Let’s make what could be an aggravating part of your wedding planning into a pleasure. It’s not easy choosing dresses for your bridesmaids that fit and flatter each person, but with a few tips from Oaks Manor, it might just be a pleasurable experience (or at least less difficult).
Be Considerate of Your Crew
Before you begin paging through bridal magazines, Pinterest boards, and websites, take a moment and think about the members of your bridal party. What kind of budget makes sense for the dress? As much as you hope they will wear the dress again, it’s not very likely. Talk to each person privately to find out their budgetary expectations and do your best to shop in a range that won’t be a financial hardship for anyone.
Dress Styles
Silhouette
Your bridesmaids will each have their own preferences for silhouette, but there are very few styles that look great on everyone. Your maid of honor may want to feature her legs, but hide her tummy, and one of your bridesmaids may want something that hugs her every curve. What do you do?
An A-line dress with sleeves is universally flattering and a good choice if you want your attendants to wear matching dresses. A-line dresses are timeless — and they won’t look dated when you revisit your wedding photos in a few years’ time.
Color
Choose Your Hues
Bridesmaids’ dresses come in any color you can imagine. Hues that look good on the widest variety of skin tones are eggplant, red, blush, and teal.
Some brides select a color and allow bridesmaids to each choose a flattering style dress in a shade of the chosen color. That way, each person is able to find a dress that they feel comfortable wearing with the color tying the bridal party look together.
Little Black Dress
Can’t find a color that is agreeable to everyone? Go for an LBD. Available in a multitude of styles, each bridesmaid can choose the little black dress that she feels most confident in.
Go Against the Rules
The latest trend for 2021 is to forget matching altogether. Give your attendants carte blanche or provide just a few guidelines, such as length or a color palette. The result will be dynamic and eclectic. Try this if you want your wedding to truly be one-of-a-kind.
Fashion Show
If you are the one choosing the dresses, try them on yourself. Check to see if the dress is flattering both in cut and color. Is it comfortable? Will your attendants be able to sit, walk, and dance comfortably? Once you find a dress that you would wear, it will be easier to convince everyone else that it’s the best choice.
If the bridesmaids are choosing their own dresses, it would be wise to see them together before the big day to make sure you’re happy with the way they look.
A Word on Matching Shoes
Don’t insist on matching shoes. It’s another expense on something your bridesmaids will probably never wear again. New shoes can be uncomfortable. Allow them to choose something neutral, black, or shiny that they already have. They’ll thank you when they hit the dance floor blister-free!
As you delve into your wedding planning, remember that Oaks Manor specializes in weddings. Call us at 585-468-6257 today. We still have dates available for 2021!
How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch
To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:
- Caterers and bartenders
- Florists and decorators
- Musicians or DJs
- Photographers and videographers
- Officiants
- Hair and makeup teams
- Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor
You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.
Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding
Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget.
Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.
Best Practices for a Vendor List
As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.
- Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
- Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
- Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
- Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.
FAQ’s
Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!
Why is a vendor list important?
A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact.
When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.
What is a Vendor List?
A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event.
How to Create a Vendor List?
This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.
Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor
At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.
