Choosing who will stand beside you as you say “I Do” can be difficult, but what’s even more challenging is find- ing a dress that fits all of their fig- ures, styles, and budgets. While going bridesmaid dress shopping may seem like a great way for your girls to bond, it can often get overwhelming. Some girls may feel like their opinion is be- ing ignored, they may agree on a dress that doesn’t fit your vision, or one may not be able to afford the cost of the dress you end up choosing. Managing your bride tribe means dealing with some drama, but if you keep in mind your bridesmaids’ feelings, a budget, and your timeline, you’ll be shopping like a pro. The Bridesmaid Budget Though it’s not the most glamorous of topics, deter- mining your bridal party members’ budget is certainly one of the most important. Don’t put off having this conversation, as it will enable you to search for brides- maid gowns that fall in the right price range. We rec- ommend doing so individually at least a few weeks — if not a few months — before bridesmaid gown shopping takes place. If one or more of your girls isn’t able to afford the dress you decide on, try to be flexible. Luckily, bridesmaids today have a variety of gorgeous options available at any price point. Is there any way you could open up your options to include dresses in a similar color pal- ette and style? If you really have your heart set on a particular dress, ask yourself if there are other costs you could pick up — such as hair, makeup, or shoes — that will help alle- viate some of the spending for your bridesmaids. Shop Early and Often You should start shopping for your bridal party at least seven to eight months before the big day. Not only will this timeline reduce stress for you and your girls, but it will also make it more likely for you to score a deal through a sale or trunk show. For your first appointment, we’d recommend that you don’t take your entire bridal party into the shop. In- stead, go in with your mother and/or Maid-of-Honor and have them help narrow down your choices based on the research you’ve done. Once you’ve decided on a few favorites, bring the rest of your ‘maids in (during a timeslot you schedule with your shop beforehand) to try on your selections and weigh-in on their favorites. After making your final Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a great way to appease each girl’s style and budget! 2 3 READ MORE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM TODAY’S BRIDE | 15