Search for Pacific Northwest wedding businesses & services in the following categories:

Registries

Complete Article: Un-Matching Bridesmaid Dresses - The New Trend?

More and more lately we've seen a new trend in bridesmaid attendant dresses - un-matching.  Why is this?  Couples are starting to break from strict formal wedding tradition in quite a few areas of the event, so why not this too!  For bridesmaids, un-matching dresses can be especially appealing.  For brides, this could either bring a 'freeing' feeling, or be a source of anxiety wondering if someone will choose something tacky!

Here are some advantages of un-matching dresses:
- Dresses may fit the bridesmaids' individual body-types better.
- Cost of dresses could potentially be less expensive.
- Adds variety and uniqueness.
- Content bridesmaids - More likely to have repeat use of their dress in the future.
- You as the bride don't have to choose - one less decision for you.
- Less guilt about making bridesmaids pay for their own dress.
- If you have several colors in your scheme, you could assign a different color to each bridesmaid (i.e., pastels).

Here are some potential issues with them:  
- Color of dresses may not match exactly.
- Fabric types may be odd together.
- Trusting individual bridesmaids' choices.
- Bridesmaids may have to shop several places before finding just the right thing.
- Un-matching dresses automatically bring a less traditional feel (depending on the styles).

Overall, we feel that un-matching bridesmaid/attendant dresses can be a positive experience for everyone as long as a few things are taken into consideration.  If you decide on un-matching dresses, consider the following suggestions to help avoid potential issues:
Give your bridesmaids specific criteria (i.e., length, coverage, fabric type, etc.), and be very specific about color.  Give everyone a color swatch to shop with.  Black, white, silver, or brown dresses will be the easiest colors to find in this situation.  You could go with them to pick out their dresses (or sewing pattern if they want to DIY it).  If they're purchasing online, have them forward you the link before they buy.  Besides their attendant bouquets, incorporate one or two add-on items to help coordinate each maid (i.e., sash, brooch, belt, shoes, jewelry, hairstyle, gloves, etc.). Give them suggestions about where to shop to help them get started in the right direction.

Copyright NWweddingplace.com 2008. All information contained herein is intellectual property and copyrighted by www.NWweddingplace.com. For information regarding use of this article, please contact article-inquiries@NWweddingplace.com.

Have you been a bridesmaid in a wedding where you chose your own dress?  What is your opinion?  Have you been a bride and decided to allow your attendants to choose their own dresses?  How did it work out?  Click HERE to send your feedback and we will add your comments below.