Selecting Bridesmaid Dresses That Flatter Everyone

Choosing bridesmaid dresses can be overwhelming, especially if you have a wide range of body types at your wedding party. No matter what type of bride you are, though, it’s important to make sure everyone looks beautiful and feels comfortable on your big day.

Before settling on color and design, remember that your girls are not all models (some maybe). The goal is to select a style of dress that flatters everyone, from full-figured girls to those with a more petite frame. When choosing dresses for bridesmaids, consider what will look best on your friends’ body types.

When choosing bridesmaid dresses, the most important thing is making sure they flatter everyone. To do that, you need to consider a few things: color, height, and body type.

Some general rules include: Don’t let anyone wear a color they look terrible in. Make sure no one feels like they are wearing a prom dress or something too skimpy.

Give your bridesmaid a choice on the color if you are not having a themed wedding. If you are having a themed wedding, you can allow your party to choose from shades of your theme color.

Things to Consider When Picking Bridesmaid Dresses

Here are a few tips that you should consider when picking bridesmaid dresses.

Neckline

A plunging neckline, while flattering on one woman, may not suit another. If you want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident in their dresses, make sure they know exactly what type of top they’ll be wearing.

All too often, a bride-to-be will set her friends up for failure by picking a dress style that doesn’t work with everyone’s neckline.

Low V-necks can accentuate your collarbones, while scoop necks may not be flattering on everyone.

Sleeve options

Long sleeves can make arms look heavy and pin them back (not flattering). The right sleeve style should sit just at your elbow.

If you choose shorter sleeves, like cap sleeves or spaghetti straps, go for more flowy styles that offer plenty of coverage up top. In general, try to pick dresses that complement everyone’s natural shape—no one likes to feel frumpy on their best friend’s wedding day!

Color

There are endless options for picking flattering colors for each and every one of your bridal party members. When selecting dresses, take their complexion into account; a bright red may be a poor choice if they don’t usually wear bold colors.

Try shades of coral or pink if you’re unsure which color is best suited for them. Another important factor to consider is skin tone; darker-skinned women often do well with jewel tones, whereas lighter-skinned women work best in pastels and white.

Making Sure the Bridesmaid Dresses Flatter Everyone

Here are some of our favorite tips for picking bridesmaid dresses that flatter every body type and skin tone.

Let the bridesmaids pick their dress

This can save time and stress because you don’t have to worry about finding a dress that works for every body type.

It also gives everyone more ownership over their outfit, which is integral to creating a positive bridal experience. And when it comes down to it, most people are wearing your bridesmaid dresses just one time.

So, if they pick something they love—and that works with your overall aesthetic—then let them! If a particular girl has a specific taste, bring her in on the decision-making process early, so she feels like her input matters.

While you shouldn’t force your bridesmaids to wear dresses in which they are uncomfortable, your input is essential. Make sure to give guidance on color, style, accessories, among other things. Doing this will allow you to control your big day to a certain degree.

Choose an A-line dress

A-line dresses are flattering on every body type, and they tend to look good on all but petite bodies (in which case a sheath dress or ball gown might be more flattering).

A floor-length skirt will also make your bridesmaids appear taller. In addition, if you’re looking for a dress that hides flaws but still shows off curves, an A-line dress is perfect. Choose dresses with short sleeves or cap sleeves if you want something short.

Otherwise, steer clear of spaghetti straps—your bridesmaids should feel comfortable and supported in their dresses while helping you celebrate your special day! No one wants sore shoulders from dancing too much!

Get input from your bridesmaids

To make sure your bridesmaids love their dresses, get input from each and every one of them before finalizing your order.

Each girl should describe her dress style in a few words (e.g., simple, bright, and fun or sophisticated, dark, and dramatic). You should also ask each person if they have limitations that you need to know when ordering dresses.

If some girls want long trains while others don’t want any fabric around their feet, you need to know which way they lean so you can decide on a style that fits everyone best.

Make the Process Fun

Choosing bridesmaid dresses is a fun and easy process when you know what shape best suits your wedding party. Whether it’s by color, style, or personality type, you can put together a great look that compliments everyone in your bridal party.

Best of all, once you find one dress that flatters each member of your wedding party, you can use it as inspiration for other aspects of their outfit like jewelry and shoes.

Take your time selecting bridesmaid dresses; if you find something early on in planning that works well, then take advantage! You’ll feel confident knowing that everyone will be comfortable and look their best on your big day. 

Author Bio:

Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of NewYorkDress.com. NewYorkDress.com, established in 2008, is the #1 online source for Evening and Prom dresses worldwide. As Creative Director, Jonah works to create the ultimate online and in store luxury shopping experience with a focus on service and personalization.