How to Choose Dresses Bridesmaids Can Wear Later

Keep bridesmaids happy with dresses they can wear long after the big day.

As a bride, you have the right to choose any dresses that you please for your bridesmaids.

Even if they all look horrible in them, you still have the right to choose the dresses for them to wear. As a friend, it is your responsibility to choose a dress that will minimize the pain of the prices your bridesmaids are paying for the dresses. Here are instructions on how to choose a bridesmaid dress they can wear later.

Things You'll Need:
• Good taste
• Consideration for your bridesmaids

STEP 1 Consider the body types of your bridesmaids. Chances are that
they will not be carbon copies of each other. For this reason,
choosing identical dresses will make one or more of your
bridesmaids look less than flattering, meaning the dress may
end up at a thrift shop after the wedding. Try choosing a different
cut of dress for each person.
STEP 2 Consider the coloring of each bridesmaid. Unless all of them
are from the same family, the chance they will all look great in
the same colors is slim. There are a few colors however, that
are universal for different skin tones such as ivory, taupe, teal,
and you may be able to find a shade of red that all of your girls
look good in, but you will have to work to find it.
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STEP 3 Choose classic dresses. All of your bridesmaids may look cute
in old fashioned frilly dresses, and it will make for great wedding
photos. Of course, they may all be glaring at you in those photos.
Stay away from dresses that are too trendy or too old fashioned
as they will not translate to good style outside of the wedding
reception.
STEP 4 Choose bridesmaid dress sets or coordinates. Purchasing
separates, especially if each girl can choose the cut of their outfit,
will mean that each person will be able to maximize wear in the
outfit after the wedding. Tops can be worn with jeans. Skirts can
be worn with casual tops. Each can purchase a few extra pieces
and create an entire formal wardrobe.
STEP 5 Choose a sturdy fabric. Even when all of these rules have been
followed, choosing the wrong fabric can easily relegate a dress to
only one wear. Beware of fabrics that are fragile and may run. Also
watch out for fabrics that do not clean easily and will hold stains.