My fiancé is inviting half his fraternity pledge class to be in our wedding (about 12 guys!)  I don’t have twelve close friends to be my bridesmaids.  Do we have to do an even number?

There is no hard and fast rule requiring you to have an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.  I was in a wedding not long ago in which I was escorted up the aisle by two groomsmen—It was certainly a treat!  If the symmetry is really bothering you, why don’t you and the Fiance consider having 6 groomsmen and 6 Ushers, who will sit during the Ceremony?  Ultimately, all eyes will be on you.  Don’t feel that you have to include others in your bridal party just to even out the numbers.

My six bridesmaids represent every single body shape imaginable.  Is there a universally flattering look for all of them? 

The A-Line skit is the universally flattering shape.  As far as necklines, A V-neck that isn’t too low or a straight across strapless are always flattering.  Another thought—why not pick a specific Designer, color, fabric and length and allow your bridesmaids to choose styles that will be most comfortable for you.  Amsale and Watters are just two of the many Designers that offer these kinds of options.

So far, I haven’t been able to get my bridesmaids to agree on a dress.  We have gone to several places and a fight breaks out each time—what do I do? 

It’s time for you to take control.  Remember, this is your wedding!  As women, we take a universal oath at birth that goes like this: “I will wear whatever you want me to for YOUR  wedding.  You will wear whatever I want you to for MY wedding.”  If you have a bridesmaid who is especially combative, you may want to speak with her privately.  Perhaps she has a conflict with the pre-wedding activities, or a financial conflict, and is looking for a way out.  If you have your heart set on a style that your ladies flat-out object to, but you have spent your whole life planning the robin’s egg blue satin ball gowns with the hoop-skirt and leg of mutton sleeves, you may have to suck it up and pay for the dress yourself.  There is absolutely no way you could ever convince your girls that they’d wear the dress again.

Do all of my bridesmaids have to wear the same color?  I’m kind of bored with the cookie-cutter look.

Multi-colored bridal parties have become increasingly popular and can look spectacular – but proceed with caution!  I recently saw a bridal party in Truffle, Vanilla and Blush.  The concept was pretty, but the result looked a lot like this:

Country singer Miranda Lambert received much attention for her shabby-chic-inspired bridal party, combining patterns and solids with cowboy boots. 

Courtesy People Magazine

The key to executing this look?  Keep the dresses the same length and use similar fabrications—Miranda’s girls are wearing Cotton dresses.  To achieve a similar look, pick a color palette, length and fabrication.  This look works best for a casual wedding—a rustic barn setting or a laid-back garden feel.

My sister is my Maid of Honor and I really want to set her apart from the rest of my bridal party.  Any suggestions?

One of my favorite brides in recent memory wanted to feature her maid of honor by having her wear the same style of dress, but in a complimentary color.  I love how it turned out!  Just be sure the dress has some relevance to the others–you certainly don’t want it to look like she was a last minute addition!

Another idea is to add something to your maid of honor’s dress to make her stand out—try adding a sash or a brooch.  If you are fashion-forward, why not have your maid of honor wear a custom fascinator?

My best friend is a guy.  Should he be on my fiancé’s side? 

If he’s your best friend, he should be on your side.  In modern parlance, he is referred to as a “Man of Honor” or a “BridesMan.”  Similarly, a female in the Groom’s party is a “Groomswoman” or “Best Woman.”  Dress your Man of Honor in a suit to coordinate with the other gentlemen and a tie from the fabric of the Bridesmaids’ dresses.  A Groomswoman could wear the same dress as the Bridesmaids, but in a color to coordinate with the Men.

Feel free to contact us with any of your other Bridesmaids’ Dilemmas!  The Bridesmaid Lounge at The White Dress has the largets selection of Bridesmaids’ dresses in Orange County — over 450 dresses for your bridal party to choose from.  Schedule your appointment today at 949-723-0121.