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WeddingPath News 19th Jan 2007 462 views

I do like to get your emails asking for advice. Last week I was asked about choosing bridesmaids’ dresses – something that can be a lot of fun, but it can cause a lot of stress as well. The process involves communication and negotiation with people that you love, and that you want to be happy. There are few things worse than sulky bridesmaids in your wedding photos!

Chossing your bridesmaid

Here are some of my top tips on negotiating this difficult area:

• Choosing dresses should be fun! Consider going window shopping with your bridesmaids to get ideas of what you all like. Of course the decision is yours in the end, but it is nice to get some input.

• The bridesmaids’ dresses should complement the wedding gown. Take a photo of your own bridal ensemble when you are shopping for bridesmaids.

• Remember that different-style dresses suit different body types. You might look great with a sweetheart neckline but it might not work for your bridesmaids.

• Your bridesmaids don't have to wear identical dresses. You could choose the colour but let them choose the style – a great way to keep everyone happy. You can always coordinate your bridesmaids’ look with jewellery - e.g. matching necklaces.

• When choosing colour, think complementary. Take a sample of your wedding colours with you to the dress shop so you can see what shades work together. If you are not good with colours then find someone you trust who is!

• Consider the season. In cooler seasons, try something darker and with slightly heavier material. In the warmer seasons, consider opting for lighter shades and lighter fabrics.

• Beware the of the Easter egg look! Pastels can be hard to work with, and combinations of these shades risk looking like Easter-egg colours.

• Remember to consider comfort. Your bridesmaids will be wearing the dress for several hours so need to feel comfortable in it.

• If your bridesmaids are paying for the dress, remember to shop to their budget.

• Look at dresses that can be reused for other events. Shorter dresses have more potential for reuse, as do certain colours. Today's designers are aware of this so bridesmaid dresses with 'wear-again' potential are more common.

If you have a question for me email me at margo@weddingpath.com and I promise to do my best to answer.

We would like to welcome a new member to the WeddingPath team. Her name is Adri (pronounced Audrey) and and she has that rare combination of creative flare, tech savvy and a wicked sense of humour.

Adri has promised to teach me all about sales and marketing, and in return I am going to teach her all about the different varieties of apple. Granny Smiths are my favourites at the moment but I do like Golden Delicious on a warmer day. I have started a forum thread on favourite kinds of apple - the data will help with my Phd in Applied Appleology.

Are you going to spend the night before your wedding with, or apart from your fiance? Of course there is no right or wrong answer here, but it is a topic to consider. The forum has been buzzing with this topic recently, so click to have your say and read other WPers' advice.