Different styles or one for everyone???

Ladybug1015 · February 2012

I love the idea of allowing my girls to choose from three or four dresses I'll pick out ahead of time. I have had some people give me weird looks when I tell them this though!
Obviously I'm going to pick out dresses that look nice together (same style skirt)... any thoughts from other brides and/or maids??

Thanks in advance!

jagore08 · February 2012

My BM all had different styles but same color and length. I prefer the individual look more than the matchy-matchy look.

lindseyann410 · February 2012

I prefer more individuality rather than clones.

misssunshine17 · February 2012

This is a great idea! As long as you've discussed privately how much they each are willing to spend, and the dresses you choose are within that budget. I was in a wedding where the bride asked me to order my $240 dress (I was a poor college student!) 9 months early and sent me a link to the one I was supposed to buy. What you've said is much more considerate!

calliopeia2013 · February 2012

I've seen very beautiful weddings where all the bridesmaids were in completely different dresses in completely different colors (a great way to incorporate several complementary wedding colors). Same level of formality is really the only thing that's important. What you're describing is fine.

jemmini6 · February 2012

This is becoming pretty common and looks great. My sister did this for her wedding, she gave us the designer, line, and color and we each chose our own dresses from there. Just make sure that the designer you pick has options in each of your girls' budgets (which you should ask them each individually prior to selecting anything).

LoveMuffins · February 2012

Mine picked out all their own and they looked fantastic! A couple of them picked the same one but it looks diff on their diff body types... I liked it because the color/length still gives everyone a cohesive look but the diff styles meant that everyone wore a dress that flattered them!

IWho cares if the people around you haven't seen it done? Start a new trend!

This is the best pic I have of my BMs dresses:

em01092 · February 2012

I did this for my BMs, and it has worked out wonderfully. They all know what flatters them best and by letting them choose, they will 100% geniunely pick a dress they like (not just telling you they like the one you picked to spare your feelings) and will wear again. It also helps with costs, because dresses can range. My BMs ranged from $90ish to $200+. I didn't worry about anything besides length (knee) and color (Petunia). Some brides do stick to one fabric, such as chiffon OR satin, but I didn't care. The color may look a little different, but whatever. I also didn't care about skirts, necklines, etc.

One of my BMs is also getting married and did not give us this option. She chose a dress that I will never probably wear again because it is very formal looking and I don't care for the color. It was also $175. Not that I can't afford this, but I just sort of hated how it was at the very top of my budget ($200ish including alterations). I'm just biased because I like options.

Some may tell you that letting your BMs pick can turn into a trainwreck. I say this mainly happens when you as the bride tell the BMs you must "approve" their dress choices. Give them your parameters along with the formality of your wedding, and be done with it. Don't micromanage and say no beading, no sashes (unless you want your MOH to stand out with a sash) no one shoulders, no this, no that...

DeannaCW · February 2012

Firstly I gave them option of David's Bridal or a convertible dress, as two of them are still in college they opted for DB as it was cheaper. We then went shopping, I just told them knee length and color, and they just happened to all pick the same one.

kimiandgary · February 2012

I gave my 4 BM's 7 choices and asked they all pick something different. They are the same color, fabric and length. I think their personalities will come through better!

Ladybug1015 · February 2012

I have to say - thank you SO MUCH for your input. I am going with my gut. I've picked out 4 dresses (same length and color) and will let them choose from there! I do agree it will let their individual personalities shine, and I'm not a fan of the super-matchy look either.

Again, thank you ladies for the support!

Different styles or one for everyone???

Re: Different styles or one for everyone???

Choose Another Board

Search Boards