes sizes!! This is a big one,  some ladies get upset when they see the size on the wedding dress.  Also, some designers will charge for plus size gowns.

Its ok not to buy a dress on the first trip.  But have the consultant write down your favorites, they will file that information for when you return.

Contrary to what people say, when shopping for your dress, you don't need to bring heels (or similar shoes) to your appointment.  You need your actual wedding shoes when you go for alterations but not for shopping. You can take them, but you don't Have to.

Planning

Get a dedicated wedding email address.  Keep correspondence for all your vendors and such here.  Use this to sign up for free stuff, newsletters, etc.  without overloading your personal email.

Make a binder/planner!!!!

    -keep track of your payments and due dates

    -Set and keep a budget.

   

Talk with your fiancé and discuss what the 3 most important things are for YOUR wedding day.

This is a wedding, not a family reunion. Or a High School reunion.  If you haven't seen or spoken to someone in more than 5 years, you probably don't need to invite them.

Stay tuned for more wedding tips.  Next up, Bridesmaids then Wedding Day.   Again, I am NOT an expert on this subject.  This post is just from experience and opinion.  This post does contain affiliate links.  Please comment with any tips you may have as well!