Do you want to choose the perfect bridesmaid dress? Then, read this to discover everything you must know about bridesmaid dresses!
Did you know that in the U.S., women can expect to become wedding attendants at least five times in their lifetime? Three of those instances occur before they hit 27.
Those figures also mean that the average U.S. woman would need at least five bridesmaid dresses. And while being part of one’s bridal party may be an honor, it’s not cheap.
To that end, we created this guide on the most crucial facts about bridesmaid dresses. Read on, as what you learn here can help you, whether you’re the bride or a wedding attendant.
It’s the Bride Who Chooses Bridesmaid Dresses
In the U.S., the bride has most of the say on what her bridal party should wear. It is, after all, the bride’s big wedding day.
So if you’re about to get married, one of the factors you must consider is the bridesmaid dress color. As the bride, it’s your every right to stand out, so choose a color that won’t clash with your gown. If you’re wearing white, some of your best options are pink, gray, or sage green bridesmaid dresses.
Bridesmaids Pay for Their Dresses
The traditional etiquette in the U.S. is for bridesmaids to pay for their dresses. And according to one online bridesmaid dress guide, it can cost them an average of $130, while others put it at $150.
For many people, $130 to $150 is a hefty amount. After all, almost 60% of U.S. adults don’t have enough savings to cover a $500 to $1,000 unplanned expense.
So as the bride, be mindful of your bridesmaids’ financial statuses. Ask them separately if they’re okay paying for the dress you picked for them. If they say it’s over their budget, compromise and provide a lower-cost alternative.
Bridesmaid Dresses Should Be Fab Yet Comfy
Whatever color scheme you, the bride, decide on, inform your bridal party about 6 to 7 months before the big day. Doing so gives them enough time to coordinate with you and ask if their choices meet your requests. That way, you and your entire crew will look fabulous on your special day.
Most importantly, your bridesmaids can pick a dress that suits the venue and the season. That’s vital to their comfort, as you don’t want them in sleeveless attire outdoors in cold weather. Likewise, you don’t want them to sweat in velvet during an outdoor summer wedding.
What if you want your party in sleeveless dresses for your fall or winter wedding? If so, one option is to allow them to don shawls, or you can provide them with your chosen cover-ups or wraps. They can then take it off once everyone’s indoors and having fun at the reception.
Plan Your Bridesmaids’ Dresses ASAP
Here’s a final stat for you to keep in mind: U.S. adults spend $825, on average, to be part of a wedding party. That includes bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen suits, pre-wedding events, and the wedding itself.
Now, as the one getting married, you want your party to look their best. But you don’t want them to be in a financial pinch, either. Thus, it pays to plan their attire ASAP to give them adequate time to prepare.
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