By Maria Immaculate Owechi
In February, a British news website, The Sun posted a story of a bridesmaid who posted on a social media group seeking advice on how to tell the bride she does not like her choice of their dresses without being offensive.
She said the bride and her mother chose online yellow ruffled bridesmaids dresses which the six of them absolutely hate. The disgruntled lady said she and other bridesmaids couldn’t imagine themselves paying for such an outfit which she described as, “the fuglest dress she has ever seen.”
The post was accompanied by the picture of the dress and most of the online users encouraged her to tell the bride to reconsider changing the dresses.
Brides usually choose the dresses for their bridesmaids depending on the theme color and fashion in mind. The challenge comes when the choice does not flatter any or some of the bridesmaids leading to conflicts. While it is important that bridesmaids make it easy for the bride, brides need to be considerate of their entourage as well.
The following are suggestions on what a bride can look out for while choosing suitable dresses for her bridesmaids.
Consider their body types
It is important to put in mind which fashion will work for your bridesmaids because they all have different body types.
Phiona Nassuna, the owner of Elegant Bridals on Entebbe road advises brides to opt for a fashion that flatters all body times.
She gives an example of empire dresses that have become a common choice because their raised waistline flatters all body types.
Nassuna adds that if A-line dresses are of floor-length they do not flatter ladies with slim figures as much.
She adds that in such cases, knee-length dresses will accommodate both the slim and curvy figure.
Choose colours that complement the different complexions
Nassuna says most times brides select the colours of the dresses based on their favourite shades which may not work for the rest.
She adds that it is otherwise hard to convince the bride to opt for neutral colours like champagne, silver and darker colors because they want a bright theme.
Nassuna says the solution is to mind about the shade especially if it is a bright colour that can work for all.
The dress should be comfortable for the bridesmaids
Sayina Mwema, a tailor in Nsambya says for this case the bride needs to take into consideration the different personalities of the bridesmaids.
She says some ladies are not comfortable with short dresses or plunging necklines yet others can easily rock them.
“The bride has to first consult with the bridesmaids about the style since they are going to pay and wear the outfit for the whole day,” Sayina advises.
She says if a bride is not willing to compromise then, she should stick to selecting bridesmaids that share her sense of style.
Alternatively, each bridesmaid can be allowed to choose a dress design that is comfortable for them, as long as they maintain the colour theme and general dress design.
Take into consideration the weather
Wearing open dresses is trendy among bridesmaids but this should be done in consideration with the state of weather or type of reception.
You wouldn’t want your bridesmaids shivering with coldness to the extent of borrowing a scarf or sweater which may distort the style.
Consider the undergarments to be worn
Nassuna says it is important for the brides to co-ordinate with her bridesmaids the type of undergarments to be worn.
She says this is important because for fashions like a strapless dress, the bra needs to also be strapless.
“I have seen bridesmaids who get a strapless bra that is of the wrong fitting that keeps sliding or just removing the straps from the bra which can be visibly seen in the dress,” Nassuna shares.
Her advice is that brides should be in position to remind her entourage the need to purchase the perfect lingerie in time.
Budget and cost
It is important for brides to put into consideration that the dress chosen is affordable for the bridesmaids.
Sayina says before a bride chooses a certain style, she should find out the price difference purchasing the outfit, hiring it or having it tailor-made.
She says this helps in discussing with the bridesmaids which price will fit in their pockets.
It may be difficult to please all the expectations of the bridesmaids but in cases where the majority disagree on something, an open mind is encouraged.
