Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories and Formal Wear (2024)

Here's what you should NEVER say at a wedding as a guest

Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories and Formal Wear (1)

(Image credit: Gossip Girl)

Now Meghan Markle is a naturally classy lady. She's well-groomed, well-put together, polite and charming.

But even Prince Harry's bride-to-be had to have some special lessons before she joined the British Royal family. There's a whole lot of stuff to learn when you're a duch*ess. Things like when to curtsey to Queen Elizabeth, what color manicure is acceptable (it's neutral by the way), what not to eat and when not to eat ... and so on.

However, if you're a wedding guest then there are also some social skills you need to make sure you have. Because there are some things that absolutely must not be said at a wedding - or done.

Some people naturally have flawless manners. Others don't really have much etiquette at all and make faux pas constantly, embarassing those around them.

But when it comes down to weddings, it is important that everyone has etiquette - even if it is forced. However, regardless of how important this is, some people still tend to mess up and not say the right things when they should...or they say all the wrong things when they shouldn't.

Here's our list of the top 10 things you should never say to the bride, groom, or their families

  1. "I can't believe she finally is settling down! She's so wild. I never thought she would. Really, when you think of the time she...!" (And so on. Leave the bride's past in the past.)
  2. "You can't even tell she's pregnant!" (This may be a secret or the bride may want to keep her elderly relatives out of the loop. In any case, it's not your place to announce it.
  3. "Remember that time he/she was sooooo drunk......?" (Again, leave the past in the past.)
  4. "Oh...I thought you were going to go with the OTHER dress..." (This is almost guaranteed to make the bride feel a bit insecure and maybe not her best. NOT what you want her to be feeling. She's made her decision and your unhelpful comments are just that.)
  5. Well, he finally cleaned up nice...." (Tactless in the extreme.)
  6. "I came for the alcohol." (Not a classy comment for a guest to make.)
  7. "I'm scared to see them as parents..." (This doesn't make you sound like a kind person and doesn't show you in your best light.)
  8. "Good thing that first marriage didn't work out..." (Just unnecessary.)
  9. "Glad he finally grew up..." (Haven't you ever done things in your youth you regretted later? Cut him some slack.)
  10. "Why is she wearing a white dress again?" (You know something, it's really none of your business. It's HER choice.)

By Dessy Stylists | 6 July 2018

Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories and Formal Wear (2024)

FAQs

What's a good budget for bridesmaid dresses? ›

If the bride chooses a dress that she wants all the 'maids to wear and it's a bit out of budget, they'll often pitch in, but I wouldn't rely on that. Cost: $150-$300. You can get a great dress for around $150-$200, but expect to pay anywhere from $20-$100 for alterations.

Is it rude to ask bridesmaids to pay for their dress? ›

Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it's important to give them plenty of time to afford it. Saving for a £200 dress is a much easier task if your wedding is two years away compared to just a couple of months.

What is the importance of bridesmaid dresses? ›

Today, bridesmaid dresses are a reflection of individuality and personal style, celebrating the diverse backgrounds and tastes of the bridal party while maintaining a cohesive and visually pleasing look for the wedding.

How to tell bridesmaids what to wear? ›

You can pick a color, like dusty blue or burnt orange, and ask your bridesmaids to find whatever dress they want in the chosen color. Add some cohesion to these different styles by giving them certain guidelines—for example, maybe you want them all to wear a maxi dress, or wear dresses that are in the same fabric.

What does a maid of honor pay for? ›

Convention dictates that she's financially responsible for hosting the bridal shower and the bachelorette party, which can amount to several hundred (possibly even thousand) dollars, depending on the location and events planned.

Who is supposed to pay for bridesmaid dresses? ›

According to traditional wedding etiquette, in the US and Australia, each member of the bridal party— including bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, and Mother of the Bride and Groom—is expected to cover the cost of their wedding day ensemble.

What is the most important bridesmaid? ›

Maid of honour or Man of Honor

The title and position held by a bride's assistant, typically her closest friend or sibling.

What is the main duty of a bridesmaid? ›

The list of bridesmaids' responsibilities includes: Emotionally supporting the bride at all times throughout the wedding planning and ceremony. Assisting the Maid of Honor in planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and of course, assisting the Maid of Honor throughout the wedding day.

Should bridesmaids wear hair up or down? ›

Consider the Dress: When creating hairstyles for bridesmaids, it's important to consider the style of the dress. If the dress is strapless or has a low back, an updo may be the best option to show off the dress.

What is the rule of thumb for bridesmaids? ›

Friends First. The most important role that any bridesmaid has, is being a friend to the bride and listening to her when she needs.

Is it OK to wear the same Colour as the bridesmaids? ›

The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.

How much should you spend per bridesmaid? ›

Your bridesmaids will also be spending a fair amount of money on your bridal shower and hen night. Now, shopping for bridesmaid gifts should never be a financial tit for tat, but you should spend appropriately. As a general rule, you should expect to spend $75 to $150 per bridesmaid.

How much does it cost to make a bridesmaid dress? ›

According to experts, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is about $150. Keep in mind that's the average cost for just one dress - multiply that average by the number of bridesmaids in your wedding party and the costs will add up quickly.

How much does a bridesmaid give the bride? ›

It's also advised to stick with the traditional etiquette regarding the price, which is typically $100 to $150 if you're showing up solo. If you don't have a lot of funds left over to splurge on a special gift for the bride, however, you can always ask a few other bridesmaids to chip in on a present.

How to be a bridesmaid on a budget? ›

Bridesmaids spend an average of $1,154 per wedding, and if you have multiple friends preparing to walk down the aisle, that number can easily double, if not triple. A good way to save is to cut costs wherever possible like renting your dress or doing your own hair and makeup.

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