The Bridesmaid Dress Dilemma: Solved!

Before we start... hold on, this isn't just a blog for brides! This one's for the bridesmaid squad, too. So grab a glass of wine, everyone, and let's get into it.

Ah, the great bridesmaid dress debate! It's a tale as old as time, or at least as old as Pinterest. You're trying to plan the most magical day of your life, and suddenly you're faced with a fashion conundrum that would stump even the most seasoned stylist.

You've got your beautiful theme, your perfect flowers, and you've found the dress of your dreams. But then it hits you: what on earth do you put the bridesmaids in? They're your hype squad, your ride-or-dies, the brave souls who get the first look down the aisle before the main event (that's you, by the way, sparkling and glorious!).

The questions start to spiral. Do you want them all to be clones of each other, walking in a perfect, uniform line? Or do you bravely venture into the land of "different styles but the same colour"? And then, for the truly daring, there's the colour palette—a beautiful chaos of complementary shades that can either be a stroke of genius or a Pinterest fail waiting to happen.

It's enough to send even the most zen bride into a full-blown panic. But fear not! I've been on a deep dive through the wedding wonderland of the internet, and I've stumbled upon some photos that are so good, they might just save your sanity and make you say, "Yes! This is exactly what I'm going to do!"

So, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me just show you what I'm talking about. Prepare to have your mind changed!

So, did any of those photos make you want to ditch your original "all-matchy-matchy" plan for your bridesmaids? Ahhh, I knew it! I saw that glimmer in your eye. You're secretly picturing your girls in a beautiful, harmonious explosion of colour, aren't you?

If not, that's fine. Don't worry. I'm not offended. (Okay, maybe a little). But seriously, no pressure! If you're still a stickler for tradition, I've got more up my sleeve. Let's carry on!

Deciding who makes the cut for your bridal squad is tough enough without the added pressure of dressing them. Do you want them all in the same colour? Different styles? Maybe a colour palette? It's enough to make a girl want to elope!

But here's a secret: I'm all for bringing your bridesmaids into the conversation. Let them weigh in! After all, they're the ones who have to wear the dress. We all know the struggle of being squeezed into a frock that feels more like a corset than a gown. And don't even get me started on "magic knickers"—there's only so much of a day you can wear those suckers before you start to wonder if they're a fashion accessory or a torture device. We've all been there, doing the mid-reception bathroom dance trying to get them off!

So, why not make a night of it? Or a day out! Get the girls together, grab some snacks, maybe a little bubbly, and get those ideas flowing. It's the perfect excuse for a much-needed get-together.

Not only is this a brilliant way to gather ideas, but it's also a chance to make them feel truly included. You chose these women for a reason. They're your nearest and dearest, the ones who are going to be by your side on the most special day of your life. So why not make them feel as special as they are? Let's be honest, a happy bridesmaid is a beautiful bridesmaid, and you'll be glad you did when you see their genuine smiles shining in your photos.

Now you've had a blast with your friends, you've come up with a whirlwind of dress ideas and styles. The creative juices are flowing! But now comes the part that can make even the most fearless bride's heart sink: the budget.

You've got your dream team of bridesmaids all picked out. But then you start looking at dress prices, and a little voice in your head whispers, "Hmm, maybe I don't need eight bridesmaids."

But stop! Don't let your budget veto your besties!

Believe it or not, there are a few clever workarounds. Maybe one of your bridesmaids has been a bridesmaid before and already has a dress in the colour you want. (Talk about a wedding miracle!) Or maybe she knows someone who does.

But have you ever thought about the superhero of sustainable fashion: the pre-loved dress? We're talking about a bridesmaid dress that has been worn once, had its moment in the sun, and is now just sitting in a wardrobe, longing for another day of glamour. Think of all the bridesmaid dresses that have been to one wedding, one fantastic day of dancing and toasts, and are now just gathering dust, waiting to be part of another love story. For some brides, wedding plans changed, leaving them with beautiful, brand-new dresses they can't return. Don't you want to be the hero who gives these dresses a new lease on life?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Pre-loved? What if it looks... well, pre-loved?" That's where I come in! At my shop, Seconda in Navenby, Lincoln, you can see and feel these dresses for yourself. We have a huge selection of beautiful bridesmaid dresses that are either ex-display or gently pre-loved. Not only will you be saving a fortune, but you'll also be helping out a fellow bride who just wants her beautiful dresses to find a new home. So, why not give that gorgeous dress a second chance to shine?

If you've got a bridesmaid dress hanging in your wardrobe that's had its one big day out and is now just collecting dust, it's time to let it live its best life! Why not give that beautiful frock a new purpose and make another bride's dreams come true?

That's where I come in! Here at Seconda, you can put that dress on consignment and let it go on to its next great adventure. This dream of mine started from a simple belief: that every bride deserves to have exactly what she wants for her perfect day, without having to break the bank.

So, if you're a former bridesmaid, you can be a part of this story. You're not just selling a dress; you're helping a future bride and her bridal party look and feel amazing at a price they can afford. It's a win-win! Let's help make someone's day!

So, my lovely brides, are you officially ready to ditch the "same old, same old" and find some bridesmaid dresses that will not only make your girls feel amazing but will also make every head turn (before yours, of course!)?

I thought so!

Now that you've been inspired by the magic of mix-and-match, it's time to make it happen. You can start your search on our website, or even better, come on down to the store and see these beauties in person! We have so many styles and colours, I'm confident you'll leave with a huge grin on your face, knowing you've just checked another major item off that never-ending wedding to-do list.

Let's get this done!