Searching for bridesmaid dresses can be a painful experience
You have already gone beyond the first three steps I recommend in the bridesmaid dress search. Unfortunately, these steps can’t be retraced but let’s see what you missed. The bride and maid of honor go on a preliminary shopping expedition to choose a three favorite dress styles and colors.
They compare and consult with a few bridal salons regarding sizing availability, price, alterations and delivery. Comparative shopping at this stage will eliminate a lot of potential disappointments and unrealistic expectations. The considerate bride will choose gowns in a range of prices, fabrics, and size availability.
All of the women in the wedding party should be included in the final selection process. They can try on the three favorite style samples and look at the selected color choices. The salon seamstress or trained salesperson will make size recommendations at this time.
Unfortunately, your group sidestepped steps one and two. Now you need to rely on a competent bridal salon salesperson to direct the women to dress styles that will complement and flatter both full figures and a junior size.
Sample bridesmaid dresses are usually available in only small junior sizes; therefore, a full-figured woman might find it difficult to imagine a proper fitted dress.
A trained salesperson or the salon’s seamstress can measure and recommend a particular size for the bridesmaid.
Dresses should be ordered in the size that fits the bridesmaid at the time of the sizing. Many diets are promised at the time of measuring and ordering but few girls reach their desired weight by the wedding date.
A junior bridesmaid can wear a different but complimentary style dress from the rest of the bridal party. An undeveloped junior bridesmaid may find it difficult to wear today’s popular and sophisticated bridesmaid dresses.
Then again, you may also want to stay away from childish, large-size flower girl dresses.
The salon may have style recommendations that are flattering and contemporary for the young lady.
Joy’s Bridal Tip: To ensure a proper measurement and fit, brides and female wedding party participants should bring appropriate shoes and undergarments when they are shopping for that perfect dress.
K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. E-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.