7 Rules For Choosing Your Bridesmaids' Dresses

We partnered with Nordstrom Weddings to bring you simple suggestions for outfitting your bridesmaids and ensuring your best maids feel lovely at your wedding.
Planning your wedding is stressful enough, so tossing your frustrated bridesmaids into the mix could turn into a sticky ball of fashionistas. You want everyone to look fabulous, but finding the right dresses, orchestrating all the fittings, and keeping your bridesmaids happy in terms of style can put unwanted strain on any anxious bride-to-be. Ditch the stress with these tips that make selecting stunning dresses as easy as checking it off your list.

1 Plan Ahead

It doesn't matter how many bridesmaids you have. Keeping all the looks you like in one spot can be challenging — especially when you want input from your ladies. Consider creating a shareable document for bridesmaids to drop in styles, or even a Pinterest page for pinning dresses you love. This way you'll have lots of ideas to share with your consultant when pulling dresses.

2 It's Your Day

Remember that it's your wedding, so essentially your dress is the one that should be complemented by the colors and styles you select for bridesmaid dresses. And maybe not everyone will be happy with your choice, which is OK. Think about your wedding style so bridesmaid dresses stay in sync. If you're going boho chic, fitted taffeta dresses probably won't work — even if that's what your bridesmaids are excited about.

3 Be a Friend

Before trying on dresses, make the time to listen to bridesmaids' concerns so you can work together and find dresses that flatter as well as match with existing wardrobes. The last thing you want to do is fit your bridesmaids in dresses that will just collect dust after your big day.

4 Consider Mixing and Matching

Get your bridesmaids involved and make a statement with mismatching dresses in the same color or color family. And this is a great way to adjust for everyone's shapes and complexions while complementing your gown. Remember your ladies are going to be in this dress for several hours — and they'll want to party after walking down the aisle, so comfort is key.

5 Season and Time of Day

If your girls are going to be standing in blazing noon heat, you definitely don't want dresses that might highlight any sweat. And strappy dresses for an outdoor evening wedding in Fall could leave your bridesmaids shivering. The same goes for color choice. LBDs are so fitting for Fall and Winter weddings but might not be the best for Spring or Summer.

6 There Are No Rules

Honestly? There really are no rights or wrongs when selecting bridesmaid dresses. You can go traditional or be true to your inner fashionista and select styles that create memories. When meeting with your consultant and bridesmaids, welcome suggestions, but always makes sure you're the final decision maker.

7 Budget Smart

It's totally unfair to expect good friends to toss down tons of cash on dresses, so stick with a budget of $300 max. If the style you happen to fall in love with costs over your limit, be ready to cover expenses.

8 More From Nordstrom Weddings

Instead of running yourself ragged trying to find the perfect dresses while keeping your girls happy, Nordstrom Weddings has a huge selection, including tons of colors and sizes

 — many that are exclusive. Click to learn more.