Many of us have had our Bridesmaids in mind just as long as we’ve been fantasizing about our wedding dress. This is one the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to your big day, and once you’ve decided, the next thing on your mind is what they’ll be wearing. Just as the Groomsmen will need to be complimenting the overall palette of the wedding, so will your Bridesmaids. When planning the wardrobe for your wedding party, keep these tips in mind.
First, it is a myth (that is all too often practiced) that all of your Maids must wear identical dresses. Modern Brides consider that each of their Bridesmaids are an individual, with different body types, complexions, and preferences. It is tradition that the Bridesmaids purchase their own dresses, which is all the more reason to be sure they are buying something they want, and could possibly wear again later. A great way to pick a dress that suits both your wedding theme, and your Maid’s tastes, is to give them a color and basic guidelines, and let them choose. Working together with a seamstress can help you collaborate and find a nice balance between diverse dresses, and complimentary looks for your big day. Even if you use the same fabric for each dress, letting your ladies choose the length, neckline, and cut can open up a variety of possibilities. Many Brides today choose one color, and let the dresses vary in shade, which livens up your wedding party.
Next, consider the price. As mentioned before, the ladies will often purchase their own bridesmaid dresses, so keep it within everyone’s budget. Asking them to pay hundreds for a dress that they may only be able to wear once is impractical. Equip them with some guidelines, and have them pick out their own dress, so they can spend their money on something flattering they might even be able to wear again. Finding a shop that specializes in dresses can help you better accommodate to a specific price range, and give them options to choose from.
Lastly, when it comes to shoes and jewelry, you can integrate your Maid’s own style, as well as your wedding vision. For example, get similar shoes for every Maid, and let them choose the jewelry, or visa versa. If you shop with an online store, you can find all of these items in one place, and even get some inspiration. For example, you can get dresses for your Maids, jewelry, shoes and even your wedding dress from Very.co.uk.
I’m all about giving gifts that are practical. Although I love the idea of a pearl necklace, there is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. As a Bride-to-Be, you’ll be in charge of finding gifts for all your bridesmaids. Often it is a gift that means something to you, and is usually uniform for each maid. A trinket or jewelry are the most common gifts for bridesmaids, but there are other options if you’re looking for something unique. Personally, I think the best gift is something that can be used, and often. A necklace is great, but usually not worn every day. If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, consider something as useful as a hairstyling tool. Odds are, each one of your girls has a beauty routine every morning, and although she may already have plenty of tools, none of them can compare to the quality of 
A modern Bride caters to her bridesmaids individually, and no longer has an identical dress made for each one. Many brides let their maids choose the cut and color of their own dresses, leaving them with the opportunity to have the most flattering dress possible. The same should be applied to their gifts. ghd has released several models that all have a specific focus, which means you can find the one that suits them best. Whether their hair is thick, thin, frizzy, or short, this is a product that will treat their hair right. But no matter which Styler you choose, you’ll always get the best features. Ceramic plates never leave hair fried, or cause damage while styling. Safety features such as automatic shut off and dual voltage are also standard, as well as a guarantee. And with a variety of authorized ghd sellers, you can be sure you’re getting the real thing, and not a knock off.
Wedding bands are all too often the least exciting piece of wedding jewelry, which is a pity considering they are the focal point of the ceremony on your big day. Modern designs offer an alternative to the traditional band, giving you a chance to embrace your own personal flare with your wedding bands. Design doesn’t have to mean elaborate, and over the top jewelry; those with simple tastes will appreciate the focus on metals, lines, stones and other design aspects that Modern jewelry offers. Claudia Endler’s Men’s Line Band, with stackable, contrasting metals in varying finishes is my personal favorite; a subtle and original take without straying too far from tradition. Stackable rings are also great way to build your own design and look, and find the balance you want in a set. Stackable diamond engagement rings are also available, along with the perfect wedding band to match it’s shape and style, they fit flawlessly together.
Lemonade goes hand in hand with summer. Bright yellow sun dresses, fun, retro details, and clean designs are perfect for a summer wedding. Nothing says fresh and happy like lemons. This makes your reception food and drink options a breeze. If you’re looking for a more modern theme, as opposed to the “country life” lemonade stand, try lemon martinis. The lemon ice cream in a hollowed lemon fruit bowl is a fantastic touch. Your candy bar can be filled with lemon drops, yellow rock candy, brightly colored macaroons, and of course, lemon cake! All these details make for a refreshing theme to cool down your wedding on a hot, summer day.
With summer fast approaching, fresh and bold wedding themes are just around the corner. Bright, fun colors with bold patterns best describe a summer wedding. Fruit is a must, whether it be lemonade or strawberry pie. Each new entry for Modern Wedding .org this next week will feature a color and theme to help you plan your seasonal wedding. Plenty of reception food and drink inspiration, bridesmaid dresses, and decor ideas to get you thinking summer! 
