Emerging Trends - Coordinating, Not Matching, Bridesmaids

 Allowing bridesmaids to pick their own dress as long as they follow a set of guidelines is becoming increasingly popular. I'm really loving this trend because it alleviates some stressful situations for the bride. I mean let's be honest. Although we love our girlfriends, going dress shopping with all the different personalities, and body shapes, can be a challenge.

It can be almost impossible to find that dress that makes everyone happy. Inevitably, there will always be one friend that just hates the dress that was chosen. Either because she feels it doesn't flatter her figure or she hates the color or the fabric makes her itchy. So do yourself a favor and skip the stress inducing fiasco that is bridesmaid dress shopping!

So this idea, coordinating bridesmaids dresses, is a perfect solution! I think it works especially well for brides with a large wedding party. The best way to go about letting your bridesmaids pick their own dress is to set strict guidelines. This means you will have to let them know the color, the length and maybe even which fabric you prefer.

First, the bride must provide an example of the acceptable color shades. A simple, no fail way to do this is to go to the local hardware store and pick a paint sample with strips of the same color in different shades. Send the paint sample to each girl in your wedding party and write on the back the length of the dress you desire. This will be very helpful for them to bring along when they go dress shopping!

The next step is to simply trust your friends' fashion sensibilities. If your bestie likes romantic, ruffled skirts and a sweetheart neckline, she can choose it as long as the length and color fit the guidelines! It really is cool to see all the different fashions represented and yet everyone will appear aesthetically cohesive.

Remember, you set the guidelines so they are as specific as you want them. For instance, if you really hate Taffeta make sure that your wedding party knows that all Taffeta dresses are off limits. Your ladies will appreciate the guidelines but also love the fact that they will have a lot of lee-way to pick out something that flatters their sense of style and body type. This will drastically cut down on any bridesmaid drama on "the big day" because you won't be spending any time having to reassure anyone that they look great.


Happy planning!

PHOTO CREDIT - WEDDINGCHICKS.COM