Are you a first time bridesmaid and have no idea where to start shopping for your dress? Should you buy online or try to find one in store? Are you wondering what styles will even look good on you? In this blog, you will learn the best shopping tips from a real bridesmaid and her first-hand dress hunting experience.

As a former wedding photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of weddings and countless bridesmaid dresses. Despite this extensive exposure, I had never actually been a bridesmaid—until now. Life had a surprise in store: I was to be a bridesmaid at two back-to-back weddings in the same month for two people I hold dear—my brother and my best friend. Naturally, I wanted both dresses to be special! After going through this experience for the first time, here are important details that may help you with your bridesmaid dress shopping journey:

What I Was Looking For

1. Affordability: $100-150 per dress
2. Custom Sizing: To ensure a perfect fit
3. Quality: Well-made and durable
4. Uniqueness: Something different from the usual
5. Flattering Fit: I wanted to feel beautiful and comfortable
6. Quick Shipping: 2-3 weeks

Online Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

I started my search online, as it seemed to be the most comprehensive option. I explored major bridal stores to understand the variety available. Although I had a general idea of what I wanted, I’ve always preferred trying on clothes in person, so i can really feel the quality. Online stores often offer a try-at-home service for a small fee, but with multiple dresses to try, costs can add up quickly.

Trying On In-Person

I visited a major bridal store near me that had a selection of sample bridesmaid dresses. I focused on satin dresses, as per the bride’s request, and picked various styles and sizes available. Here’s what I learned during my in-person shopping:

• Body Type Considerations: My shape is between an hourglass and an inverted triangle, which makes strapless and high-neck options less flattering for me.
• Strap Preferences: Initially, I thought thicker straps would balance my upper body, but I quickly realized they had the opposite effect.
• Style Exploration: Off-the-shoulder styles seemed nice but lacked something. I finally found a dress with thin straps and an off-the-shoulder design that provided the balance I was looking for.
• Silhouette: I preferred a fit-and-flare shape over a straight column or A-line. A fit-and-flare gave me the right amount of shape and movement.

I ended up purchasing the first dress I tried on (after trying on 9 more dresses to be sure), which turned out to be perfect. I ordered it in black and arranged for alterations to be done before the wedding.

Ordering Online for the Second Dress

That bridal store only carried one champagne color which was too warm for my skin tone. So for the second dress, I turned to online shopping. I sought a neutral champagne color that would complement my skin tone. The bride was flexible about the style, as long as it was something we could wear again. However, I decided to opt for something unique since a light champagne color dress would not be my choice as a wedding guest. And if i’m only going to be wearing this dress once, i wanted it to be something fun. 

I found a dress that met all my criteria:

• Color: Neutral champagne
• Price: $99 with free custom sizing
• Delivery: On time
• Style: Thin straps, fit-and-flare shape
• Unique Details: Beautiful bow and cascading ruffles on the back

After being able to try dresses on in person, I got well-versed in the exact fit I was looking for. I double-checked my measurements before placing the order, as custom-sized dresses cannot be returned. After extensive research and trying on dresses in person, I felt confident in my choice and was excited to wear it.

Lessons Learned and Major Tips

1. Try Dresses On In-Person: If possible, visit stores or look for try-at-home deals to try on dresses to ensure the fit and style are right for you.
2. Plan Ahead: Shop 2-3 months in advance to allow time for alterations and unexpected delays.
3. Communicate Urgency: If you need a dress sooner, inform the shop of an earlier wedding date; this might expedite delivery.
4. Take to Social Media: Browse real customer photos and videos to see what the dresses can look like on various body types.

Bridesmaid dress shopping, which initially felt overwhelming, became a fun and insightful experience once I knew what I needed. What was your bridesmaid dress shopping experience? Comment and share it with us!

If you are still shopping, consider the try-at-home bridesmaid dress option with AFAROSE. You’re one click away from the easy hassle-free dress shopping experience. 

Shop for bridesmaid dresses in over 50 shades at Afarose.com.