The Do's and Don'ts of Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

  If you’ve done your research, or have been to a few weddings, you probably know that the norm has been up until fairly recently to have your bridesmaids wearing matching bridesmaid’s dresses. However, it’s probably fair to say that not everyone in your bridal party has the same style and or same body type. It is for this reason, that the super considerate bride-to-be would allow her bridesmaids to choose the dress of their choice following a few rules and color schemes of course. If you’d like to learn more about having your bridesmaids sport different dresses, here’s some important do’s and don’t to think about.

Do set a few ground rules. To avoid problems and poor wedding photographs, be very clear when communicating with your bridal party as to what your vision is for their dresses. Do you have certain stores in mind that you would like them to go shopping at? Do you have a specific designer’s clothing line in mind that you would like them to purchase their dress from? If the answer to these questions is yes, then make sure that you tell your bridesmaids their limitations. Make sure that they all try on the dress for you before purchasing it, to gain your approval. Also, have them line up with the dresses on together to help clarify your vision.

Don’t feel bad saying no. You are already being a pretty cool bride-to-be by letting your bridal party have this freedom, don’t feel bad putting your foot down if you don’t like something. This is your big day that you have been dreaming about. Only you, know what that dream looks like. Do not feel bad communicating what you like and don’t like on your bridal party, within reason. If you don’t like a certain dress, ask them politely to pick out something else. Chances are, if you aren’t being a complete bridezilla they will completely understand.
Do your research. Like anything else, it is important to do your research when picking out bridesmaid dresses. Ask photographers what colors photograph well. Look at wedding photographs to gain inspiration. Ask your fiancé what color he likes, because his groomsmen will be incorporating into their outfits as well. Shop around at various stores that are well known for their wedding line. If you are really stuck or just don’t have the time, hire a personal wedding stylist to do most of the work for you.  Most major stores have them, if you are unsure just ask a store manager.
 

Hopefully this brief list of do’s & don’t concerning mismatched bridesmaid’s dresses has given you a bit more inspiration for planning your big day & its wardrobe. Your wedding pictures will last a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to express your vision to your bridesmaid’s before they go shopping.
Being a bridesmaid isn’t cheap, so the more communication the better the end result for everyone. However, your say is ultimately the only one that matters for this occasion. It is not every occasion, that this will be the case so take advantage while you can.