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Turning Heads And Avoiding Headaches
The Dress And Accessories: A Worthwhile Expense
In all likelihood, the largest expense for your bridesmaids will be the dress,
and accessory items like shoes, jewelry and a headpiece. Contrary to popular
opinion, choosing and ordering a bridesmaid dress should not be a chore.
Dresses have come a long way in recent years, as manufacturers and designers
have started to create fashionable, modern pieces that can be worn again to a
variety of affairs. In general, the bridesmaid dress will cost between $75 and
$375, averaging somewhere around $200, with an extra $30-$40 for alterations. If
you have more lavish tastes, though, the dress could be quite a bit pricier, so
it's always helpful to make sure your bridesmaids can afford the additional
expense. If you're uncomfortable about preparing your bridesmaids for the
expense (especially if they've never been in a wedding and aren't aware that
they have to pay for the dress), you can gently explain the tradition. If money
is a major issue, then you can look for more affordable dresses or find other
ways to help. "Conflicts over the cost of a bridesmaid's dress should never come
between friends," says Nina Lawrence. "The bride-to-be should show sensitivity
toward the possibility that one or more of her attendants might have an issue
with costs, and choose gowns and accessories accordingly. In special cases, the
bride and her family may gracefully offer financial help, but as a general rule,
the bride's selections for her bridal party should be as acceptable to them as
they are to her, at prices well within their means."
Outfitting The Bridal Party
In an overwhelming majority of weddings, Bridesmaid Dresses are chosen to
complement the wedding's unique colors, style and feel. This may mean that
bridesmaids wear identical dresses, but this isn't always the case anymore. Some
brides maintain a coordinated look by buying dresses that vary slightly in
design or color but still match the formality of the affair and the overall look
of the bridal gown.
Coordinating Among Bridesmaids
Most important, though, is that all the Bridesmaid Dresses are normally ordered
from the same manufacturer at the same shop. Ordering all the dresses from the
same shop means that all the dress orders will be submitted at the same time. It
also ensures that all the dresses for the bridal party will be drawn from the
same dye lot, to guarantee that they coordinate. In addition, any accessories
should be matched to the Bridesmaid Dresses. Brides generally ask bridesmaids to
buy shoes in the same color as the dress and at a similar, if not identical,
heel height. It may be easiest to find dyeable shoes, so that the exact color of
the dress can be replicated. If you're planning on asking your bridesmaids to
wear gloves, specific jewelry items, special undergarments or headpieces, the
further in advance you ask, the better. (NOTE: Jewelry items are a popular
bridesmaid gift for this reason - your bridesmaids will have matching
accessories and they won't have to pay for them!) The more specific and detailed
you make your accessory request (e.g., let them know where the items can be
purchased, or show them an advertisement or a picture), the more helpful it will
be to your bridesmaids.
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