Do you think that letting my bridesmaids pick their outfit is a good idea? Please read my details FIRST!?

Hello everyone,



I want to go with a periwinkle and platimum (ie. grey) color scheme and I'm going to have about 5 bridesmaids. I'd like them to choose a 2 piece to their liking, maybe the top being periwinkle, the bottom being grey, or vice versa. I want them to have fun with it. My only guidelines are that they must be from David's Bridal, they must be these colors, and the bottom must be a long dress. I think it'd be more interesting and would make for some very creative and fun pictures. I DON'T want them to look so uniformed. This will be a semi-formal wedding with about 100-150 people, and I already put into consideration that they'll have to be in order correctly at church so there's color variation in the outfits they chose. I also thought about giving them each the colors I want them to wear on top and on the bottom, but letting them pick the top style (ie. sleeveless, spaghetti strap, etc). What do you all think?

Do you think that letting my bridesmaids pick their outfit is a good idea? Please read my details FIRST!?
I think that you have a wonderful idea. You gave them guidelines, they will all still be in your bridal colors, and look similar enough so that everybody know they are in the wedding party. Plus, you gave them an exact store to shop from so no one girl will stand out as being over or under dressed. They can find styles that will flatter their figure, so you don't have to worry about their specific types and how to find a dress that will flatter them all; which BTW is almost impossible.

And yes, I think you should talk to them about which colors they are going to wear on top and bottom so that you can better plan the maids processional. I doubt you want all of the women but one in the same scheme. That one will stand out, and unless she's the MOH, no one maid should stand out from the rest.
Reply:That sounds cool. What I'm doing is going to the fabric store and picking out the fabric, and letting the girls pick out their own design. Then were going to have a seamstress make the dresses.
Reply:You have plenty of answers to work with but my colors are similar. I am using lavender and silver. The bridesmaids are wearing separates from Alfred Angelo ( I heard horror stories about David's Bridal concerning maids) I told them they can wear whatever they want as long is it is floor length and the same color. This ensures that each can pick their own style from 10 of the styles I picked out and can fit their body type. Not everyone is built the same so the same dress wont look the same on all of them. So do a combination, you pick out styles of tops and skirts that you approve of and they can choose from there. I would advise you to make sure the top and bottom are the same color so that in photographs it doesn't appear choppy and inconsistent. Pull in the other color with a ribbon or sash or accent piece but I think its best to have top and bottom match. Good luck.
Reply:It is your weding you should do what you want for your weding if that upsets your bridesmaids there not really your friends if they were your friends they would uderstand how you want your wedding.
Reply:I did this for my wedding

i just told the ladies they needed a sage green dress, and that it had to be knee length.

they looked great - and they were able to find something they liked, and would wear again
Reply:Actually, I was thinking of doing the same thing for my wedding last year. But I changed my mind and had the same dress design but each girl had a different color. It sounds like you know what you want and you want them to be able to have some of their personality in the mix also. I think if you are willing, it's a great idea. Congratulations!
Reply:a long as it's the same color and material, letting them pick the style is a great idea. that way it will be something they will probably wear again.
Reply:This is awesome and generous of you! It can be so hard for five women of different body types to wear the same style! At my nephew's recent wedding, really only one of the three bridesmaids should have worn the dress - a strapless, formfitting bodice. The other two looked (honestly, not being mean) stuffed like sausages into them. They also looked so uncomfortable and self-conscious.

I have seen a wedding where a solid colour was used, and the gowns were just of different types - so one wore strapless, one wore cap sleeves, one a bolero jacket, one had the neckline cut down to "there", the other a high cowl neck - but all looked beautiful!
Reply:I thought of the same thing for my wedding my biggest thing was the color variation that you could get if they ordered it at different times. Most people won't be able to tell, though I have seen pictures of different shades and you can tell that they are different. If you don't mind that I would say go for it. You gave them guide lines and it would show how many personalities of people helped you get where you are today. I wound up deciding to do it with black and it turned out fine. Its your hubby to be and your day whatever you decide will make it all the more special! Good Luck!
Reply:My suggestion would be to pick the same bottom for each girl and let them choose the top in the color you've chosen. You'll need an appointment at David's anyway, so make one appointment for the same time for all the girls. That way you can be there and lay the ground rules before hand. Good luck!
Reply:I have been to a wedding where the bride did this, it looked GREAT!
Reply:I think its a good idea to let them have some input in the dress. Like you said, you pick the colors and etc.. but letting them pick the style would be great. It will keep it from being mundane. To me having different styles would make things more interesting, and more memorable for those attending.
Reply:It's your wedding. You can do what you want. I think it's great to let them pick out what they are wearing. I think the idea of giving them each the colors you want and letting them pick the sleeve style is great. Just make sure you are also in on the planning and it might be a good idea for them to run their ideas by you before they actually get the dresses, just so you don't get any unhappy surprises on your wedding day. I did have all of my bridesmaids (4) dress alike, but we all got together and picked out the dresses. I figured since they were the ones wearing them they ought to look good in them and like them.
Reply:Been there, done that! The different styles give a personal touch and often makes the outfit one that can be worn again. Thus, making the outfit practical. I think it is a wonderful idea and you might want to consider the skin tones of the girls. If the girls are of fair skin then they really need the periwinkle near the face to give them a "glow". Darker skins can handle grey in the face area and it will allow them to glow. I suggest you take color swatches and place against the cheek of each girl and decide from there which color for the top for each girl. Just an idea. I wish you all the luck.
Reply:Absolutely fine. I think it's a good idea, actually...I've been in plenty of weddings where I wear what I'm assigned, have to pay out all kinds of cash to buy the gowns, and they end up being something I wouldn't be caught dead in outside of that wedding.



Giving your bridesmaids the choice is a great idea. They'll be able to pick something in your color scheme but still be able to show their own personal style. AND they'll be more likely to actually want to wear the dress/outfit again...
Reply:I think if they all have the same dress it doesnt matter what type of strap style they have.... I have been to weddings where some have thing strap and some have thick while others had long sleeve, it still looked very nice because it was the same dress, same color. It actually shows that they were custom made.... how else would you have three of the same dresses that has a twinge of individuality.
Reply:Sounds like a good idea. However, I would insist on the same material as well, because some materials show the colours in different ways. That way they all match colour and fabric but the styles will vary. I think it will look nice. Unique and uniformed all in one. Good luck with the preperations and congratulations on getting married!!
Reply:I think it's a good idea, the uptightness of the wedding will be easier to handle if they're wearing something that like.
Reply:yeah,. you've set the guidlines. so if they stick to it. it will be good.
Reply:I dont think this is a bad idea. Particularly if you dont mind the non-uniformed look. I think it is good you are allowing them their own individuality, yet still giving them guidelines to ensure your wedding party doesnt look like a big jumble sale. I think as long as you are happy on the day and your bridesmaids are happy to wear different outfits, it shouldnt hurt. It will be unique and something you can reflect upon down the track.
Reply:The color scheme sounds great, and it's very nice of you to allow your bridesmaids some choice in their outfits.

I'd cuation however, that a mix of blue tops and grey skirts, grey tops and blue skirts, or all blue, or all grey, will be visually messy during the ceremony and your photos. It might be better to have ALL of them have the same color scheme (ie, they all wear blue tops and grey skirts, or they wear blue top and skirt with a grey wrap/shawl). It will look visually smooth, but still allow them to be indiviudal in their choice of style.



Definitely a good idea to let each girl choose her top style (depending on body type and preference, different cuts may flatter different girls). This will make a bigger difference to them than which color they have to wear where.
Reply:I like it. I am doing the same thing. I saw the collection from Davids Bridal and the dresses are nice. I am thinking about getting dresses from Jim Hjelm (there are a ton of dresses!) - they can pick any dress but I have a color scheme for them to follow and it has to be tea length. I don't like like unifomed looking bridesmaids either.
Reply:I was matron of honour in my best friend's wedding and she did something similar. She picked the colour and designer, Alfred Angelo and told us to pick any 2 pieces we wanted. I had first pick as matron of honour and the rest of the girls were let know what I picked, then each girl could pick their own but without repeating someone else.



We all got something we were comfortable in, something WE liked and picked out and something that showed a little of our personalities. Her pictures look FABULOUS! We have the same colour so we are still 'uniform' but with some flair.



I think you are making an excellent decision and your bridesmaids will thank you for it.
Reply:I suggest having them all get fitted together. that way no one will end up with the exact same dress but the rest sounds nice to me. I'd let them choose their own colors too, but that's just me. if you want to do something different for the moh, i'd sugguest adding some beading or a ribbon of some sort to her dress
Reply:I am doing exactly the same thing!! The only thing I ask- is that they tell me what they are looking at before they buy it- so I can check it online first. That way- if someone looks out of place or doesn't match- I can fix it. I think its the best way so people look and feel their best. I have 6 bridemaids so they will all fit the same dress. I am telling them they can wear pink tops and brown bottom- they pick the style. I think it's best if everyone top and skirt or the same color. Or you could make them all wear the same color- all different styles.
Reply:i think it's ok . . that way they will be able to wear a dress that they feel comfortable in and will fit their body type . . nice idea!!
Reply:i think it is a fine idea. each girl can pick a style that is flattering to them. having the same top and bottom color but in different styles will be fine
Reply:My cousin had a wedding a few years back and used Dabid's Bridal and used Periwinkle , it was awesome. We got to pick our own dresses also. No one looked aliked and it turned out great. I think it is a good idea to let them choose for themselves especially if they are gonna be paying for it themselves. You picked out your colors and let them know its has to be this way , then let them pick out the styles , go to davids and pick a variety of styles that you like to see them in and have them choose out of your favorites
Reply:As long as you have it organized then I don't see nothing wrong with allowing them to pick out the style. You should choose the colors for them though. As for the style, it's best to let them choose because some of them might not feel comfortable in sleeveless and such.
Reply:I was in a wedding where we did this. What a headache. You'll have two girls who are in love with the same top. It seems like a good idea at the time, but it takes FOREVER for people to chose what top. But, it also makes them feel as if they are chosing the dress they are wearing.
Reply:I think those are great ideas. I like the latter choice of giving them the option of picking their top style better. You want your pictures interesting but not a mish-mash of colors, so go with one color on top and one on bottom.

Also you may want to try this site: http://www.lynnlugobridal.com/

You can design your dress options, the colors, etc and they are dresses that can be worn again just for fun. You can at least have fun designing them! LOL...oh yeah, and I don't work for them. My friend used their dresses for her wedding.