Feb 25, 2007 4 min read

Dear Joy, I have a large group of bridesmaids (8), and we need to begin to shop for their gowns. Many of the girls have great figures, so I am sure most of the styles will look terrific on them. Unfortunately, two of them have “full” figures.

My sister, one of the full-figured bridesmaids, is concerned that she won’t find a dress to fit. Another girl promises to lose weight before the big day.

I also have a pre-teen who will be a junior bridesmaid. Her mother wants her to wear something modest, but she wants to look “sexy.” I just want her to wear something that fits well.

I think it is going to be a nightmare to find the perfect dress for such a diverse group. Any suggestions before we begin to shop? Lexi

Dear Lexi,

I think the bridesmaid dress search is brutal, not only for the less than perfect figure, but also for the model figure bridesmaid. Unfortunately a large wedding party, comprised not only of individual likes and dislikes but also sizing needs, complicates the search.

Cost is another dilemma that adds fuel to the fire. Frequently, the cost of the gown, shoes and personal grooming-not to mention gifts, shower hosting, etc.-is a financial burden that adds stress to the situation. A glance at the price tag can cause distress when the bridesmaid realizes she will wear the gown only once -despite the bride’s assurance that “You can wear this again!”

Sadly, most bridesmaid dresses hang in the back of the closet until it is donated to a local rummage sale.

The first step in the search takes the bride and maid of honor on a preliminary shopping expedition to choose three favorite dress styles and colors. A word of caution: Never drag an entire wedding party of eight on a preliminary shopping trip!

The second step is to 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 disappointment and unrealistic expectations. The considerate bride will choose gowns in a range of prices, fabrics, and size availability.

In step three, 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.

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 the popular and sophisticated bridesmaid gowns of today. Then again, you may also want to stay away from childish, large-size flower girl dresses. The salon may have style recommendations that are both flattering and contemporary for the young lady.

Joy’s Bridal Tip: To insure 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. You can e-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.