So my great friend Liz just asked me to be a bridesmaid in her August (hello heat!) wedding. I’ve been a bridesmaid a couple time and each time I’ve been asked I’ve been struck with a serious sense of honor. The tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen might be one of my favorite things about American ceremony traditions (there aren’t many!). So from a friendship point of view, I’m sincerely flattered, honored, and proud to stand next to my good friend on her big day. From an aspiring fashion blogger perspective, I am THRILLED.
First, something fresh to write about.
And second, I get to shop! Liz is one of those smart brides who is letting her party pick out their own dresses. Sound terrifying? It’s not. And I would argue that this is often a better idea than the traditional pricey trip to David’s Bridal where everyone picks out the same gown and then lets it grow mold for the next 50 years. Ok, I’m being dramatic. One of the best dresses I ever wore was from David’s Bridal and THAT bride was smart too cause she let us pick out styles that we liked/didn’t look like pumpkins while wearing. But you know what I mean.
THINGS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS HATE YOU (brides)
1. Making them all wear the exact same cut. The average bridal part is what, 4-8 people? Try finding 4-8 people that you love (and who love you back) with the exact same body shape. Not happening. What ends up happening is that like 1/8 of the bridal party looks good and everyone else looks like they’re wearing something from one of those western portrait places on the beach that give you dresses with no backs to wear. Anyone know what I’m talking about? Don’t do this brides. Your friends will wear what you give them but there’s no guarantee they won’t be cursing you under lipstick painted smiles while you’re walking down the aisle and they’re praying that what-their-mamas-gave-them stays put for the sake of all that is holy and good.
*disclaimer. Sometimes everyone looks good in the same dress. It’s just hard to make that happen. This girl did.
2. Making everyone wear a terrible color. Yes! This is hard. But the hard cold truth is that not everyone looks good in chartreuse or burnt orange and why would you want your best friends looking bad? Every color has a billion shades, many of them more forgiving and friendly than others. Colors everyone can wear: Black and periwinkle. I’m not an expert so that’s all I know. I’m sure there’s more. Get to Googling.
EXAMPLES OF TERRIBLE CHOICES
oh my lord.
To the above: NO, NO, NO. Thank god the 80's only last a decade.
MODERN DAY “TRADITIONAL” CHOICES
A lot of brides love places like David's Bridal because you can easily match different styles in the same color, fabric etc. Yes, they look like bridesmaid dresses and you can only wear them once but for girls who want a traditional, polished look, you can't beat it.
here are a few from Alfred Angelo's 2011 collection. I can appreciate the less traditional look they're going for and in general think their stuff is less cookie-cutter looking. Also more pricey just fyi.
DARING, FUN, and INNOVATIVE CHOICES
Bold and memorable, y'all.
A sweet non traditional alternative from Anthropologie.
Last one. Perfect example of getting a uniform look while allowing everyone to wear someone that reflects their own taste and makes them look good. Not better than you bride, but good. 
