Making the Best of 2015 Bridal
/Glamorous Swarovski crystal beads adorn this fit and flare wedding dress with tulle skirt. Complete with a romantic sweetheart neckline. Finished with crystal button over zipper and inner corset closure.
Return to Romance
/Return to romance in this Marquice organza A-line wedding gown with glimmering lace appliqués. Complete with strapless, sweetheart neckline and finished with covered button over zipper and inner corset closure.
Unforgettable Bridal
/Venice organza is artfully draped into this luxurious fit and flare wedding dress, featuring a decadent embroidered bodice with Swarovski crystals and romantic sweetheart neckline. Finished with crystal button over zipper and inner elastic closure.
Drama and Sophistication
/Drama and sophistication find perfect balance in this stunning fit and flare wedding dress. Floral lace appliqués adorn the bodice before meeting a swirling tulle and Chic organza skirt. Finished with corset back closure. Book your bridal appointment with Mira Bridal Couture today. Follow this link to request your appointment date and time online.
Stunning new arrival to Mira Bridal Couture
/Lavish Swarovski crystals adorn a form-fitting bodice in this romantic ballgown, complete with a Soft Shimmer satin skirt and pockets. Finished with optional, dazzling halter, sweetheart neckline and corset closure. Also available with crystal button over zipper and inner corset closure. Book your appointment to try this stunning silhouette on today. Follow this link to request the best bridal appointment date and time for you and we will confirm this within 1 business day.
Strapless version
Halter version, optional lace up corset or zipper back
This stunning gown is also available with a satin skirt.Lavish Swarovski crystals adorn a form-fitting bodice in this romantic ballgown, complete with a Soft Shimmer satin skirt and pockets. Finished with optional, dazzling halter, sweetheart neckline and corset closure. Also available with crystal button over zipper and inner corset closure.
Classically Designed
/Traditional lace and modern romance combine in this gorgeous slim A-line wedding dress, complete with long sleeves adorned in illusion lace. Finished with lace trim hemline and pearl button over zipper closure.
Jaw Dropping Gorgeous, New Arrival to Mira Bridal Couture
/Swarovski crystals adorn the bodice and dust the shoulders of this romantic A-line wedding dress, accented with a demure illusion back. Soft pleats and classic sweetheart neckline complete the look of this Soft Shimmer Satin gown. Finished with zipper over inner corselette closure.
10 Things No One Tells You About Wedding Dress Shopping
/There are some things you just don’t find out until you try on a wedding dress yourself.
By: Lauren Kay1. Breakfast actually is the most important meal of the day. Starting out “hangry” is like shopping suicide. You probably don’t need to wolf down a burger and fries moments before you step into that slinky gown, but make sure you have something to eat before getting started. Trying on gowns is emotionally and physically draining (some dresses weigh twice as much as a puppy!). You may even sweat a little, so fuel up!
2. Choose your companions wisely. Most bridal salons are happy to welcome you and a few guests (not your entire entourage). This is actually a good thing! There’s only room for a couple extra bodies and all that tulle anyway, and you’ll have fewer people weighing in on your decision. Its great to have trusted opinions, but too many and you’ll be paralyzed with fear of making the wrong choice.
3. Wear a touch more make up than usual. Buying a fancy dress is not an everyday occurrence-it’s going to be a tricky decision no matter what. Not to mention the unflattering florescent lighting typical of most fitting rooms. Do yourself a favor and wear a touch more makeup than your usual look (we’re talking some blush and eyeliner) to your appointment. You’ll look more like you will on your wedding day, which will ultimately make it easier to pull the trigger on a gown. Be cautious while trying on those pretty frocks, you don't want to spread your makeup all over either.
4. Be prepared to strip down. Truth: A veritable stranger may catch glimpses of you naked. Most consultants will give you some privacy, but because dresses can be unwieldy or delicate they’ll want to help you in and out of them. Wear undergarments that you don’t mind seeing the light of day (we recommend light-color boy shorts and a strapless bra). If you’re a modest-kind of girl, speak up from the start.
5. Trust your consultant. She may be older than your Mom or still single, but she wouldn’t be doing this if she wasn’t totally qualified. Your consultant knows the dresses and sees hundreds of brides with varying body shapes try them on every day. Make sure you share your wants (lace, a-line, sleeves) but be open to her suggestions—you may end up with one of her picks when its all said and done.
6. A bridal 8 is not a J.Crew 8. Don’t panic. You do not need to enroll in Bridal Boot Camp—wedding gown sizes are not the same as “street” clothes. If you wear an 8 in your favorite summer dress, there’s a good chance you’ll be wearing a 12 or 14 down the aisle. Focus on how great you feel in the dress, not the number on the tag.
7. Try on styles that aren’t “you.” Even if you have your heart set on a mermaid lace gown, or think you can’t wear silk, try on a variety of gowns. You’re only going to do this once and you may surprise yourself by choosing something completely different than the pins on your inspiration board. And try the dress that your mother (or grandmother or mother-in-law-to-be) is just sure is “the one”—she’s been looking forward to this day too. She’ll either see that you were right about the skirt swallowing you whole, or you may shock yourself by actually liking the dress—it’s a win-win.
8. Some “other” bride might be wearing “your” dress. Let’s get real: you’re not the only bride planning a June wedding, so its entirely possible someone else will be trying on “your” dream dress. Or, you may see someone wearing an illusion back gown that you hadn’t considered and want to try it on RIGHT. THIS. MINUTE. Play nice–share the mirrors, pedestals and even the gowns.
9. Don’t just stand there, move around! Sure, there will be moments when you’re standing still at your wedding (like when you say I do). But you’ll also be sitting and mingling and getting down on the dance floor. If you think the dress is a serious contender, take a walk around the salon, sit down, practice your “SHOUT!” technique. You may feel foolish in the moment, but you’ll be glad you gave the gown a test drive when you’re comfortable all day and night.
10. You may not cry. Maybe emotion will overcome you. Maybe your Mom will get choked up too. But it’s totally okay if no one cries. It doesn’t mean you picked the wrong gown (even if you’re the first to tear at a sappy commercial). Every bride is different so don’t put pressure on yourself to react a certain way. Also, your consultant may not pop a bottle of champagne (some can’t due to liquor laws) like you see on TV. Take your shopping companions out for a celebratory drink instead–you all deserve it!
Bonus: When you’ve found the dress, most salons require you to sign a contract and put down a deposit on the spot (read more about that here). You may have to commit to things like a size and any customizations (adding sleeves, dropping the waist) you and your consultant discussed. Ask about alteration costs, which can add up.
Wedding Dress Contracts 101
/Do you solemnly swear to buy this dress? Before you whip out your wallet and get the gown of your dreams, you’ll have to sign a wedding dress contract (yes, it’s actually a thing -- and a really important one too).
So what is a wedding dress contract? Well, it’s a document you have to sign with the salon before buying a dress. Since they’re making this dress especially for you, it clearly outlines the details of your purchase. It will include the dress style, the color, the size, the delivery date and any alterations to the original design you’re requesting.
The first thing you’ll want to do is to read the fine print, just like you would any other legal document. We’ve seen wedding dress contracts that state the designer can make alterations to your dress without your consent, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you sign over your rights and hand over your money.
Also, double-check all the information on the salon/dressmaker's contract. If it contains incorrect information and you sign it, the fault is yours. You could end up getting the wrong wedding dress (or the wrong size or color) and there will be nothing you can do about it.
Depending on your dress and changes you might make to it, there may be extra charges added to your final amount. This is the time to get all these extras listed with the costs.
When you sign the contract, you’ll also need to leave a deposit for the dress. This can vary: Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, for example, requires a 60 percent deposit to put in the order, and the remaining balance is due when the gown arrives from the designer.
Your contract should include all of the following information (don’t forget to double-check for both spelling and accuracy of details):
The Salon
- Salon name
- Address and phone number
- Names of the consultants who assisted you
The Money
- Date and time of purchase
- Total amount
- Extra charges
- Amount of deposit
- Amount still owed
- Date balance is to be paid
- How many fittings are included in the price (if any)
- Cost of each additional fitting
- Means of payment
The Dress Details
- Designer name
- Style number or name
- Color
- Size/measurements sent to manufacturer
The Follow-Up
- Expected delivery date
- Date of first fitting
- Name of seamstress/tailor
The Top 5 Things That Annoy Bridal Shop Consultants
/Finding a bride a wedding dress that lives up to a lifetime of expectations is a sort of small miracle. Thankfully, the world is full of talented designers, tailors, and bridal shops that make magic happen on an everyday basis. While all bridal shops will tell you their ultimate goal is to have customers leave with their "perfect" dress in hand, they might also tell you that some brides make the process harder on themselves — and bridal consultants — than it needs to be. To get an insider take on the ultimate bridal shop owner pet peeves, we caught up with Mara Urshel, co-owner of one of the ultimate wedding dress destinations Kleinfeld.
1. Holding on to a preconceived perfection According to Urshel, nothing is more frustrating than "the bride who thinks she already found her dress because she has a photo from a magazine or website. She walks in with a photo that she has been holding onto for years and has her mind set on that dress. 90 percent of brides who come into Kleinfeld saying, 'this is the dress,' end up trying on the dress and being let down. They need to keep an open mind and realize that they are looking at a photo that was most likely re-touched, on a perfect model with the proper hair and makeup."
2. Trying an over-budget dress "just to see" "The worst mistake a bride could make is insisting on trying on a dress she loves when it is over her budget. Do not do it to yourself. Be honest with your bridal consultant and be sure to include alterations and accessories in your budget. Do not look at gowns that are over your budget," Urshel says.
See more:5 Wedding Dress Shopping Blunders
3. Not wearing the right undergarments According to Urshel, your bridal appointment is not the time to go commando. "Please be aware that you will be changing in front of a bridal consultant you have never met before and you must wear underwear. We will not allow you to try on dresses without wearing underwear, it is unsanitary."
4. Shopping prematurely While it may be hard to resist the urge to get a head start, do not "go shopping before you have the ring or a fiancé!" Urshel says. She also suggests waiting until "you have a date or venue because this often dictates the styles of gown you want."
5. Trying to please everyone According to Urshel, it's extremely frustrating when a bride is "looking for validation from everyone in your entourage — they never seem to agree. I suggest shopping with up to three close friends or family members whose opinions you value and trust. Be sure to select guests who have your best interest at heart."
Forget Bridezilla... it's Aunt-zilla!
/We have all heard of over-bearing relatives or friends attending a bridal
shopping appointment and causing chaos with their own opinions. Sometimes it is
a close relative, a close friend, and yes, sometimes a mother.....Well, now we
see it via reality TV on last night's episode of RHOBH.
Paris Hilton’s mother could not keep her thoughts to herself as she went
wedding dress shopping with her niece Brooke.
While Brooke’s mother Kim Richards and aunt Kyle Richards got teary-eyed over the
pretty blonde during their shopping trip, Kathy was less accommodating.
‘It’s very pretty, but I don’t see it as the wedding dress,’ she said when she saw
Brooke in her first dress.‘It looks more like black tie.’
Brooke, her mother and aunt looked stunned by the remarks and explained that
the wedding was supposed to be beach-themed.
Kathy acknowledged that her niece was unlikely to want anything formal with lace or a high neck,
but would not let her thoughts on the dress go unheard.
Speaking her mind: ‘It’s very pretty, but I don’t see it as the wedding dress,’
Kathy said when she saw Brooke in her first dress. ‘It looks more like black tie’
Critical eye: Paris Hilton’s mother, stood front and center
as she eschewed her opinions on Brooke’s wedding gowns
‘It’s very pretty but I don’t like it for you,’ she insisted.
‘There’s something that looks like a cocktail waitress.’
If I could send one reminder out there.....
This is the brides day, let her wear what she wants.
Brides, limit the amount of friends and family you want
to take with you. Once you purchase your gown we recommend a
'reveal bridal appointment'. Then you can invite your close friends
and family in to see your gown before your big day.
Mira's Annual White Friday Sale
/
Ready to wear bridal gowns by Maggie Sottero, Sottero Midgley, Essense, Watters, WTOO, Enzoani, Enzoani Blue, Pronovias, Lazaro, Jim Hjelm, and more.
*All sales final. Cash, visa, or MasterCard only. No holds or layaways. Gowns will not be available for preview. No phone calls to the store regarding this event please. Open 4 hours only!
Mira Bridal Couture's Maggie Sottero Trunk Show! This Weekend!
/The Maggie Sottero trunk show is the best time to get Maggie Sottero dresses. Maggie Sottero dresses are almost never ever discounted, and if you see a bridal shop advertising “Discount Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses,” they might be counterfeit gowns and/or the discount probably isn’t authorized by Maggie Sottero – but for this event only, Maggie Sottero and Mira Bridal Couture are giving you the amazing opportunity to take advantage of extra-special, one-time-only promotions on the über-desirable Maggie Sottero dresses.
Get ready…Get Set…Maggie Sottero Trunk Show!
With Mira Bridal Couture “Season” in full swing, there are great bridal trunk shows cropping up, seemingly everywhere, but the Maggie Sottero trunk show is a real can’t-miss bridal event!
Maggie Sottero wedding dresses are some of the most highly-coveted designer wedding dresses available. World-renowned for their innovative designs, superior quality, and affordable price-points, Maggie Sottero wedding dresses will please brides of all styles and budgets. The signature “Maggie fit” assures that every bride will feel radiant and beautiful in her Maggie Sottero wedding dress on her Big Day!
As a Maggie Sottero Premier Retailer, Mira Bridal Couture has the opportunity to give you exclusive access to in-store Maggie Sottero trunk show promotions. With over 40 different Maggie Sottero wedding dress styles available in-store, you’re sure to find the perfect Maggie Sottero dress.
What is a trunk show?
Trunk shows are exclusive events in which authorized Maggie Sottero® retailers present our latest breathtaking styles. This fashion experience is an exciting and fun way to view our Maggie Sottero gowns from the current season.
What is a store event?
A store event is any occasion in which an authorized Maggie Sottero retailer showcases a selection of current popular styles. Please contact the host retailer for more information.
BRIDES BEWARE
Only Maggie Sottero products purchased directly from Authorized Maggie Sottero Retailers are certain to be genuine Maggie Sottero products.
BRIDES BEWARE
Purchasing Maggie Sottero products from unauthorized sources, either on the web or in unauthorized retail locations can involve certain risks including but not limited to:
The products could be copies, knock-offs, counterfeits or imitations that are certain to be of inferior quality. Only genuine Maggie Sottero products offer the fit, quality and true value for which Maggie Sottero is known.
The gown may not be delivered even though a deposit has been made or the gown has been paid for in full. Maggie Sottero only ships products to Authorized Retailers. If an unauthorized retailer offers to order Maggie Sottero products, they are either ordering a counterfeit product or are ordering through unauthorized channels. If Maggie Sottero discovers the supplier of an unauthorized retailer, the supplier is subject to termination. Maggie Sottero can only assist brides in the delivery of their gown if the gown is purchased from an Authorized Maggie Sottero Retailer.
COUNTERFEIT EDUCATION
The number 
of counterfeit products in circulation is rising constantly. Counterfeit Maggie Sottero products are being offered on websites (E-commerce), in web auctions and in unauthorized retail locations. In some cases, suppliers from China claim they produce genuine Maggie Sottero products. These products, however, have proven to be counterfeit and have been the cause of great dissatisfaction, disappointment and regret.
Authorized Maggie Sottero Retailers provide a high level of service and support that their customers deserve and Maggie Sottero expects. Authorized Retailers are free to set their own prices. If the price of a Maggie Sottero product is significantly below the prices generally prevailing in the market, it is highly likely it is not a genuine Maggie Sottero product. For your security, please visit the store locator page to find an Authorized Maggie Sottero Retailer.
OUR FALL 2014 MAGGIE SOTTERO BRIDAL EVENT & TRUNK SHOW IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
/Don't wait to book your appointment! Follow this link for your Maggie Sottero Bridal Event & Trunk Show appointment. gowns we will be showing.This is a by appointment only event. 3 days only. September 19th-21st.
Here is a little sneak peak of some of the gorgeous gowns.
5 WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING BLUNDERS TO AVOID
/If you're like us, you've probably spent one too many Friday nights watching TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" marathons with a glass of wine and a fistful of tissues. Thousands of brides — approximately 17,000 a year, to get specific — strut through Kleinfeld's doors in search of their perfect dress, which is why when had a few questions about potential shopping pitfalls, we took them straight to Kleinfeld's Fashion Director Terry Hall. Here is his expert take on what not to do on your wedding dress journey.
1. Don't Shop Before You've Set the Date
"Whenever a bride comes in and she doesn't have the date and the venue, we really don't know where to begin because we don't know what the time frame is, and it really is all about the time frame," Hall says. "Many designers take four to even eight months to make a gown," he elaborates, so if you're not sure what timeline you're working with, consultants won't know what dresses to show you.
2. Don't Bring Too Many People "More people equals more opinions and most of the time you're not always going to agree so it's really important that the bride chooses only those whose opinions she really values," Hall suggests.
See More: 5 People You Should Not Go Wedding Dress Shopping WIth You
3. Don't Forget to Factor Alterations Into Your Budget To keep expectations in check, be sure to set a budget that includes alteration costs. "Alterations can be several hundred dollars and if there are any changes that need to be made to the dress, those all have costs involved and really can significantly add to the budget," Hall explains. 4. Don't Forsake Trendy Dresses "Oftentimes I hear brides say, 'I love this dress, but I know it's kind of a hot trend right now so I think I should wear something a bit more classic because what am I going to say about this picture in 20 years?' What I say to that is: 'You're not getting married 20 years from now, you're getting married right now.' It's not about whether or not that dress is timeless or not, it's about that day, and that picture should be frozen in time," Hall notes.
5. Don't Get Camera Happy "I understand brides want to take pictures of their dress, and a lot of times family members or friends can't make it to the appointment. But I always discourage them from taking photos, mainly because most of the photos today are taken with a cell phone and oftentimes the way the dress photographs, isn't the way it really looks in person. So the person that's receiving the photo on the other end is seeing something different than what the bride is seeing, and she may not get the answer that she wants. Also, I've seen emailed pictures of the dress accidentally be posted, or shared with people that weren't supposed to see it," Hall warns. "When it's absolutely necessary, I encourage them to either Facetime or Skype in real time, because you can actually speak to any of the differences, and those images aren't going to be saved."
See More: FAQ for Wedding Gown Shopping
5 PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT GO WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING WITH YOU.
/Any girl who's ever watched TLC's Say Yes To The Dress knows what a nightmare wedding dress shopping can be if you've got a crazy entourage. One bad apple can completely ruin the experience for you and everyone else. "While some brides want brutal honesty, others only want kid gloves and support," notes April Masini, relationship author and advice columnist at AskApril.com. "If you're the bride, figure out what you want first before deciding who to take dress shopping with you." In general though, you may wish to avoid the following types of folks:
1. Your Future Mother-In-Law
Some brides have super close relationships with their future mother-in-law and would feel weird not taking her shopping. Others, however, might not be completely comfortable (or comfortable at all) with the idea and that's okay. "If she makes you reach for the Benadryl every time you have to see her because she gives you anxiety, it's safe to say you shouldn't take her wedding dress shopping with you," says Masini.
2. The Drama Queen "Drama queens will hijack your day and turn it into fodder for their chaos," warns Masini. They stir the pot and heighten tension so if you're looking for a namaste dress shopping experience, she suggests bringing your zen friends along instead. Hey, it's all about keeping the peace, right?
3. Any Disapproving Relatives Whether it's someone on your side of the family or his, anyone who disapproves of your relationship for whatever reason should probably stay at home. Particularly those relatives who think he (or you!) could do better and are constantly comparing you to past partners, points out Masini.
4. Jealous Friends They swear they're happy for you and when they make a snide comment about your partner or your wedding plans it's always followed up with a, "Oh you know, I'm just kidding!" But are they? "Jealousy is particularly ugly. If you have a sense of humor about it, these jealous people in your circle won't bother you," assures Masini. "If you're sensitive and stressed out though, you should leave out those who are jealous and tend to sabotage you, consciously or subconsciously."
5. Know-It-Alls These are people that think since they have watched Say Yes to the Dress they know everything there is to know about a bridal appointment and bridal gowns. That is false and can cause the bride to get confused. Also, those shows only portray what they want people to know and think and do not always provide the correct information.
Maggie Sottero Trunk Show September 19th-21st
/
Request your appointment today for the new Fall 2014 collection by Maggie Sottero. Trunk shows are exclusive events in which authorized Maggie Sottero® retailers present our latest breathtaking styles. This fashion experience is an exciting and fun way to view our Maggie Sottero gowns from the current season. By appointment only. To book your appointment follow this link.
Spring 2015 Wedding Dresses.....Sneak Peak from the LA Couture Show in Hollywood
/Last weekend, Maggie Sottero debuted our Spring 2015 collections at the Couture Show in Los Angeles. Today, we're excited to share this sneak peek of their Spring 2015 wedding dresses! Inspired by casual, chic styling defining the new traditional bride, the Maggie Sottero 2015 collection introduces sheer fabrications sprinkled with opulent details, fusing whimsy and glamour in relaxed, romantic silhouettes. Ethereal and lightweight lace, chiffon and organza pair with decadent pearls, Swarovski crystals, and three dimensional embellishments to create depth, texture and an extra dose of drama. Custom hand-drawn laces are unique and diverse, captivation the modern bride with artfully placed beading. For the sexy, sleek, sophisticated bride, explore our Sottero and Midgley collection. Indulgence is celebrated in decadent adornemtns of opan and silver beading, pearls and Swarovski crystals, hand-sewn in intricate, jeweled patterns. Ball gowns range from frothy layers of soft tulle to classic, stately silk and brocade. Sheaths are soft and beach-friendly, glamorous and red-carpet ready.
SAMPLE SALE!!! DRASTICALLY REDUCED PRICES ON BRIDAL GOWNS BY LAZARO, PRONOVIAS, JIM HJELM, ENZOANI AND MORE.
/Freida by Watters originally $1629 now only $997.97
Blake style 10261 by Watters originally $1404 on sale $697.97
Desdemona by Watters originally $1012 on sale $697.97
Georgianne Gown style 4044b by Watters originally $2138 now only $797.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Delaware by Enzoani originally $1210 on sale $897.97
Forbes by Enzoani originally $1760, on sale $897.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Figari by Enzoani originally $1022, on sale $797.97
Halona by Enzoani Blue Originally $1925, on sale $997.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Felda by Enzoani Blue Originally $1980, on sale $997.97
Style 8089 by Jim Hjelm originally $2590 now $599.97
Watters style 3056B, Originally $1168, discounted to $297.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Drew by Maggie Sottero, Original $1020. On sale for $699.97
Hudson by Maggie Sottero, Original $1299. On Sale for $699.97
Diaz by Maggie Sottero. Original $918.00 On sale for $497
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Ursino by Pronovias originally priced $2490. On sale for $597.97
Porto by Pronovias Originally priced $1725. On sale now for $597.97
Martinica by Pronovias originally priced $1445. On sale for $597.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Fanal by La Sposa Originally priced $1260 now only $599.97
Daina by Pronovias originally $1220 now only $697.97
Bari by Pronovias originally priced at $1780, no only $597.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Fidji by Pronovias originally priced at $3128, now only $697.97
Frangancia by Pronovias originally priced at $1100 now only $399.97
8114 by Jim Hjelm bridal originally $1940 no only $597.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
Essense D1124 originally priced at $998 now only $599.97
Style 241 by Martina Liana originally prices at $1950 now only $499.97
8906 by Jim Hjelm originally $3410 now only $499.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
8913 by Jim Hjelm originally $2310, now only $299.97
Valerie by Watters Bridal originally priced at $2490 now only $599.97
8812 by Jim Hjelm originally $2908, now only $399.97
Follow this link to book your appointment today!
*All sale is marked as is, all final purchases, no exchanges or refunds.* Cash, Visa or Master Card only. No holds or layaway.
BRIDESMAIDS QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
/Bridesmaids — and their dresses — pose a lot of etiquette questions. Whether they're related to what the maid-of-honor needs to do or how to get them all to look and feel their best, it can be hard to figure out! We sourced three of the most common concerns and got expert-approved answers!
Who is supposed to pay for the bridesmaid dresses? If the bride can afford to, it is a very thoughtful gesture for her to pay for the dress or a portion of the cost for each of her 'maids. But many brides can't afford to do so, and bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories, as well as hair and makeup. Since your bridesmaids will be spending a significant amount on your wedding, it is very important that you carefully consider the cost of their dresses, as well as their heights and body types when choosing their outfits. Choose styles that are flattering, comfortable, and reasonably priced (resist the urge to pick out a $500 bridesmaid dress, even if you adore it!). This is usually at the heart of any conflicts that may arise between brides and their bridesmaids: The last thing you want is for your attendants to be upset or frustrated about having to shell out a ton of cash on a dress they will never wear again.
Can I ask my bridesmaid not to change out of her dress after the ceremony? Sort of. You can explain why you want her to be visually ID'd as part of your girl tribe, and ask that she wear the dress until the reception's over. But unless she's just being picky, chances are she feels truly unattractive in the dress. Ask her if there's something specific about it that bothers her. Is it the shape? Does she think it reveals too much skin? If the dress hasn't been ordered yet, see if there's a more complimentary silhouette in the same color that suits her better (it's okay if your maids aren't exact matches). If she's already put down a deposit, a visit to a good tailor might make a big difference.
One of my bridesmaids is on the heavy side and is unhappy with the dress I've picked out. She wants to back out of the wedding party. What's the best way to handle this? The important thing to remember is that, like you, your gals will be on display for several hours — and they'll certainly want to wear something that makes them feel comfortable. If the other girls have already bought their dresses, you can still offer up the style-change option to your bigger bridesmaid. However, there's a chance she'll reject that plan if she feels self-conscious about wearing a dress that's different from the rest of your crew. If this happens, suggest just making some minor alterations to the current style. Another thought is to add a beautiful wrap to all of your bridesmaids' ensembles. Have them wear the wraps during the ceremony and then they can decide if they want to keep them or ditch them at the reception. If your friend is still unhappy after running through these options, then certainly give her the choice to bow out of the "official" wedding party. Give her a corsage to wear while handing out wedding programs, doing a ceremony reading or giving a toast; everyone will know that she's one of your VIPs.