Should You Let Your Bridesmaids Choose Their Own Dresses?

Most brides want their bridal party to look like it belongs together on the big day. The easiest way to achieve this is by having everyone wear the exact same dress. However, many bridesmaids get frustrated with the possibility of having to wear an expensive dress that doesn’t flatter them. Therefore, many brides are letting their bridesmaids choose their own dresses. Should you? Read on to find out!

The Benefits of Letting Your Bridesmaids Choose

Giving your bridesmaids the green light to select their own dresses offers some clear advantages.

Comfort Above All

First, it ensures comfort. Every woman feels her best in clothing that fits her unique body type and style. By allowing your bridesmaids to choose, you’re giving them the opportunity to look and feel their best, which will shine through in the wedding photos.

Alleviates Financial Stress

Second, you might reduce financial strain. Budget constraints vary greatly between people, and picking their own dresses allows bridesmaids to choose an option that suits their wallets. Plus, they can opt for something they’ll actually wear again.

Upholds Individuality

Lastly, individual choices highlight personality and diversity. A coordinated palette with different silhouettes showcases each bridesmaid’s unique flair while still helping your bridal party look cohesive.

The Downsides of Letting Your Bridesmaids Choose

While the benefits are tempting, letting bridesmaids pick their own dresses isn’t without drawbacks.

Less Uniformity

One potential downside is a lack of cohesion. If guidelines aren’t clear or followed, the end result could be a mix of styles and colors that clashes with your wedding vision.

Decision Overload

There’s also the risk of decision overload. Some bridesmaids might feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of finding a dress that suits them while meeting your preferences.

How To Decide

Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences and how much creative freedom you’re comfortable giving. If you love the idea of individuality but want a polished look, consider setting specific guidelines, such as a dress length, fabric type, or a specific designer. Or you can simply set the color for your bridesmaid dresses and let them have free reign over style.

If you’d rather avoid the potential stress altogether, selecting one dress for everyone ensures uniformity and simplicity. Just be mindful of your bridesmaids’ budgets, body types, and style preferences when making your choice. You can even involve your crew by narrowing it down to two or three dress options before making a final decision together.

At the end of the day, your bridesmaids will want to support you and make your wedding day magical. Whether you opt for uniformity or leave room for their creativity, open communication and flexibility will go a long way in making everyone happy.