How to keep your bridesmaids happy!

One of the biggest bridesmaid challenges is finding a dress that suits all your girls without them looking completely different in your photos! Steer clear of problems with our simple guide...

Problem 1: "But I never wear strapless!"
There's a simple solution to this one — just have some straps added in the same material! This kind of comment often comes from bustier bridesmaids who feel uncomfortable in a strapless dress and may worry about it not holding up throughout the day. Another option might be to talk to your boutique about whether an internal bra/corset can be sewn into the dress to make your maids feel more secure.

Problem 2: "I want to show off my legs!"
Often a gripe from younger bridesmaids, who don't like the look of the gorgeous floor-length bridesmaids gowns you have carefully chosen! As long as the styles and fabrics/colours are the same though, it can be nice to let your maids choose the length of their gowns to suit them. Why not have two maids in long, slinky gowns and two in knee-length styles? Also, teenage bridesmaids will appreciate a dress they can wear again.

Problem 3: "Pink isn't my colour"
Different colours do suit different people depending on their skin, hair and eye colouring, so your redhead bridesmaid may not appreciate being given a fuchsia gown, while her blonde-haired blue-eyed friend may look washed out by pale green! All this can be a nightmare when planning your theme though. One option would be to pick two colours and vary your bridesmaids' dresses to suit. So for example you could choose pale pink and coffee as your two colours then alternate the colours of the dresses and use the other colour as an accent on a sash or corsage to tie them together. This make for wonderful, colourful photos too!

Problem 4: "It only looks good on our skinny friend!"
If you're hearing this from one of your curvier maids, then it might be worth sitting back and wondering if you have thought about what will suit all your girls! While the slinky, strapless fishtail gown that looked great in the boutique window made your size 10 bridesmaid a friend for life, your size 18 maid may be less enthusiastic.

Here you have a few options — either pick gowns in the same fabric and colour but in different styles that suit your bridesmaids' figures (most ranges offer a wide selection in the same colour choices), or try to find a gown which will flatter everyone! Full-skirted, flirty tea-length prom-style dresses suit most figures and will be sure to have everyone smiling on the day!