In the past, it was always those cookie cutter dresses for bridesmaids that no one would be seen in public wearing after the wedding was over and then sent over to the thrift store. Today bridesmaids’ dresses are as important as your wedding gown because the bridesmaids are an important part of your wedding ceremony and reception. Dressing your bridesmaids well requires you to be careful about their age, complexion, and body proportions. Here are some tips that will keep you from embarrassing your bridesmaids.

One of the things that can get you started is this – choosing a style, color, and fabric that would be suitable for all your bridesmaids. This calls for a meeting where you can ask each of them for their tastes and decide what each woman is comfortable with, and average out your choice. A-line gowns or an empire waist dress is something that would easily flatter all figures and then you can get the ladies to choose a color from the same color family.

Choosing a range of colors from the same family will be a subtle gradation and your bridesmaids will all look similar but not the same. The latest trend in bridesmaids’ dresses is either different dresses in one shade or different shades in one dress style. This variation gives a much understated difference that your guests may not notice right off, but will remember as a unique statement at your wedding ceremony.

Alternatively, if you choose to dress all your bridesmaids in the same dress, then choose a style that would be best for the largest of the women. This way you will be sure it also fits the slimmest and they can personalize this look with accessories of their choice. In fact, there are many stores that have mix-and-match tops and bottoms especially good for bridesmaids to create a different kind of a look, either in the same color, or different shades to suit individual tastes.

This color family must be in coordination with your own gown and the décor of the wedding reception. You don’t want your bridesmaids in clashing colors. Don’t choose to dress your bridesmaids in pink if you are having a yellow color scheme. One of the best places you can buy coordinating bridesmaids’ dresses is the same place as your wedding gown. If you ask the store consultant, she will surely be able to match their own gown with dresses that will not only match, but also be less expensive. Also, keep in mind the age of your bridesmaids if you are thinking of dresses that are too revealing, especially for very young maids.

Keep in mind the weather and the time of your wedding ceremony and choose materials that are appropriate. A semi-formal daytime wedding can have bridesmaids wearing dresses made from fabrics like chiffon and silk, or even sundresses. You can add coordinating accessories like silk flowers, or sashes, hairpins, and wraps. The length of the dress is equally important and the rule of thumb is that if you are wearing a floor length gown, don’t have your bridesmaids in short dresses and vice versa.

Finally, shopping for your bridesmaids dresses is a bonding experience with your bridesmaids, even at the hectic time of your wedding. Have fun!