I want to give my bridesmaids the freedom to choose their dresses but I still want to make sure their looks are aligned with my wedding color and theme. How can I do this?

If you’re the kind of bride who wants to let your bridesmaids wear a gown they chose and like, a common concern is whether doing so will affect the overall wedding look. Your bridesmaids’ dresses contribute to the wedding and are important wedding details that help create the ambience for your special day. Not only that, for most of the celebration, your girls will be with you and around you so their gowns need to be cohesive with your wedding day look too.

So how can you plan for for bridesmaids’ dresses in such a way that you give them some creative freedom and adhere to your wedding theme at the same time? Balancing the coordination of bridesmaids’ dresses with the overall theme while giving them the freedom to choose what they like can be achieved by incorporating flexibility and open communication. Here are additional tips to strike that balance:

Set a Color Palette

Instead of specifying a particular dress style, focus on a cohesive color palette that aligns with your wedding theme. This allows bridesmaids to choose dresses in varying styles while maintaining a unified look. You also need not limit them to just one color. For example, you can allow them to use different shades of the same color.

[From: This Church Wedding is Filled With Delicate Colors and Elegant Details / Photos: Hyvis Tong]

Provide Style Guidelines

Offer general style guidelines that fit within the theme, such as specifying a certain level of formality or suggesting dress lengths. This gives bridesmaids some direction without limiting their choices.

[From: A Modern Sage Green Wedding at Bethanie Church and Madame Fú Grand Café Chinois/ Photo: Film Komolebi]

Mix and Match within Limits

Mixing and matching can make choosing bridesmaid dresses more enjoyable. But to keep everything still aligned, establish certain parameters for mixing and matching, such as requiring dresses to share a common color or fabric. This way, bridesmaids can express their individuality while still contributing to the overall theme.

[From: A Romantic Clifftop Wedding Overlooking Lake Toya / Photos: Juno Inc]

Create a Lookbook or Pinterest Board

You can help your bridesmaids out by sharing a visual guide, like via a Pinterest board. Include images that reflect the theme, color palette, and suggested styles. This provides inspiration without dictating specific choices.

[From: A Picturesque Wedding in a 14th Century Castle in Catalonia, Spain / Photos: Volvoreta]

Offer Preselected Dress Options

You can also be more specific with your style guide by providing a selection of options for your bridesmaids to choose from. This way, they still have some autonomy within the predefined choices.

[From: A Charming Baby Blue Outdoor Garden Wedding / Photos: Jeremy Wong]

Virtual Shopping Together

Embrace technology by organizing virtual shopping sessions. Use video calls to discuss dress options, share ideas, and get feedback from your bridesmaids. This collaborative approach ensures everyone feels involved in the decision-making process.

[From: A Beautiful and Intimate Wedding That Had to Be Rescheduled Last Minute / Photo: Aupho Wedding]

Consider Convertible Dresses

Opt for convertible dresses that can be styled in various ways. This allows each bridesmaid to personalize their look while still adhering to the overall theme.

[From: A Scenic and Romantic Wedding at Amtarda Overlooking the Mountains / Photos: White Label Photo]

Allow Personal Accessories

One way bridesmaids can express their personalities is through their accessories. Permit bridesmaids to accessorize in a way that reflects their style. This could include choosing their own shoes, jewelry, or hair accessories. These individual touches can add a unique flair while maintaining a cohesive overall appearance.

[From: This Couple Sang During Their Rust-Themed Wedding / Photo: Moonbird Production]

Bridesmaid Dress Try-On Session

If possible, organize a bridesmaid dress try-on session where everyone can try different styles together. This can be a fun and interactive way to narrow down options and make collective decisions. Since everyone is also together, you can see what the different dresses look like side by side and asses whether they align with your desired wedding theme.

[From: A Colorful Garden Wedding at The Repulse Bay / Photo: Wax Leung Photography]

Open Dialogue

Finally, foster open communication and encourage your bridesmaids to express their preferences and concerns. Having an open dialogue ensures that everyone feels heard and can contribute to the decision-making process.

Remember, the key is to find a balance between your vision for the wedding and your bridesmaids’ preferences. Flexibility and communication are crucial in creating a harmonious and visually pleasing bridal party ensemble that aligns with the overall theme.