Bridesmaid Bonanza!

12 bridesmaids, one dress! Can it be done? Jess takes on the challenge.

By Jessica Solloway

I have 12 bridesmaids. I know, it's totally ridiculous but I can't help it. I'm lucky to have such an awesome group of girls from different parts of my life. And I figure the least I can do is pick a bridesmaid's dress that doesn't make anyone look like a mermaid or 80's prom queen.


So, last week I took 2 of the 12 to this adorable store in New York City called The Wedding Library to help me in my search. If you're in Manhattan, I highly recommend this place. You make an appointment and a very knowledgeable salesperson patiently helps as you deliberate between tissue taffeta or chiffon, cocktail length or long, strapless or halter ... (you get the point). It's an old townhouse converted into three floors full of wedding goodies. Aside from a great selection of bridesmaid dresses, you can get invitations, wedding party gifts, veils and bridal accessories.  

I really wanted my friends' opinions because, while I can't please EVERYONE, I can certainly try. At first I was hoping to find a brand that makes several styles of a similar dress. Since I have such a large wedding party, I thought it would be really nice to give dress options and mix the look up a bit. Plus, everyone has different body types, so I really wanted my friends to chose something that works for them.

So, my lovely "models" were great sports and tried on tons of dresses. Some cute, and others ... not so much. Ultimately, I decided on a dress that I had seen online a couple months back when I first started researching b-maids dresses. It's an Amsale cocktail dress with an A-line silhouette and it will look great on everyone. (Click this link to check it out). While I did not go with my original plan of giving people options, I truly think that this style will be a crowd pleaser. Plus, I got the seal of approval from both friends who I know would honestly tell me what they thought. I decided to go with this pretty, deep purple color called Plum. Since my wedding is in the fall, I think this will be a great alternative to black or brown. And it makes the dress just a bit more unique.

I am going to have my matron of honor (my aunt Julie who is like a sister to me - she's only 13 years older!) pick a different style dress so she stands out a bit. Her daughters are my flower girls and the oldest who is 7 recently got her ears pierced for the occasion. She means business! (And she has informed me that she is not really into spaghetti straps or bows. My little flower girl fashionista!)

I am going to have the girls wear gold shoes (their choice of style) which I think will look so pretty with the color dress. I know most of my friends already have gold shoes, so hopefully they won't hate me for making this request. At least I am not forcing them into mandatory up-dos, right?  

So that's my update for this week. Make sure you click on the link above to see the dress I picked. Do we like my decision? Leave a comment below! One more "to-do" to check off my list. Phew!