So, you’ve decided to put together your bridal party, and now it’s time to start shopping for dresses! Before you head out to the stores, there are a few important things that every bridesmaid should know about etiquette. These rules are general and may not apply to every situation, but following them will ensure that you and your bridesmaids have a fun and stress-free experience while you shop for your gowns. It will make a good memory for you and your bridesmaids and make you desire to re-live the day and wear a big smile every time you reminisce.
Respect Everyone’s Budget
If the bride has set a budget for the bridesmaids’ dresses, respect it and don’t try to exceed it. If you find a dress you love that is out of the budget, suggest it to the bride, but understand if she can’t accommodate it. Where a budget has yet to be set, please consult with the bride and set it. It will ensure that you only spend what is necessary on dresses and that the bridesmaids feel free to spend what they feel comfortable doing. Where some of these costs are expected to be incurred individually, ask the bridesmaids about their budget so that you can pick dress options that fit everyone’s price range. It is thoughtful and will make them feel considered.
Identify a Location to Shop
Once you’ve established a budget for your dresses, the next step is to choose a location where you can all go dress shopping together. It may seem unnecessary, but it can make a big difference in the shopping experience. If you all gather at someone’s house or place of business, you’ll all be surrounded by friends, family, and other distractions, making it hard to focus on the task. Instead, it’s best to pick a location where the focus can be solely on dress shopping and your experience as a bridesmaid.
Identify Dress Types
You want to decide on the type of dress to be worn even before the shopping day. Research different bridesmaid dress styles and decide whether you want to go formal or informal with the wedding theme. Formal weddings typically call for long gowns, whereas casual weddings usually call for a more casual one.
Coordinate With the Bride
Make sure the dress you choose coordinates with the bride’s dress, the look of the wedding, the season, and the colour palette. The bride will be the show’s star, so don’t wear a dress that detracts from her.
Individualize the Shopping
Once you have decided on the dress style and the location for the shopping trip, it’s time to pick out a dress for each of the bridesmaids. You’ll want to be sure to pick dresses that compliment each of your bridesmaids’ body types and that they feel comfortable wearing. Doing this will make them feel comfortable and confident for the day. It’s also a good idea to try on some sample dresses and get feedback from your bridesmaids before you make your decision. It shows mindfulness and concern, making everyone happy as they will be acknowledged and represented despite the wedding not being theirs
Have Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution Skills
Keep in mind that there’s not uncommon drama between the bridesmaids while shopping for their dresses so a conflict may arise at any time. The conflict between bridesmaids may leave you stressed and under emotional pressure. Being emotionally intelligent will help you handle conflicting situations wisely. Keep the atmosphere as relaxed as possible if things get tense between the bridesmaids while dress shopping; take a step back and try to have some fun instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the situation.
Be Considerate
You may not be the only one that gets upset or stressed with the process. Some of these upsets may be from shopping pressures or individual problems. So, make sure to listen to the other ladies’ feedback so they can also feel comfortable with their decisions.
Be patient
Dress shopping can be a long process, and patience is important. If you find a dress you love, don’t rush the bride into making a decision.
Be supportive
Remember that this is the bride’s big day. Be supportive and understanding of her decisions, and don’t try to dictate the style or colour of the dress.
Conclusion
Following these etiquette rules will make a great memory from the experience of growing the friendship between the bridesmaids making everyone happy and delighted.
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