How to Let Bridesmaids Choose Their Own Dresses (Without Losing the Look)
Letting Your Bridesmaids Choose Their Dresses (the Smart Way)
One of the best ways to ensure your bridal party looks and feels their best on your wedding day? Let them choose their own dresses—within some stylish and strategic guidelines.
Bridesmaid mix-and-match trends are here to stay, and for good reason. Not only does it give your girls a chance to find a dress that flatters their body and fits their budget, but it also allows you to create a more dynamic, personalized wedding aesthetic.
If you’re considering giving your bridesmaids freedom with their dresses, here’s how to do it the right way—with style, cohesion, and ease.
Start With a Clear Color Palette
Instead of selecting one exact dress, give your bridesmaids a color palette or specific hue to follow. You can opt for:
One color in different shades (like dusty rose, blush, and mauve)
Complementary tones in a gradient (like champagne, sand, and soft gold)
Rich jewel tones, pastels, or earthy neutrals depending on the season
To help visualize your vision, create a Pinterest board filled with color swatches, fabric textures, and dress styles you love. Share the board with your bridal party so they can stay inspired and aligned.
Ask for Their Dress Options Before Finalizing
Once your bridesmaids begin shopping, ask each of them to send a few dress options or photos for your approval. This lets them have freedom, while giving you the final say to maintain your wedding day look.
Key things to review before giving the green light:
Is the color consistent with the palette?
Is the length what you requested (floor-length, midi, tea-length)?
Does the style align with the rest of the group (formal vs. casual, sleeve/no sleeve)?
This process keeps your vision cohesive and ensures everyone’s outfit looks intentional in photos.
Set Style Guidelines
To make the selection process easier for everyone, establish a few basic dress code parameters from the start. These might include:
Dress length: Full-length gowns, tea-length dresses, or midi styles
Fabric finishes: All satin, all chiffon, or a mix with limits
Necklines/sleeve types: Allow variety, but avoid extremes that will look out of place
Formality level: Consistent with the wedding’s tone (e.g., formal, garden, beachy)
Setting clear boundaries helps eliminate confusion and ensures your photos turn out beautifully balanced.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Coordinating accessories can help tie the group together, even if everyone is wearing a different dress.
Set some easy-to-follow guidelines such as:
Shoe color: Nude, gold, or black depending on your palette
Jewelry: Keep it simple, or specify one statement piece (like earrings only)
Hair style rules: Uniform updos, soft waves, or “anything goes” within a theme
Bouquets or corsages: A unifying floral element that brings everything together
These small touches go a long way toward making the bridal party look polished and cohesive.
Consider Budget and Body Types
Giving your bridesmaids options allows each of them to find a dress they feel confident in—and that fits within their personal budget. Consider:
Allowing them to shop from any brand or store
Choosing a specific designer but multiple dress options
Offering a mix of price points or gently used alternatives
When your bridesmaids feel beautiful and comfortable, it shows—and it elevates the entire day.
Why This Approach Works
Allowing some flexibility with bridesmaid dresses leads to:
Better comfort and confidence for your bridal party
A more dynamic and editorial wedding aesthetic
Gorgeous, layered group photos with depth and dimension
It’s a modern take on tradition that puts your girls first—while still prioritizing your overall wedding vision.