Bridesmaid Dress Etiquette
<b>Q</b>: How do I tell my bridesmaids that they have to pay for their own dresses? Two of them have never been in a wedding before.
<b>A</b>: The fact that they haven't been in a wedding before should actually make it easy-they don't know any different, right? Just explain that when someone stands up in a wedding, they are responsible for paying for what they'll wear. If you think cost is going to be an issue, do all you can to choose a dress that's reasonably priced-or consider letting the attendants choose their own dresses, so they’ll get to decide how much to spend.
<b>Q</b>: Do the bridesmaids’ dresses need to coordinate with what the groomsmen wear?
<b>A</b>: Your wedding party's outfits should have the same level of formality-for example, if your maids are wearing casual summer sundresses, the guys can't be in tuxes. Beyond that, if the guys will wear cummerbunds or vests, you'll probably want to choose a color that complements the bridesmaids’ dresses. Often the men's only color is in their boutonnieres-and since those flowers will likely complement the bride's bouquet (and by association the bridesmaids' flowers), everyone should match.
<b>Q</b>: How closely do the bridesmaids' dresses have to match the bride's gown?
<b>A</b>: Generally, the attendant should wear dresses that match the formality of the bride's dress. You wouldn't want to put the maids in sundresses when the bride's in a formal gown, but as far as the actual style of the dress and the details (neckline, sleeves, and other elements), they do not have to match exactly, if at all.
<b>Q</b>: A few of my attendants are cranky because they don't like the dress I've chosen for them. Shouldn't they just wear what I want them to?
<b>A</b>: You stress about how you look in a dress, right? Why should your pals be any different? While it is almost impossible to make everyone 100 percent happy, you should still shoot for that. Be honest. Ls your heart set on a sleek sheath dress you saw on a skinny model in a magazine, but your attendants are mostly curvy and not that tall? Did you choose sea foam simply because you want it to be your wedding color, without any regard to the fact that it makes most women look like freaks? Be sensitive to your attendants’ varying body shapes and coloring. Ask their opinion, and be flexible.
<b>Q</b>: My matron of honor is pregnant, but it's really expensive to make alterations to the bridesmaid dress we picked out. Is it okay for her to wear a different style?
<b>A</b>: Not only is it okay, it's downright classy and cool. The best bet to accommodate her growing tummy: an empire-waist dress, with a high waistline (right under the bust) and a roomy A –line skirt that doesn't constrict hips, waist, or stomach.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
