Letting bridesmaids choose their own dress is a good idea for so many reasons, including:
- We all know that when one is wearing something they love, they feel more confident. And of course, when one feels more confident, they have more fun. More fun equals a better experience for everyone at your wedding (and makes for the best pictures).
- They may ACTUALLY wear the dress again. Not a guarantee but more likely than if someone else is choosing a dress for them.
- Dresses that compliment each other but don’t match perfectly, almost always feel effortless and we personally just love effortless on this end.
- It allows bridesmaids some autonomy in the process both as it relates to the look but also the investment they’re willing to make in the dress. This leads to overall happiness and who doesn’t want that for their nearest and dearest.
But how can you ensure the dresses work for your day and feel right together?
START WITH A COLOR STORY AND INSPIRATION
We recommend putting together a clear color story and giving your bridal party a small peek into the overall aesthetic of your day. It might look a little something like this:
Include a description on the overall vibe you’re hoping to create whether it’s fancy, approachable, intimate, formal, understated, etc. Giving them an idea of how you want the day to feel can help guide the cut, textiles and even accessories.
PULL A FEW DRESSES FOR REFERENCE
While many bridesmaids will want to shop for themselves, you’ll have others who may enjoy having the dress selected for them. Either way finding a few dresses to lead the way can make the process simpler. They can either choose one of your curated gowns or use this as inspiration as they shop for themselves.
MAINTAIN ALL SIGN OFF RIGHTS
While you’re giving your bridesmaids the ability to find something they love, make it clear that you (or your planner, designer, etc.) would still like to have final approval to ensure everything works well together aesthetically.
