by: 
The two bridesmaids for my wedding could not have been more opposite in their body types. Cassie is shorter and bustier while Estelle is tall and thin, almost willowy. (names have been changed to protect the shy). I think they’re fabulously gorgeous women, but they didn’t feel gorgeous in the dresses I had chosen for them! Why? I hadn't taken into consideration their individual body types and as a result, they weren’t comfortable. Eventually, we chose dresses that complemented both body types and they looked just great!
Trends in modern weddings encourage the bride to set her bridesmaids apart from each other through dress style, color, flowers, accessories, etc. There is also emphasis placed on the benefits of choosing dresses that your bridesmaids can wear again and again. I like that, it makes sense!
Do I have readers thinking…this is all well and good for brides who favor a contemporary look but, what about brides who favor a traditional look? Don’t despair; you have options, and plenty of them. With forethought, you can keep a cohesive look to your wedding. For instance, you could let each bridesmaid choose their most flattering dress style, while keeping them all in the same color.
Match the formality. Keep the formality of your wedding in mind as you peruse styles online and in dress shops, paying attention to hemlines, fabrics, etc. If your wedding is formal, the bridesmaids’ dresses should also be formal. You can set the limitations i.e. if you feel strongly against backless dresses, just be upfront with your girls.
If you're not sure what a scoop neckline is or have questions about your body type, visit the fit guide and dress style definitions from J.Crew. It will help with preliminary dress hunting, understanding the best style for your body type and ultimately, saving you time.
Cheers to style AND comfort!
Heidi
