MemberWas it a shit show? Where the nothing matched or they picked a color that was completely wrong?
Or
Was it great? Where the dresses matched in an eclectic kind of way or matched perfectly with everything coming together?
MemberI was really nervous about this part but I knew I wanted to let my BMs pick the dress they felt most comfortable in. I gave each of them a swatch of the color I wanted and I was lucky enough that they each took the time to match the color just right. They all had different styles of dresses but the color ended up matching perfectly. If you’re worried, I would at least be specific about one thing whether it be the color or style of dress.
MemberI told my bridesmaids I wanted them to pick a style they were comfortable in. I already had a color in mind and I suggested a couple of different fabrics that I felt meshed well together.
In my area, it’s more common for all the BMs to have the same dress, and my BMs still wanted to follow that, so we all went shopping together and ended up picking the same dress style together. Easy peasy.
MemberCompletely agree with
MemberI ended up buying the same style dress for ALL of them – AND not even going with my original color choice. They’re now wearing off-white dresses with gold shimmer and I made ivory sashes with silver rhinestone for them. For shoes they are wearing what they own. Each girl is wearing one of these colors: silver, champagne, nude and or gold strappy shoes – I think they will look amazing in photos!
While I loved the mis-matchy bridesmaid dresses “look” – this way just saved me the headaches and I had more time to focus on my DIYs lol.
MemberIt worked really well. However a) I did give some guidance/had some ‘stipulations’ and b) we’ve grown up together and they have similar tastes/style, so I knew there wouldn’t be any disagreements and that everyone would easily and happily be able to agree. They are also similar sizes (UK 6-10).
If you are giving totally free reign be sure that is what you want ie you’re OK with a completely mismatched look. Otherwise, consider setting some stipulations (eg length/fabric/colour family) to get a more cohesive look.
MemberTo add: my mum and I did some ‘groundwork’ first and narrowed it down to a particular shop (based on price and the girl’s preferences), then we all went together and an hour later, it was a done deal. Very easy and painless. Would also add that we paid, which I think makes things a bit smoother.
MemberI let my Bridesmaid or Best Man pick the style they wanted, but I picked the color and the material. That way, they all matched but were in styles that they felt comfortable in/would wear again. I’m wayyy too OCD to be able to handle different materials and slightly different shades.
MemberI made the mistake of letting my bridesmaids choose their own, we are 3 months away and neither of them have dresses yet. I only have TWO bridesmaids too. However I think part of its my fault as well; I didn’t give specific enough instructions. I told them any shade of blue except navy. I prefer short but they could do long, and nothing too slutty (My maid of honor has sent me two dresses that I wouldn’t even wear to my own bachelorette party.)
Another reason it has been so difficult is because of budgets. When you let them choose their own dress, you are letting them choose their own budget. My maid of honor has a $50 budget and my other bridesmaid has $100 budget. It is REALLY HARD to find two different dresses, both blue, in the unique styles they want.
I’m really close to saying screw it and telling them what dresses they need to buy because it’s getting really close and I have way bigger things to stress and worry about than if my bridesmaids will be clothed for my wedding. Neither of them act like its a big deal at all.
In my opinion, it really depends on your bridesmaids. Make sure they are responsible and flexible. If they are college students (like one of mine) or mothers (like my other,) they may not take the time to look around and may keep procrastinating. If they are super excited, and have a larger budget, I say go for it!!!!
MemberI gave my girls a choice of about 8 to pick from. I picked the color and material and they could choose the actual dress they wear. I originally told them they could pick whatever but nobody wanted to make a decision so I narrowed it down to 8 and said which do YOU like best. One of them is not understanding the “I want everyone in same color but different dresses” she still keeps telling me they should have their hair, jewelry and shoes match. Um no just some cute silver sandals is all you need and you can do whatever you want for the rest. It is not that hard people! 🙂
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MemberI picked the color/fabric from a specific designer and told them to pick any style from that designer. I called different shops in each city they all loved in and told them which styles were available to try on in person. It ended up being really stressful for all of them, so I narrowed it down to three and told them to pick from that. They ended up with the 2 MOHs choosing one option and the 3 BMs doing another. In a weird twist, one of the MOHs dress was stolen from her porch, so she was shipped the third option last minute. All still look cohesive and beautiful. Turns out tok much freedom was just too much for them. I thought I was being relaxed and cool but they just weren’t used to the choice.
MemberHere is a picture of my mismatched bridesmaids. I loved the dresses they chose! I wanted them all to be comfortable and to have a dress/look that reflected their personalities, and I think they did a great job.
MemberI did because I wanted her to feel pretty, too. It was a beautiful dress from Nordstrom that looked fantastic on her- she even got it tailored to perfection. Unfortunately, she completely tore the zipper getting into it the day of the wedding and had to scramble to find an old bridesmaid dress in her closet that wasn’t nearly as nice. Oh well!
MemberI gave them guidance as far as length and color went. No one chose anything. Decided to start a pinterest board filled with affordable (less than $100) dresses that would be perfectly fine for them to choose from, just to help give them some ideas. Still no one bought anything. Ended up about two months before the wedding having to say “This is your dress. Buy it.” And then they did.
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