Helpful Guidelines for Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses

Make Sure the Dresses Are Cute (I know, but seriously)!

Yes brides, it is your day and many people would rather not be outshone by their own bridesmaids.  However, think of the pictures, photography, and the picture you are painting for your guests.  Choose one dress that will be flattering on all your bridesmaids or customize the dresses for each bridesmaid.  Both parties will be happy in the end, especially if you choose dresses that the bridesmaids can wear again for other occasions!

Ex:

Consider Short Dresses

Yes, longer dresses may look more "classy" but think of all the work your bridesmaids will be doing for you.  Running around helping you with your makeup, wedding favors, vendors, etc.  Please don't have them tripping on their dresses too!  Consider dress changes for different parts of your event, if you and your bridesmaid can afford it / want to spend that money.  Similarly, consider the weather and other factors.  Looking ridiculous isn't classy either - so dresses that are too tight, too uncomfortable, or too anything is not what you want!

Ex:

Quick Tip: RIng Cleaning

To make sure your engagement ring is at its sparkliest for your big day, clean it with a mixture of six parts water and one part ammonia. Use a soft-bristle brush to make it really shine.

Quick Tip: Event Midnight Munchies

After a night of dancing, many guests will appreciate a late-night bite. Offer mini hamburgers and grilled-cheese sandwiches or milkshakes in tiny milk jugs served with brownies. Your hungry guests will surely thank you.


From Elegant Bride

Quick Tip: Polishing an engagement ring

To make sure your engagement ring is at its sparkliest for your big day, clean it with a mixture of six parts water and one part ammonia.  Use a soft-bristle brush to make it really shine.

From Elegant Bride

Quick Tip: Toasts

Have sparkling fruit juice on hand so those who don't drink and children (if invited) can participate in toasts!  It will also save money because you don't have to pour champagne for everyone.

Quick Tip: Turn your guests into wedding photographers!

Quick tip:

Put a disposal camera on each table at the reception, with a note underneath asking your guests to take pictures with it and leave it on the table at the end of the night so that you can see the wedding the way that they did.

This is a fun way to get children involved, because they love to take pictures. Also, this can keep guests busy that may get bored at certain parts of the reception. In addition, you will probably get a lot more actual candid shoots then from a professional photographer, since it is hard for not to notice them because of their equipment.

Undoubtedly most guests will bring a digital camera, but it may be a long time before you see those pictures, if ever. The disposable cameras will take the pressure of your guests to send you their own photos.

Some vendors also allow you personalize your cameras with names, dates, and so forth.

Weddings By the Numbers

4 to 6 - Months prior to a destination wedding to send save-the dates

3 to 4 - Stores to visit when shopping for a wedding gown

2 - Minutes for the ideal toast

30 to 45 - Minutes to exercise, three to four times a week, for peak pre-wedding fitness

8 - Minimum place settings to register for

50 - Guests for usher at the ceremony

10 - Guest who can sit around a 60 inch table

2.5 to 3 square feet per guest for the dance floor

60 to 85 - Optimal degrees for an outdoor wedding

1.5 - Feet in a chapel train

6 - Age at which children can be expected to sit quietly during the ceremony

3 - Swimsuit to pack for a beach honeymoon

50 - Guests per bathroom at the wedding venue

30 to 40 - Guest per waiter at the reception

From the Fall 2009 issue of Elegant Brides