Remember Comfort Is Key

Even if you fall in love with the perfect pair of fuchsia four-inch stilettos to match the ribbon trim on the dress, don't subject your girls to the torture. If you're choosing the shoes for them, comfort should be the top priority.

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Be Open To Variety

Your bridesmaids don't have to look like clones. Consider choosing designer and color, and letting them each make their own choice from the line.

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Color Coordinate

If you're dead set on matching maids, it's a good idea to order all the dresses at the same store so they'll be created from the same batch of fabric. (Same goes for shoes.)

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Chip In If You Can

While it's not required, we think it's nice to pay for part - if not all- of the dress, particularly if your taste is extravagant. If that's too much, buy their shoes (if you want them to match) and jewelry to coordinate.

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Find the Right Feel

Take your time and decide how you want the bridesmaid dresses to complement your wedding gown. Find a style that evokes the same feel as your dress but doesn't seem too similar - you don't want your bridesmaids looking like an exact match.

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Choose Wearable Colors

A bridal party in, say, black is your best (and, frankly, easiest) option for an evening affair. Nobody can complain about the color - and who can't use another black dress? All white (or ivory) bridal parties can also look stunning. ( No one can upstage the bride, so don't even consider that a possibility with this route.)

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Try Not to Just Fill Their Closets

Be kind - don't ask your friends to buy a dress they absolutely wouldn't be caught dead in ever again. Think about how they might wear their dresses afterward. Dark dresses like navy, green, and black look great on almost everyone and can be worn to formal events later.

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Let the Season Be Your Guide

Rich, saturated colors such as deep plum and chocolate work well in the fall and winter months, while lighter shades such as celadon and blush are perfect for spring and summer.

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Tone Down Prints

If opting for prints instead of solids, keep the rest of the look simple. Think monochromatic bows paired with sweet and simple hairstyles and jewelry.

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Decide On A Dress

Once you've found your favorites, finalize the dress with your bridal party. Email photos to the group for their opinions. And don't feel you have to bring everyone to the store with you. Your girls will appreciate that you want their input , but might be happy to skip the chaos of cramming into a small shop.

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