Choosing own bridesmaids dresses

rheiner

I'm contemplating letting my bridesmaids choose their own dresses.  My thought is that they can find something they're comfortable wearing and pay whatever they want for it. It's not important to me that everybody is all matchy matchy.   The girls are also a variety of sizes, especially bust sizes.  The dresses will be long and black so they should be easy to find.  I even thought a lot of the department stores might have something in their evening wear sections. 

My dilemma is how to make sure that the dresses complement each other?   One thought was to get my sister (maid of honor) to get hers and then I could go shopping with the rest of them to find something that goes with hers.  

jen2013

I am doing something like this. I have picked out a certain color, and fabric and length and they get to pick any style that fits the criteria. that way they all look alike being the same color and fabric and length but it fits their body

mtsookasem

I think the best way is to go with your maid of honor to find hers. Once she has hers picked, you tell the rest of the girls, that they must choose a dress by the same designer & in the same color.

jobie02

PIck a designer at a dept store and 2-3 styles and let them choose from that.  I would not advertise that you let the MoH pick the style/designer unless you want them all mad at her.

FutureMrsDang

What I would do is pick out about 7 dresses (depending on how many BMs you have) you like that fit your criteria and let them choose from that.  Give them options as far as style and price.  And let them know that if they find something else that would "mesh well" with these dresses to let you know.  That way if someone wants a super fancy expensive dress they can if they would like.  HTH!

jmkes

I'm doing the same thing.  My BMs have the freedom to choose their own floor length black gowns.  I've worn enough ugly BM dresses to know I would never make someone walk around in something hideous and ill-fitting.  The ladies are all different shapes, sizes and heights.  I'm having them choose their own funky shoes too.  The rule is they can't be black and they all have to be different.  So far we have leopard, purple, hot pink, red and zebra.  As far as I know only one has gotten her dress so far.  Another BM ordered a dress but didn't like it so she is having it made by a relative who's a seamstress.  I just hope none of them want to order one from a place like David's because I keep hearing horror stories about their BM dresses  and I'm afraid they won't come in on time!