• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

STAY AWHILE

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

A Hosting Home

Styling and Inspiration + Handcrafted Designs

Weddings

Tips for Bridesmaids Dress Shopping

You’ve all heard the horror stories.

You can’t tell me that you haven’t heard horror stories of high maintenance bridal parties. When you think about it, they are probably just as common as the bridezilla stories. To be honest, they almost make me cringe just thinking about them. Your bridesmaids might not even be high maintenance or hard to deal with. (Good for you, girl!) But, you have to admit it’s hard to get upwards of 12 women together without one of them giving an opinion. (Especially when it comes to how they look and if they may be pitching in money for it!) Unfortunately brides before you have not been so lucky, and their best gals soon forget who the day is actually about.

I’m a believer of a lot of things in life. One of those things is that they should serve wine to brides at dress shops as their bridal party piles into dressing rooms to try on literally every single dress on the rack. I’m telling you, I’ve been there as a bride and a bridesmaid. (As a bridesmaid I even thought I needed a drink!) Like I mentioned in one of my older blog posts, going bridesmaids dress shopping is one of those times where wine will get you through wedding planning. Lucky for you, I’ve got some tips for you to make it a little more bearable, easier on you, and a lot more exciting!

Wine is still optional but preferred. So grab your day drinking glass, pour some Merlot, and let’s get real.

Tips for Bridesmaids Dress Shopping, Atlanta Certified Wedding Planner, Cathy Nugent Weddings

Tips for Bridesmaids Dress Shopping

Do your homework.

I get it, no one likes homework. It’s the reason students are most excited to graduate college and get into the real world. But, if you want to get through shopping for bridesmaids dresses without crawling into the corner, spooning wine out of your Halo Top ice cream, and regretting the friends you have, there’s some things that need to be done. Just like homework prepared you for your classes, there’s homework with wedding planning that will help you stay organized, efficient, and sober.

 – Make Appointments

I can’t stress the importance of making an appointment. Especially if you are dead set on bringing your entire crew, you need to contact the dress stores ahead of time and make an appointment. In actuality, some dress stores only operate on a by-appointment basis. Let them know how many of you are coming so that they can better prepare for your time there by reserving dressing rooms, having staff available to your group, and possibly even pulling things off the rack for you ahead of time.

– Know What Styles / Colors You Love

This is one of those times when you can whip up that secret wedding Pinterest board of yours and scroll through the pins. What do you love about dresses that you see in bridal party photos? What do you hate? Are you going to have them all matching? Do some colors look more appealing to you than others? Do you want them in a darker color to make you pop in your white gown? How does it fit into your wedding’s color palette?

– Look At The Store’s Website

Before you go to your appointment, it’s also important to look at their website to see what the store has to offer. Often times, appointments are booked for only an hour. That may not be a lot of time if you bring all 12 bridesmaids and unleash them in a store. Soon you’ll be comparing 12 different dress styles, colors, and opinions. Getting an idea in your head ahead of time of what you want to see your girls try on can maximize your time in the store and control the chaos.  From there you’ll be able to branch out and compare to other styles you decide to try on in the store.

It’s about what you want.

Like I mentioned, I’ve been there as a bride and a bridesmaid. But when it comes to bridesmaids arguing over the style or color of the dress to be worn because Susie doesn’t think she looks good in strapless and Tiffany hates periwinkle, to be honest, I don’t think the bridal party should be making the decision anyways. Call me what you want, but I am a firm believer that it is the bride’s day. Hence, it’s about what she wants. (And the reader said AMEN!) When it’s their turn to have arguing bridesmaids they regret already by that shopping trip, they’ll wish they would have just made the decision rather than releasing the hounds and watching a blood bath. I can guarantee that Susie isn’t going to care if you don’t like strapless gowns when it comes time for her wedding. That’s just not how it works.

My advice is to know what styles and colors you love, and make some boundaries ahead of time. If you’re worried about making the boundaries, have your maid of honor relay them to the rest of the girls. While it may not always be necessary, it’s sometimes best to put those expectations out there ahead of time. Tell them you understand, accept, and respect their opinions, but it is about what you have visioned for your wedding. As long as you’re not one of those brides who chooses an obnoxious pattern, bow, or puffy sleeve, they should understand. Don’t be afraid to hurt feelings, they’ll have their turn.

Spoiler Alert: They’ll get over it.

You don’t have to take your whole bridal party.

You could be a bride in college with your bridesmaids at different universities across the country. You’re may be all professionals or out of school living life wherever the job market or marriage took you. But, chances are, your bridal party is not all located in the same place. If this is the case for you like so many other brides, you don’t have to stress about getting your entire bridal party together to try on dresses.

For my own wedding, this was the case with my bridesmaids spread across the country. With everyone’s lives, it was impossible to get all of us together in the same room at one time other than my wedding day. As disappointing as it was when it came to showers and tasks like dress shopping, I understood. Instead, I went bridesmaids dress shopping with my mom, my maid of honor, and two of my bridesmaids who happened to be in town at the same time. It worked out perfectly, and it was definitely a lot less overwhelming. If your dress store is somewhat a national chain, you can put your dress pick in the system whenever you decide and have your girls get measured and order their dress at their own convenience at a store near them.

Don’t let them loose. Have a system. 

As someone who is a little type A, I had a system when it came to bridesmaids dress shopping with my girls. I don’t think it was over the top, but it was one that allowed me to visualize and stay organized. My bridal party consisted of a range of body types, and I wanted to choose a dress that flattered them all. However, that’s really hard to visualize when everyone is trying on different styles at different times.

I ending up having my girls try on the same style dress in their size at the same time. They would then come out and stand together in the mirror. Not only did it allow me to see a variety of color options against skin tones at the same time. But, it also allowed me to see how that particular dress style looked across different body types. Surprisingly enough, it helped me narrow down a lot of options!

Take photos. 

Whenever I go shopping for clothes, my momma taught me a trick for finding out how much you love an item. You take a picture of yourself in the dressing room! It’s no secret that something you wear may look flattering in the mirror but not when you’re photographed in it. Not to mention, doesn’t the camera tend to add 10 pounds? Hence why, to this day, I always take a picture of myself when I try something on in the dressing room.

I transfer this advice to bridesmaids dress shopping for two reasons. One, for what I mentioned above. Everything looks different in photos. Not to mention, some shades of color don’t translate well into photos. They look dull, make your skin hue look weird, or completely lose their appeal. I had my bridesmaids try on several colors that didn’t translate well into a photograph. Taking photos will help you have a peek of what the dresses will photograph like on your big day.

Secondly, it actually allows you to remember what the dress looked like. Especially when you’ve been shopping all day and looking at hundreds of dresses, they all blend together after a while. Lining up your girls in the same dress (like we talked about above!) and taking a photo will allow you to create a mini look book for you to look back on later. I promise it’ll save you trips back to the store and frustration for trying to remember each dress you looked at.

August 10, 2017

« How-To Get the Most From a Bridal Show
The Secret To Planning Your Wedding With Pinterest »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • Our Drive By Baby Shower / A Hosting Home BlogOur Drive By Baby Shower!
  • A Peek at Last Year's Christmas Decor / A Hosting Home BlogHow-To Transition Your Christmas Decor into the Rest of Winter
  • My Top 5 Holiday Hosting Tips VIDEO / A Hosting Home BlogMy Top 5 Holiday Hosting Tips (VIDEO)
  • Sweet as Honey Southern Wedding Inspiration, The Barn at Oak Manor Styled Shoot featured on The Perfect Palette, Atlanta Certified Wedding PlannerMust-Have Conversations To Have Before You Start Wedding Planning

Comments

  1. Theresa Bailey says

    August 16, 2017 at 2:22 am

    So many great tips. Here’s one I learned: You absolutely 100% need a good seamstress and be on the look out for one way in advance! I almost couldn’t find someone to get my dress altered in time for my sister’s wedding. Yikes! Thankfully I found one who could turn it around in a few days. I got lucky.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 16, 2017 at 9:45 pm

      YES! This is so important. That is definitely a detail that many bridesmaids don’t think about.

      Reply
  2. Lori | Choosing Wisdom says

    August 24, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Great ideas for that stressful time! Having a system to get the important decisions made makes all the difference!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you, Lori! I definitely think planning a wedding is definitely only as stressful as you make it. There are ways to organize the chaos and make it so much better!

      Reply
  3. Lisa says

    August 24, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    Great tips! I’m in the process of narrowing them down!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you, Lisa! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post. You go girl! 🙂 Best wishes for your special day!

      Reply
  4. Ayanna @ 21FlavorsofSplendor says

    August 24, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Great tips!! I’ll have to remember this because I am a bridesmaid for the first time next year.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks, Ayanna! How exciting! 🙂 You should check out bridesmaidsconfession.com for even more tips on being the best bridesmaid for your bride-to-be bestie.

      Reply
  5. Jordyn Galan says

    August 25, 2017 at 2:40 am

    Those dresses are beautiful! And you have such great tips!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks, Jordyn! Those are actually my bridesmaids from my own wedding. Don’t they look darling! 🙂 P.S. They are from David’s Bridal!

      Reply
  6. Sarah Camille says

    August 25, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Thanks for the great tips Cathy! This is perfect timing as I need to figure out bridesmaid dresses in the next month. Two of my bridesmaids are states away, so I’m trying to figure out how best to inclulde them.
    Cheers, Sarah Camille // SCsScoop.com

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Awh, you’re so welcome, Sarah! I am so glad that you found this post just in time then! I went through the same thing when I was planning my weddings. I found the above dresses as David’s Bridal, and since they were a national chain, the rest of my bridesmaids were easily able to go to a store near them at their own convenience. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Atlanta based Award Winning Interior and Event Designer and Home Blogger Cathy Nugent

Hi, friends! I'm Cathy, a nationally published award winning designer of spaces to gather and southern belle writer based out of a small(ish) town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most people know me as the Monica Geller of my friend group – a coffee connoisseur and dog mom with a huge heart for hosting and an eye for design. The heart behind what I do is simple. I want to help you be intentional on creating spaces to gather and celebrating life's precious moments - whether that be weddings, parties, or something as simple as having loved ones in your home. Living Simply, Loving Generously, and Hosting with Heart.

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

POPULAR POSTS

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas

April 2, 2021

How To Make a Design Board (for free!) / A Hosting Home Blog

How To Create a Design Board (for free!)

February 20, 2021

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper / A Hosting Home Blog

Using Rub n Buff to Update Antique Hardware

February 3, 2021

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper / A Hosting Home Blog

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper

January 24, 2021

DIY Salt Dough Keepsake Ornaments / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Salt Dough Keepsake Ornaments

December 15, 2020


I’m not going to mind doing dishes with a pretty I’m not going to mind doing dishes with a pretty view like this. ✨💛 I hung these DARLING cafe curtains in my kitchen today, and I can’t get enough of the gold details with the rod, rings, and medallions. I still need to install cabinet hardware, but I’m really loving how everything is coming together in our new house. I’m feeling so inspired with embracing new styles and I hope you are too following along!  #ahostinghome 

Shared a closer look on stories today! Shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Futt #liketkit #shopltk #ltkhome

•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #kitchendesign #kitchen #whitekitchen #whitekitchencabinets #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousekitchen #modernfarmhousedecor #modernfarmhousedesign #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #interiordesignstyles #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter
Building raised garden beds and planting with a to Building raised garden beds and planting with a toddler who just wanted to  dig and bury tools and throw dirt everywhere was as about as chaotic as you could imagine. (Forget wood for a second, have you seen how expensive DIRT is this year?! 🤦🏼‍♀️) Rob built me raised beds at our old house after Layne passed away and learning to garden became such a labor of love for me. We really missed having a garden last summer after we sold our old house and moved into the rental, so we were so excited to get started and plan another set of raised beds for this year for the new house. It’s a start — and we can’t wait to expand this little garden area even more as we go. 💛🪴 Are you excited for your garden this year? What are you growing?! #ahostinghome 

#raisedbeds #raisedgardenbeds #raisedbedgarden #raisedgarden #raisedbedgardening #gardening #backyardgarden #bhghome #mybhg #bhglivebetter
Can I just say that if you’ve been on the fence Can I just say that if you’ve been on the fence about a bold design decision… to just do it! After I shared the black living room wall, I had a few friends tell me they wanted to do the same in other spaces in their home and they chickened out. Especially when it comes to paint, I say just go for it! Paint is one of the easiest ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home. It’s only paint — and that’s the beauty of it! If you hate it you can always paint it back. So instead of asking what if you hate it, ask yourself what if you LOVE it?! 🖤👏🏼 #ahostinghome 

// shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3EXef

// Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in eggshell/satin in the Duration line // Walls are Extra White by #sherwinwilliamspaint 

#tricornblack #sherwinwilliams #sherwinwilliamstricornblack #sherwinwilliamsextrawhite #blackaccentwall #blackwall #accentwall #interiordesign #interiordesigner #interiordesignideas #homedecor #homedesign #homedesignideas #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #transitionaldesign #homestyling #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter #mybhg #bhgcolor #swcolorlove
About the only thing I managed to get done this we About the only thing I managed to get done this weekend with a sick toddler was the little gallery wall in our dining room. I found these wireless battery operated gold gallery lights on Amazon and they are AMAZING. Comes in 3 colors, under $35, and super easy to install. I love how it just added a little something and made it look more high end. 😍👏🏼 #ahostinghome 

// shop via @shop.ltk here ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Ep2B

tags // #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #gallerywall #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #transitionaldesign #transitionalstyle #transitionaldecor #diningroom #diningroomdecor #diningroomdesign #ltkhome #bhg #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhglivebetter
My living room took a complete transformation this My living room took a complete transformation this evening — and I’m so in love! (You really didn’t think I’d part with these floral curtains did you?! 🤪) I always talk about the power of paint… but there’s also so much power in drapery, friends! I love how cozy they make our new home feel and how it just feels like “us” now with them up. ❤️ #ahostinghome
•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #interiordesignideas #interiorstyling #livingroomdecor #livingroom #traditionaldecor #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #traditionalhome #homedecor #homedesign #floralcurtains #livingroominspiration #livingroomideas #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousedecor #bhghome #bhgstyle #bhgstylemaker #bhg
✨ Progress ✨ I’m so excited to finally be at ✨ Progress ✨ I’m so excited to finally be at the point of unpacking that I can start decorating a little bit! What do you think of the vibe in here so far? Hoping to get the kitchen cabinet hardware on this weekend! #ahostinghome 

p.s. I’ve also got big plans to refinish these table and chairs soon! 😍

•
•
•
•
•
#interiordesign #homedecor #homedesign #kitchendesign #kitchen #whitekitchen #whitekitchencabinets #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #modernfarmhousekitchen #modernfarmhousedecor #modernfarmhousedesign #transitionaldesign #transitionaldecor #transitionalstyle #interiordesignstyles
After all the rain, we finally got the wire backin After all the rain, we finally got the wire backing, our gates done, and the fence finished this week! 😍 We had a fencing company local to us do it, and they did an amazing job. We had a fence like this at our old house, and we loved how open it made our back yard feel while still keeping the dogs in. With the dogs, the fence was project priority No. 1 after we moved in — and I must say, I’m so glad I won’t have to embarrass myself chasing a puppy around the house with a toddler on my hip in my slippers anymore! 🤪 Are you team privacy fence or team 5 row fence? 🏡 #ahostinghome
•
•
•
•
•
#farmhousefence #blackfence #fiverowfence #5rowfence #blackfarmhousefence #farmfence #modernfarmhouseexterior #modernfarmhousebuild #farmhouseexterior #farmhousebuild #houseexterior #homeexterior #whiteandblackhouse #blackandwhitehouse #blackandwhitehome #homedecor #homedesign #georgiahomes #exteriordesign #exteriorpainting #exteriorpaint
It’s been a long time coming, y’all… We clo It’s been a long time coming, y’all… 
We closed on our new house last week! It has been a crazy past few days getting moved in and the essentials set up/ unpacked, but we are so excited for the new adventure! We’ve already got so many plans and ideas, and I can’t wait to completely transform this home! 😍 I hope you’re just as excited to follow along! #ahostinghome
The power of paint (and shutters!) Adding black sh The power of paint (and shutters!) Adding black shutters and a black door completely transformed the look of our house and made the exterior POP! 😍 We’re getting SO close, y’all. We’ve got just a little finish work left inside for them to wrap up, and we have our final walk through next week! #ahostinghome 

Exterior Paint Colors—
- Siding: Extra White by @sherwinwilliams 
- Shutters & Door: Iron Ore by #sherwinwilliams 
- Cedar wood columns

#newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildjourney #newbuildprogress #newhomeconstruction #newhome #houseprogress #homeprogress #extrawhitesherwinwilliams #ironoresherwinwilliams

CATEGORIES

 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube