Friday, October 14, 2011 1:37 PM

How to go about dressing bridesmaids with minimal drama and of course minimal expense.
Initial reaction is that the girls are all different sizes and colourings so we'll have to get something made. This used to be the case as one could never find the right "off the peg". Not so anymore.

How to avoid zilabridemaids and keep everyone happy-including the bride.
When looking to organise your wedding party it is important that you select from collections that are not likely to turn up on guests at your wedding. Avoid therefore shopping for bridesmaids in the more commercial chain stores. Made to measure can be time consuming and at the end result not necessarily professional and the look not what was envisaged. Occasion wear stores with many years experience in the industry have done the "leg work" for you. You can try a range of styles that are current and fashionable in a range of length options and select from a range of 6-24 in at least 30 different colours. Garments can be professionally fitted and embellished to suit. Once the colour size and style has been chosen from the extensive collection garments not in stock can be ordered with a 6-12 week delivery period depending on the source. A deposit of 50% is usually paid and the balance at the final fitting.

If you are worried about the cost there is something for every budget and the silk chiffon options are particularly good value priced from $250 short and from $350 long and the long chiffon gowns can be shortened later for party or race wear. The styles in some cases are updates weekly to ensure the latest colours and looks are covered and that everyone gets something different. At least this way your friends are not doing the same look for their weddings. For the men in the party extra fabric can often be purchased for ties and cummer bands. If you are lucky flower girls can be made to measure to compliment the wedding party usually with a 2-3 week delivery period. Look for a llok that is age appropriate and in line with the rest of the bridal party.

Question: I have 3 bridesmaids, one tanned, one pale redhead and one blond. What colour do I put them in?
With an extensive colour palette to choose from consider the option of putting them in 3 different colours that still work well together.

Question: One of my bridesmaids is very well endowed the other is not what style do you suggest?
Extra fabric can usually be purchased for bra width straps and shoulder detail to allow for a bra. Bra cups and a softer neck line with some rouching will add volume to the bust of those less endowed. Consider putting the bridesmaids in the same colour but a different style. As many of the bridesmaids options can come in the same cloth this is an easy solution.

Question: One of my bridesmaids is very tall and the other "five foot nothing". What length do I choose?
Once you have sorted shoes a fitting can be done to ensure a "medium" hemline is achieved for the group that suits all heights and legs. In extreme situations extra long versions of a gown can be ordered.

Question: Who should pay for the bridesmaids dresses?
In some cases the bride wants total control over the process so she purchases the garments and tells the girls what they are wearing. In some cases the girls purchase their dresses as they are items they could wear again And in other cases a compromise is reached and maybe the bride pays the deposit and the bridesmaids the 50% balance. Bridesmaids dresses in most cases are extremely good value for the quality and look achieved so one can rest happy that the money has been well spent considering many bridesmaids choose a style that they can wear again.

In summary weddings are happy events that are sometime a little stressful to organise. Co-ordinating a group of girls is sometimes not easy. Leave it to the experts rather than committee and ensure that the end result is a gorgeous wedding party and most important - a very happy bride and no zila bridesmaids.