The style and colors for maids, moms and flower girls should compliment, not match, your bridal gown. You'll only drive yourself crazy if you try to match everything.
Pick a color, any color! The bridal industry offers remarkable color options and some of the manufacturers offer some very unique color combinations. So, if you're indecisive on a color you can choose two. In some cases the skirt can be ordered in one color, the top in another with yet another color as an accent. That would be a total of 3 different colors. Of course, not every manufacturer offers these options. Every manufacturer has different names for their colors, different swatch cards and different options depending on fabric and dress style. Be sure to clarify things before making a decision and getting your heart set on something that may not be available.
Ultimately this is your wedding but it's imperative that you consider the body type of everyone when choosing a dress style for your bridesmaids.
You really can't go wrong with strapless, halters and spaghetti or tank style straps. Tank and sleeved dresses tend to be harder to fit someone with issues in the "girls" department. Be it too much or not enough, if the bust measurement is not in sink with the rest of the measurements there can be issues.
Several brides have opted to let their attendants independently choose a style that looks best on them. Same manufacturer and color, different styles. Separates work great for this as the options are unlimited and they can be ordered size appropriate for the top and bottom.
There are so many new, fun styles, when properly accessorized they can be worn again to other special events.
The junior bridesmaid dress typically matches or at best compliments the bridesmaid dresses.
There's a new trend, female ushers dubbed as usherettes. They've been known to wear the same style as the bridesmaids in a complimenting color, same color but different dress style or some choose to have them wear a nice little black dress.
The flower girls are still wearing the traditional white or ivory miniature bridal gown but there are those who are wearing what's called a mini-maid dress. The mini-maids are an age appropriate replica of the bridesmaid dresses.
I'm frequently asked what the age cut off is for a flower girl. A traditional flower girl dress can go up to a girl's size 16, but I've always thought of a flower girl as being between the ages of 2 and 6 and a junior bridesmaid between the ages of 6 and 12.
Last but not least we can't forget about moms, who tend to think they can wait until the last minute to get their dress. The truth is, if they plan on special ordering a dress they need to do it at least 3 months before the wedding, depending on the manufacturer.
There are many bridesmaid dresses that work great for moms. They are less expensive and more stylish for moms of the 21st century. Don't be afraid of color, as long as it compliments the attendant's dress color you can't go wrong.
Mom, check out those sales racks in the department stores. I know a lot of moms who've said they found the perfect dress when they weren't even looking but happen to browse while they were out and about.
For peace of mind and to allow ample time for alterations, I recommend ordering all of your dresses at least 6 months before your wedding. That's not to say that you can't order your dresses in less time. It never hurts to ask if you're planning a last minute wedding.
Your dress style and color options are endless. Have fun with it!
I hope you found this blog more helpful than overwhelming. Join me next time when the topic of discussion will be sizing, ordering and
