After you’ve compiled a group of friends into the ideal wedding party, now it’s time for everyone to decide what they’re going to wear. It’s not essential that all the wedding guests wear matching outfits. However, many couples prefer to have a cohesive look. The traditional tradition is for bridesmaids to wear the same dress or outfit. This makes the bride stand out and allows for cohesive photos. It also helps wedding guests identify each member of the wedding party. Some couples allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses. There are some advantages to this, as well as some downsides. Let’s find out what you need to do to get the look you want.
We get it. Your wedding is your day. Sometimes it’s easier to let your bridesmaids wear the same nude bridesmaid dresses. But, there are benefits to allowing your bridesmaids some freedom.
Comfort. Comfort. A uniform bridal party look can make your bridesmaids feel uncomfortable. If they have the freedom to choose their dresses, they will be able to find styles and cuts that flatter them.
Confidence. You feel confident when you look good. Allow your bridesmaids to choose dresses they like, or feel comfortable in. This will help them radiate confidence on your big day.
Price. The biggest problem for bridesmaids is money. It’s costly to be a Bridesmaid. It doesn’t matter if your bridesmaids pick their own dresses.
Can this not go a bit off the rails
Definitely. It can be nerve-wracking to give your bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own wedding attire. You don’t want your wedding to be ruined by mismatched outfits. There are cons to letting your bridesmaids select their own dresses.
Cohesion. Cohesion. You might consider this option if you truly want a traditional cohesive look.
Confusion. A lot of things is not good. This is also true for the freedom of the bridal party. If you don’t have any guidelines, you might find yourself answering many texts about what’s acceptable and what’s not. This could include everything from colors to price to length to materials.
Guidelines for letting Bridesmaids Pick Their Own Dresses
You can make the process of finding the perfect dress for you and your bridesmaids easier by being open about what you are and aren’t looking for.
Do: Be precise
Yes, you did tell your girls that you wanted all of them to be seafoam. Great! Not great. Be specific. Keep a clear mind and keep a good eye on what you are doing. You might be more specific about these details:
Choose the right color for your dress. You can choose a dress color. What may appear mauve to you might actually be more pale to someone else. Bridesmaids may have difficulty finding dresses in the same color from different vendors if they choose one color. For your bridesmaids, you might create a color scheme of three to four complementary colors. Or, you can offer a few vendors to them.
Length. Some brides don’t mind a variety of hemlines–floor-length, knee-length, mini, midi, etc. You can tell your bridesmaids if they want to wear the same length dress as you. You can also let them know that you don’t mind different lengths.
Material. There are many options for dress materials, including chiffon and charmeuse as well as taffeta. It’s possible to give the look a different dimension if all your bridesmaids wear the same color. However, dresses in different materials may be an option. But too many materials can make the look a little distracting. It’s best to let people know that they don’t want jersey knits.
Style. We mean the level and type of formality. You may not want your maids to wear semi-formal dresses if you have a black tie wedding. It is important to clearly specify the dress code.
Clarity is essential. Don’t tell your bridesmaids that they can choose their own gowns. Be ready with your suggestions and requirements.
Do: Make it a group event.
You can make a day of dress shopping. Have brunch, and then go to the shops. Have a couple of shops chosen for your shopping adventure. It may be necessary to schedule appointments ahead of your visit. Your bridesmaids will be able to choose from a range of dresses, and you can share your impressions in person. This is not just a fun and enjoyable activity for your wedding party. It also helps busy bridesmaids shop and gives you nudges if you are procrastinating.
Your bridesmaids may not live in the same place or be able to travel to the shop on the same day. This is okay. It’s possible to schedule Facetime with your bridesmaids while they shop. If you haven’t, you could also set up a chat group to shop for clothes.
Do: A final check in.
There will be hair and make-up trials, catering and cake tastings, as well the dress check-ins for the bridesmaids. It is always a good idea that everyone gets on the same page before any finalizations are made. Your bridesmaids should run through their final choices with you before you purchase. This allows you to see if it matches your theme or vision. It also eliminates any last-minute stress.
For their final dress check-in, give your bridesmaids a strict deadline. This may sound like a bridezilla move but it’s actually good for their health. It is important that everyone has enough time to shop for a new or altered dress. We recommend that you schedule your check-in at least seven months in advance of the wedding.
Do not ignore the cost.
We think that letting your bridesmaids select their own dresses could help reduce financial stress. The idea of the bride giving a shortlist of vendors (3-5) for the bridal party to select from is also appealing. You might consider selecting a few options you love, in varying price ranges. It is important to be aware of the financial circumstances of your party. Be open to discussing this with any bridesmaids who might be struggling.
Don’t forget about shoes and accessories.
The dress doesn’t have to be the bridesmaid’s only attire. Accessories are essential, especially if your goal is to have a mismatched bridesmaid gown. It’s easy to bring cohesion and style to your bridal party by choosing a pair or color of shoes. Don’t forget to specify the style of your shoe if you don’t already have one in mind. So you don’t have one girl wearing heels and another wearing flats. We recommend asking your bridesmaids if they need to wear flats for personal reasons. Alternately, you might want your bridal parties to wear flats or sneakers. Make sure you align your body.
Also, let your bridesmaids be aware of what jewelry you want. Traditionally, the bride purchases and gifts jewelry to their bridesmaids. It’s fine to let them choose the jewelry they want. Style is important, so be sure to communicate your preferences.
Don’t get too complicated
Let your bridesmaids pick their dresses should not be stressful or complicated. This should actually make it a bit easier for you. These girls are your bridal party’s best friends and will do everything in their power to ensure that your day is a success. They’re capable of handling this and you can trust that they will. (Don’t forget to say thanks for all they did in the planning.
You never know, they may even wear the same dress again. Isn’t this the best case scenario for any bridesmaid gown?
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