Ask the Coordinator: Bridesmaids Dress Length

This is an email I received about a floor length formal bridesmaids dress:

Hey Ellen,

How long is the [full length] dress allowed to hang? With my heels, my dress is dusting the floor. I am trying to get out of doing any alterations (and spending any more money). Do you think that's ok or do I need to get it hemmed? Please let me know - you are the expert!

Thank you!

Here was my response:

Hey!

I very much understand about the money and I have an idea for that. It is important that your dress be the right length, and not just for aesthetics. Most importantly, you don't want to trip! The dress should just touch your toes so that when you walk so that you can see the front of your foot about 1/2 in to 1 1/2 in above the floor. This is keep you from stumbling while you walk down the aisle. Do you have taller shoes? Depending on the fabric, another great option is to purchase iron-on hemming tape. You can get this from your local craft store.
Hope this helps!