Question about mix-matched BM dresses?

spanglerwedding2012

I'm considering doing a mix-match of several bridesmaids dress brands to go for an eccelectic look. I fell in love with J.Crew bridesmaids dresses (chiffon - in graphite). But one girl is plus-sized and they will not fit her. Having a hard time finding the right look/size that works for everyone. I found one dress that was perfect, but it was like $300...seems like a lot of money.

I'd stick with the same style (crinkle chiffon - light, airy, but elegant) but slightly varying shades of gray. The idea looks so cute in blogs and pictures but I've never seen it in person. Have any of you seen BM dresses like this is real life? I don't want it to look sloppy.

LaRositaMonita

My bridesmaids and mixed and matched J Crew dresses (see profile pic - all but one wound up choosing the same, though).  I am in a wedding next April that is doing this and it will look great.  I would actually suggest Priscilla of Boston's dresses...they have a beautiful crinkle chiffon and although my bride's color is a dark blue, I tried on some BM dresses there last week in an awesome gray color.  

julbgordo

I went to a wedding last summer and the BMs had all different styles and colors of blue dresses.  I'm doing the same with my girls in green dresses though.  I really loved the look and I think my BMs appreciate getting to choose their own style and having some say in the color (shade of green).  My main concern though is how different fabrics might look together (ex. some in satin, some in chiffon).  Right now I believe they are all leaning towards satin dresses though, so it might not be a problem at all.

spanglerwedding2012

I agree - they have beautiful dresses online, I'm going to check them out in store. My original plan was to do diff dresses from the same collection, but may mix-and-match even more now. I thought about doing some from Priscilla and some J.Crew. I think they could mesh well - plus would accommodate more shapes and sizes.

Jul - that's a great point. I think it's best to stick to the same fabric to prevent some from looking more formal than others. I definitely want to do all crinkle chiffon in grays (light dove gray to charcoal, depending on what the girls like) to get an eccelectic look but the same flowy "feel" for all.

LaRositaMonita

spangler - similar colors will read differently next to one another or in photographs.  Also, from an interpersonal perspective, your girls will appreciate having some choice best if its within the confines of a specific fabric, designer, etc.  I wouldn't mix J Crew's chiffon with another designer's as you have no idea if they'll match.  Given that you have a plus-sized girl who will not fit into J Crew's dresses, I would also just count them out entirely rather than making her feel left out of some of the choices. Get an MoH or another bridesmaid to go to a couple of shops with you and see what you like best in person.  If you go too crazy in not wanting everyone to match, it will look odd.  Find a fabric, length, color, and designer, and let the girls pick a style. 

spanglerwedding2012

That's true. Didn't think of how they would photograph. I'm fine with the shades not being perfect. But it may be a good idea to stick to one designer. I'll have to check some more out in person

rachelk456

I think that's a great idea. My advice for mixing shades would be to try to do the same hue but different shades.That is, don't mix bluish greys with warm greys but do mix light greys with dark greys that have the same consistency. 

paprika28

I agree with everything LRM said (and Rachel). I have 4 girls, ranging in size from 0-18. My MOH picked her dress, and all of the girls are picking their dresses based on that one. The color has to be the same, but they can pick whatever fabrics & style they want. The reason I ok'd the fabric is that say, a jersey might look good on a size 4, but the size 18 wouldn't feel comfortable because it'll show every bump. Whereas the 18 might like taffeta b/c it hides more, but would add bulk to the 0. KWIM?

Lauren0409

I ran into the same problem.  I wanted gray dresses from J.Crew in chiffon, but my one bridesmaid is over a size 16.  I ended up picking my dresses from the Dessy Collection in lux chiffon fabric.  The girls are all wearing charcoal gray, but get to pick their style. I really liked the Dessy line and some styles reminded me of J. Crew.  Good luck!

[Deleted User]

I has the same issue.  

We went with Belsoise.  The girls loved the dresses and I think they looked great.  We ended up buying them from Pearl's Place and saved money.

BTW just so you know chiffon dresses usually have several layers therefore cost more to hem.  I did not know this going in, however the girls chose the dresses not me.

I'm just thinking if the dresses cost $300 to start and then you add another $100 or so in alterations it's a good chunk of change.

kklassen86

Anybody know what the difference between chiffon and lux chiffon from dessy???