One of the first questions that everyone asks about a wedding is, “What is the bride wearing?”. The very next question is usually, “What are the bridesmaids wearing?”. The bridesmaids' outfits are second in importance only to the bride's dress. Sorry groom, but no one is really interested in what you will be wearing! It's all about the ladies.
The first step in dressing your bridesmaids is, of course, deciding on their gowns. If you have a group of women who live all over the place, with different tastes and different figures, you already know that pleasing everyone is no easy task. The sanest route is usually for the bride to take only her maid of honor dress shopping, and hopefully the two of them together can come up with an outfit that everyone can live with. (And if not, please do not let the bride hear you complaining about her selection!)
Deciding how precisely to coordinate your bridesmaids with one another is the bride's choice, within reason. You will likely want to have your attendants look unified (especially in the formal photographs), but you want to stop short of trying to assemble a chorus line. (It is okay to discreetly help out a friend who may not be able to afford a trip to the salon for her wedding updo or mani/pedi. It is not, however, okay to tell her how to wear her hair or what color to paint her nails.) The individual personalities of each individual should still be allowed to shine through the yards of taffeta.
After the challenge of finding the perfect attendants' dress, choosing the accessories will feel like a breeze. The jewelry is the most fun accessory, because you do not have to worry about fit or comfort. It is all about beauty. Pearl bridesmaid jewelry is very popular because it is available in so many different styles. Pearls come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, so there is something to compliment any bridesmaid dress. Pink pearls are especially popular, because they are so flattering to every skin tone. Sterling silver and pearl bridesmaid jewelry is quite affordable, which is great because then you can give your attendants the whole necklace, earring, and bracelet set. For an evening wedding, have your jewelry custom made with some crystals scattered among the pearls.
Ultimately, whether you choose long or short dresses, sandals or pumps, nosegays or arm bouquets, your bridesmaids will look lovely. If you make choices with their happiness in mind, your attendants will look all the prettier on your wedding day, because their smiles will be genuine.
