How to Pick Bridesmaid Gowns

Bridesmaid gowns are often the topic of jokes whenever weddings are brought up in conversation. They are famed for being ridiculous, hideous and downright objectionable to those who must wear them. However, they don't have to be. If you consider your budget and the tastes of your bridesmaids, you can choose a gown everyone will like.

• Decide upon a budget. It is customary for the bridesmaids to purchase their own gowns, so you must keep this in mind when picking the dresses. Consider the salaries of your bridesmaids. If they all work low paying jobs, don't choose an expensive designer gown for them to wear. You can avoid at least one awkward wedding planning moment this way.


• Make sure you have chosen the theme for your wedding. Have you decided on the cake? What color are the decorations? What does the wedding dress look like? What season will it be when the wedding takes place? You must keep all of this in mind when choosing a bridesmaids gown. You do not want the bridesmaids to clash with the rest of the wedding. If you are going with subtle, neutral decorations, perhaps a neon green bridesmaids gown would not be the best idea.


• Take the bridesmaids' figures into consideration. This can help you choose a bridesmaid gown that will look nice on your bridesmaids. Also, keep in mind their ages and choose something age appropriate. A wedding party that is mostly in their early twenties can wear things that would look ridiculous on a group in their forties. 


• Consider the venue. Is your wedding in a cathedral? A beach wedding? A backyard wedding? For example, if your wedding is in a very conservative church, you should choose bridesmaid gowns that are equally conservative. On the other hand, you could choose a more casual dress for a beach wedding.