To Match or Not to Match: Choosing Bridesmaids' Dresses for Your Wedding
You've seen them. You've mocked them. You may have a few locked away in your closet. They're tacky bridesmaids' dresses, and it's time to end the tyranny!
The first question you'll need to answer when choosing bridesmaids' dresses is whether you want them to match or not. The current trend is toward coordination rather than indentical quintuplets. This means that Susie can wear a pink empire waist dress, Marcia can sport a pink pantsuit, and Debbie can be stylin' in a trendy pink cocktail dress. The upside? Your bridesmaids will love you for letting them buy dresses they'll actually wear again, your pictures will have more interest to them, and you'll come out seeming flat-out hip.
The downside? Well, not everyone shares the same sense of style. That dress you wouldn't be caught dead in may be the exact dress that catches your maid of honor's eye. Decide beforehand how you'll handle hideous choices. Either let it go, or make sure you let each woman know that you'd like to preapprove dresses; you can even request that they take digital pictures to make it easy on everybody.Go Against the Grain by Sticking with Tradition
But what if you love the idea of perfectly coordinated bridesmaids? While not avant garde, matching dresses do convey a classy image, and keep you in the driver's seat. However, be kind. Choose styles that fit well on a variety of body types. (Unless of course, all your friends are supermodels, then do what you will, and try to force some extra cake on them, too.) A-line dresses tend to flatter all figure types and forgive a multitude of sins, as do empire waist styles. Also, choose a color that will look good on all your girls. While you may love the idea of pale chartreuse mini-dresses in spring, your wedding party probably won't.
In the battle of bridesmaids' attire, there is a steady middle ground. Choose a simply classic bridesmaid dress in a solid color (think rich burgandy, vibrant blue, or even ultra-modern black--all universally attractive colors). Then, let your bridesmaids choose their own accessories, shoes, and hairstyles. (And keep in mind that no one likes Dyables shoes. We mean it. No one.) With this give-and-take approach, each bridesmaid's individual style can shine, and you'll get a picture perfect wedding.
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