5 Questions about Your Bridesmaids Choosing

bridesmaids choosing tips

1. One of my bridesmaids just found out she is pregnant. She'll be seven months along at my wedding. Should I worry about finding another dress for her, or should she figure something out?

If the bridesmaids' dress you selected can be adapted for your pregnant pal, go for it. If that's too hard, how about having her wear a maternity dress in the same color, or a close approximation? If you insist on approving the dress beforehand, you can make this a fun project for the two of you.

red bridesmaid dresses

2. One of my bridesmaids doesn't seem enthusiastic about my wedding. Should I ask her to quit the party?

No. This is your wedding, not a political primary. And besides, once you've asked someone to be an attendant, you can't un-ask her. Consider why your friend isn't jumping for joy regarding your wedding. Is she busy with school? Working long hours? Raising a family? Even though the wedding is likely the most important thing in your life right now, it's probably not in hers. So get a little perspective. If being busy isn't the reason for her aloofness, could she be jealous?

bridesmaids in blue short dress

3. I have one too many bridesmaids. How can I work the extra friend into my wedding?

There's no bridal law that says you have to have an equal number of male and female attendants. Single attendants of either sex can walk up and down the aisle alone or in pairs, or a groomsman can accompany two women, one on each arm. As for the first dance, it's optional to have the entire wedding party pair off to join you and your husband for a spin. If you do want everyone on the dance floor, your solo maid can dance with her date or with another honored guest-your grandfather, a family friend or a favorite uncle.

junior bridesmaids

4. What should my junior bridesmaid wear?

Junior bridesmaids usually wear an age-appropriate version of the bridesmaids' gown-which means no low-cut necklines or high slits. If the big girls are going strapless, your junior bridesmaid could sport capped sleeves. If they're wearing slinky slip dresses, put her in an A-line dress style with skinny straps.

white bridesmaid dresses

5. Should the color of my bridesmaids' dresses be season-appropriate?

Unfortunately, too many people fall prey to the idea that there's only one "proper" way to do a wedding and you'll be laughed at if you don't serve the right meal and wear the right color. But that's just not the case. Your bridesmaids can wear any color you love, no matter what the season. They should, however, stick to materials that are appropriate for the weather. While some fabrics transcend season or climate, others might look wrong next to the clothes the guests wear. Flimsy chiffon in December would seem odd among the wool coats of Minnesota but would be perfect in balmy southern Florida. And heavy velvet in July is downright - an pretty much everywhere. So go on and pick your favorite shade, whether it's ice blue or hot pink and find a great dress in that hue.

11 Ways to Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Special

1. Ask them to be in your wedding party in a special way.

sexy bridesmaid dresses

2. Connect bridesmaids who don't know each other before the wedding festivities begin. Then they can get to know each other and be a team leading up to your big day. 

mix and match bridesmaid dresses 01

3. Let them mix and match dresses. Not one bridesmaid is the same and neither is their budget or body shape. Give your bridesmaids a swatch of the color(s) you are wanting and let them have the freedom to choose style and price range. This is a win, win as your bridesmaids will be comfortable in their selection and will likely have invested in a dress they will wear again for other occasions.

mix and match bridesmaid dresses 02

 

4. Spend a day in the shoes you are selecting for your bridesmaids to wear.They will love you for choosing comfort over style!

bridesmaid shoes

5. Periodically gush over wedding details with them during the planning process. They will love to hear about the vision you have for your day and the selections you make along the way.

mix and match bridesmaid dresses 03

6. Give them a detailed schedule of the wedding weekend before hand including what aspects are mandatory and which are not. They will appreciate you communicating with them so they are able to make proper arrangements for themselves, and their children, etc..

7. Give them small day-of tasks. They will feel appreciated if they can help you check off your to do list rather than just showing up and looking pretty. 

bridesmaids and their family

8. Let them sit with their families or significant other at the reception. It's only fair to let them sit with the people they really want to be with.Bridesmaids with husbands and kids have been away from them all day and you'll be next to your honey happy as can be.

wedding bridesmaids

9. Thank each of your bridesmaids individually with a hug before your wedding reception exit. It is likely that you'll be jetting off on a honeymoon and be unplugged on vacation with your now husband for a while. Make sure you show some love to each of them before the night is over.

bridesmaid gifts

10. Gift your girls something personalized. It is so much more meaningful than gifting them identical things. This way they really cherish the thought that was put into it.

fun picture with bridesmaids

11. Take fun pictures with your girls. It is obvious that you will have prepped and focused on portraits you plan to do with your groom but put yourself in your bridesmaids shoes. Their favorite images from the day will be the goofy, silly poses you take together - so make a plan and do some exciting shots with them too!