Gifting your bridesmaids with gorgeous dresses will make your favourite women feel stunning and confident on your big day. Let go of worry about being overshadowed, this is not possible, and find dresses your friends will love you for picking. In Britain, the bride pays for the bridesmaid dresses. However, it is acceptable to ask that your bridesmaids buy their shoes and accessories. In America, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their dresses, within reason. However, it is a nice touch to pay for their accessories.

  Simplicity is essential as bridesmaid dresses should look beautiful and match the wedding dress. Typically, cleavage should be tasteful, and any splits in the skirt should go no higher than mid-thigh. Where possible, try to match the necklines of your dresses and pick similar length gowns to ensure your dress is enhanced in pictures.

 The style and fit of the bridesmaid dresses should flatter all. Floor-length, flowing gowns that have necklines to complement or contrast your own are safe options, which suit all figures, and universally available whatever the season. Make sure that the dress fabric is not too sheer that could be revealing in different lighting.

• What colors are in fashion and abundantly available.
• Your bridesmaids' complexions.
• The color scheme of the venue, so the bridesmaid dresses standout.
• A color or shade that the groomsmen can also wear.