DIY dresses

Handy with a needle and thread? Then you could try making your wedding dress on your own

Pretty maids all in a row

Dressing several bridesmaids who are different ages, shapes and sizes can be a headache. Do you want them all to wear the same dress in the same colour? Be warned that if your bridesmaids have very different figures and complexions, what suits one might look less than flattering on another.

One solution is to pick a fabric in your wedding colour theme, then choose a slightly different style for each maid. Your pregnant sister will look good in an Empire-line gown with cap sleeves, while your slim best friend can sport something more sexy and strappy. Different dresses can be unified by matching accessories -- why not make all the bridesmaids a matching wrap in organza or chiffon?

If you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, start by looking for a dress that suits the one with the most difficult figure. Chances are it will also look good on those with more regular shapes. If your bridesmaids are different ages, you could make the older bridesmaids' outfits in darker shades and younger bridesmaids' dresses in a lighter shade of the same colour. Alternatively, buy younger bridesmaids party dresses from a high-street store, then make them sashes in the same colour and fabric as the older bridesmaids' dresses.

Dressmaking basics

Whether you are making your own dress or using a dressmaker, make sure you choose the style and fabric of the dress at least six months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for fittings and alterations. The first fitting is generally eight weeks before the wedding, with as many subsequent fittings as are necessary to ensure a perfect fit.

If a dressmaker is making their gowns, the bridesmaids should be measured by her. If they live out of town, have them professionally measured and send the details to the dressmaker. Ideally, all the bridesmaids should have a fitting at least a month before the wedding, so any necessary adjustments can be made. Shoe styles need not be identical, but if the bridesmaids' shoes are being dyed make sure they are all done in one batch in case the tone of the dye varies.

Cost control

Choosing cheaper fabrics is one way of keeping costs down. Synthetic satin will always be cheaper than a silk satin, for example, while dupion costs less than duchesse satin. If money is really tight, choose dresses with a slender silhouette for your and your maids, as they require less fabric.