Your bridesmaids are your best friends. These tips will help you keep them like that. Many New York brides go all-out with the bridesmaids' attire, making everyone wear the same color, same style, and the same accessories. In these modern times, it is no longer necessary to do that. Follow these ideas to ensure your bridesmaids will love their dresses.

First of all, no one said they didn't have to match. In fact, if you tell your bridesmaids to wear whatever they want, you are in for a disaster. The only problem is the extent of matching. For example, there are three different ways to match your bridesmaid dresses in a way that they will have individuality. First, you can have them all wear the same style and let them choose one of your wedding colors (give them swatches so they don't go overboard). Second, you can choose one or two colors and let them choose the style they want (from the same manufacturer so the colors match). Third, you can let them choose their own style and their own color from a list that you have compiled of "acceptable" dresses.

Second of all, keep your bridesmaids in mind when looking at dresses. Would your tall red-head friend look as good in that dress as your stocky blond one? What about your preppy college friend and your high school "concert buddy"? Different people all have different styles, not to mention different colors and shades that look good with their coloring. Make sure you keep all these ideas in mind when picking out colors and/or styles. The best way to go is to do the third option and let them choose from a designated list. This gives you control over-all, but lets them feel truly independent. You can even let them get their dresses from different designers if you choose a color scheme (like various colors of green) and a style idea (like only dresses with halter tops). This way, they don't have to buy their dress from the salon down the street from you, and they'll have more chance of being able to buy a dress from a store accessible to them.

Third of all, remember their financial situations. If your best friend is still paying her way through college, don't make her buy a $600 dress- that would just be cruel. Generally, it's a good idea to keep your dress budget around $200. Definitely try to keep it under $200 so that your bridesmaids will be happy with your decision. Another consideration with money is- will they wear it again? If you don't think they would ever wear the dress you pick out again, try to keep the price as low as possible. This doesn't mean if they will wear it that it's okay to have them spend $450- just be cautious about your decision. If you happen to follow one of the three options for matching the dresses, your bridesmaids are likely to wear them again since they had a say in it. However, it might be better still if you find inexpensive two piece that they can wear separately for every-day occasions. If you do choose an expensive dress that they won't wear again (ex: if it's too formal), then it is a good idea if you pitch in with their costs.

One of the main things to remember is that these bridesmaids are in fact your friends, and you do not want to sabotage them by making them wear something hideous just to make yourself look better. Make sure all of your bridesmaids are happy with their dress before making them purchase it. This way, you will all be able to have a great day.

Jewerly, Hair, and Makeup

While not everyone will notice your basic accessories (slip, shoes, etc.) everyone will notice your jewelry, hair, and makeup. These items are often what New York brides spend the most attention on getting perfect. They may buy several necklaces, try a dozen hairstyles, and buy gobs of makeup before finding the perfect look. Try these tips that will save you time and money.

Jewelry

One of the most important accessories is your jewelry. The necklace you wear will often be the second thing guests notice after your dress. As with all accessories- make sure your jewelry matches the style of the wedding and your own personal style. Often brides will choose a piece of jewelry that complements their headpiece or the beading on their gown. Many brides simply choose a pearl necklace. Pearls are very traditional for weddings and are often seen at celebrity and royalty weddings. You can choose to invest in a strand of real pearls, or maybe you just want a one-time-use necklace made from artificial pearls. Either way, you're going to look great- pearls look wonderful on any woman and with any style.

Make sure your necklace matches your wedding dress- for example: a choker doesn't always look good with a low neckline and may be better with a jewel or boat neckline. Also, make sure that your earrings coordinate with your necklace- many stores sell matching sets, which make your job easy. If you don't buy a matching set, just make sure that only one item is obvious- if you want long draping earrings, try a simpler necklace.

Hair

Your hairstyle will make a huge impact on your overall look. One of the main problems with hairstyles is that some brides choose an extremely extravagant hairstyle that they will regret when they look at the pictures in a couple years. Your best bet is to keep it as simple as possible. Don't worry- simple does not mean boring. There are many beautiful styles that were common decades ago and will still be common years from now. How many brides have you seen with a French twist? What about a bun? There are many more styles to choose from that are all traditional and beautiful.

Try to keep these tips in mind when choosing your hairstyle: If your hair is thin, you may not want it pulled up into a do, for fear of it falling loose. If your hair is very thick, it may be best to try to contain it, like with a braid or bun. If your hair is curly, let it be curly, now is not the time to experiment with straighteners. You may choose to emphasize the curls, simply swirl them back into a loose up-do. If your hair is dead straight, try a French twist or another simple do that will detract from its straightness. If your hair is short, just leave it down- any attempt at an up-do will look ridiculously disproportioned. If your hair is long- great for you! You can do virtually anything- up, down, curls, braid, it all looks great.

Makeup

Makeup is probably the hardest thing to decide on. Luckily, there is one major test to weed out inappropriate makeup: black and white pictures. Do a test run with several different styles of makeup and several different colors, have one of your friends or family take pictures of each look. Have the pictures developed in black and white, and color. Now, go through the pictures and get rid of any styles that look horrible in black and white- this generally includes makeup that is too dark or too unnatural. Next, go through the remaining styles in color and compare and contrast how each style makes you look and think about how you feel looking at yourself in that style. Is it a good look for a wedding? Or would it be better at a dance club?

Usually, brides look best in very natural colors and minimal makeup. This doesn't mean just lathe on the lip gloss and walk out the door- it is still important that you feel like you look your best. If that means a little bit of blue eyeshadow, or a dark red lipstick, go ahead- it's your big day. Just remember the idea of looking at the pictures in a couple years- are you going to still be happy you wore that blue eyeshadow? Another important thing to remember is to not forget your own style. If you are a girl that only wears makeup a couple times a month, now is not the time to go all out with the eyeliner and blush. Try to keep your wedding day makeup looking like an improved version of your usual makeup style.

If you are really concerned about your hair and makeup, the best thing to do is to hire a professional. Have them do several different options before you decide on the one you like best. They will be able to know exactly what styles will look best with your hair type, and what shades of makeup will look best with your skin tone. Every bride should look and feel her best on her wedding day. Make sure you do too. Choose only accessories that you feel comfortable wearing and that you feel would accentuate the feeling of that special day.