Many former bridesmaids can remember buying unflattering, expensive dresses doomed to hang unworn in their closets as soon as the wedding was over. Asking a friend to be a member of the bridal party should be about honoring a friendship, not torturing friends with taffeta! Fortunately, many brides are bucking tradition, and choosing a less rigid dress code for their bridal party.
Everyone has seen a wedding with identical bridesmaids, wearing identical designer dresses, identical shoes, hairdos, and manicures. No wonder many bridesmaid gowns can feel more like a uniform than a party dress! Many modern brides are realizing that their bridal parties don't need to wear uniforms. Here are some ideas for a unified bridal party whose personalities will still shine through.
Different Styles of Bridesmaid Gowns In the Same Color/Fabric
Some brides want their bridesmaids to wear the same color, but allow them to pick styles that are the most flattering to them. Many bridesmaid dress manufacturers recognize this, and offer a variety of coordinating separates available in a range of colors, skirt lengths and sleeve lengths. This is also an ideal solution when bridesmaids are scattered across the country. The bride simply lets her bridal party know the name of the designer and what color she has selected.
Non-Matching Bridesmaid Dresses in One Color
This idea gives bridesmaids the widest array of choices – the bride has each member of her bridal party select a flattering dress in the chosen color. While the bridesmaids will not all be wearing the exact same shade, the rich variety of shades can make a beautiful and unique bridal party.
Non-Matching Bridesmaid Dresses in Different Colors
This colorful option allows bridesmaids to select gowns that are both flattering in style and in color. The bride provides guidelines for which colors she has chosen for the wedding, or gives a suggestion like "fall colors". Most brides request final veto over their bridesmaids' choice of dress, but this option spotlights every member of the wedding party as a unique individual.
Matching Bridesmaid Dresses in Complementary Colors
Brides who have found a dress style that is flattering on all their bridesmaids have each member of their bridal party order the same dress, in different colors. This rainbow-like effect is especially spectacular in weddings with a large number of bridesmaids, and is quite popular in spring and summer weddings.
Many brides worry that a non-matching bridal party won't look unified. Fortunately, this is not the case. Non-matching bridesmaids can look elegant, sophisticated, and can have a unified look through other aspects of their outfits. Many brides select a hair accessory or jewelery accessory for their bridesmaids to wear. These items can even be a part of the bridesmaid gifts.
Very few brides have friends who are all the same size, shape, and coloring. Why would they expect their bridal party to wear the exact same dress? By asking their bridesmaids for input on what styles they are most comfortable in, and what colors are most flattering, brides will be rewarded with an elegant, unified bridal party that celebrates her friends' individual personalities.
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