Big Bridesmaids & Bigger Egos
I was wondering if you could tell me the best colors for bridesmaids to wear when they are all 2x and bigger in size.
Thank You, Evelyn
Not to put too fine a point on it, but have you considered asking your bridesmaids what color they’d prefer to wear?
It’s super great that you’re thinking of their comfort and body type first, instead of simply dressing them to match the table linens (hate! these are not fancy folded napkins! these are grown women!) without much thought regarding how totally not flattering yards and yards of bright teal taffeta are on the bigger girls. (Or…anyone, for that matter.) So I would just go directly to them and ask: Hey! What color dress do you feel best in? If you were coming to this wedding as a guest instead of a bridesmaid, what would you wear?
But what if they pick black, the most obvious choice for slimming? Well, no problem! Black bridesmaid dresses are available and totally acceptable. These days, black = formal instead of black = funeral. I’ve seen some really nice, simple black gowns that you then accessorize with a more traditional wedding-type color, either using a wide sash or some kind of wrap. And a brightly colored bouquet really stands out beautifully against black, so don’t cross it off as an option too quickly.
But what if they all pick different colors? Well, again, nothing wrong with going against the teal taffeta establishment and letting them wear different colors. Most bridesmaid gowns come in so many different colors that you could probably find a style you all like and order it in three complimenting colors — like one black dress and then two different shades of wine or burgundy, or something. Or go a step further and let them wear different dresses altogether. how gorgeous does this bridal party look, in various shades of coffee and cream?
Anyway, my whole long-winded point is: ask your friends what they want, go shopping together, listen to their preferences and keep an open mind about all the various ways you can incorporate their personal preferences. Yes, it’s your day and most bridesmaids are willing to defer the final selection to you, but it never hurts to remember that your bridesmaids are your FRIENDS first, and your accessories second. Or…just your friends, end of story.
