I get really upset watching “Say Yes to the Dress Bridesmaids” on TLC. I am always heard to shout, “Now THIS is why I don’t have tons of girlfriends!” Ladies, we are the worst, literally. If you sent a group of guys in to pick out outfits they would be in and out in 30 seconds flat with everything they need, all the while remaining perfect comrades. Send a group of girls in, they all come out screaming at each other while getting nothing accomplished.
Ok, so I’m exaggerating. I know plenty of women who are very civil and forgiving when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. They really only put the scrappy fighters on that show anyway. I am still very determined to get through this ordeal with the least amount of mess possible. This is why I am doing the rather unthinkable in the wedding world. I am letting everyone pick out and buy their own dresses! GASP!
Here is the reasoning. First of all, I am not a fan of the matchy matchy thing. Every girl isn’t built the same, why should they all look the same? Secondly, all the bridesmaids dresses look so similar. Every time I walk into a bridesmaids dress shop, I feel like I am seeing the same dress over and over again, blech. Like bad prom dresses, the lot of them! And finally, I’m going for an eclectic feel to my wedding any way, so why not have each one of them wear something different.
There are parameters to this “any dress you want” thing.
1) The right colors. Pastel blue and yellow. Other subtle colors are fine, so long as the dress is predominantly blue or yellow.
2) A sun dress I really want the feel to be summery…especially since the wedding is in the summer. So preferably short-ish and light. This is mostly for their comfort. A long dress would be pretty hot. Although I wouldn’t mind it long if that’s what made them feel most comfortable.
That’s pretty much it. However, to convey the styles I like more appropriately (and because I LOVE online window shopping/pinning) I made a Pinterest board of possible choices. Here are some of my favorites:
Of course they don’t have to choose from these particular ones…this is not only a Pinterest board for them…it’s a future shopping list for me 😉
I haven’t gotten as far as jewelry and shoes yet, but I’m thinking since I’m wearing pearls (or more accurately, pearl-like jewelry) they could wear them too, and for footwear, I like the idea of barefoot. We are outside in the grass in summer, why not? If not, then probably flip-flops. I am 99% sure I will be barefoot though!
Have you guys every been a bridesmaid with a horrible dress story? What are the brides asking their maids to wear? I’d be interested to hear any advice in this department. My goal is to completely avoid a “Say Yes to the Dress Bridesmaids” experience. I think with the girls I’ve chosen and the way I’m having them choose their dress, I can dodge that uncomfortable situation. Fingers Crossed!
Flat Broke Bride 
You are making a good choice! I had dresses custom made and its been the biggest headache of the wedding!!
EEk! I hope they turn out super awesome!! I’m sure your girls will look great!
I love the non-matching thing!!!! My bridesmaids have picked and bought or are in the process of picking/buying their own little black dresses. My only requirements are: knee length or tea length, and that it not look “clubbish,” They are picking their own shoes as well, so long as they are silver (sandals, heels, dressy flip-flops, etc). I don’t like the matchy-matchy thing either, and I wanted their personalities to show through. I also wanted them to be able to wear the dress again, so this way they either don’t have to buy one or they get a new little black dress. 🙂
I know what you mean, companies that seem to make bridesmaids dresses seem to make them all alike.