Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

I guess I have some time to figure this out, but I have a question about the color that everyone is using for their bridesmaids dresses. All of my bridesmaids are different ages, heights, sizes and shapes. And, my FSIL lives in another state and doesn't have that much $$ to spend (actually probably nobody has that much $$ to spend!). I was thinking of telling everyone to wear black, floor-length dresses and to let them choose their own style. What do you guys think? I'm afraid to pick a different color because if the shades don't match it may look really bad. Any suggestions?

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

Even with black you can have differences... One suggestion I have is to buy fabric, and give it to each of them to have dresses made locally in the style they like... that way you can have a color and it looks well coordinated!

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

Even with black you have to be really careful. There are definitely different shades of black out there. Different materials reflect black different ways. Some materials are more reflective and have a shiny-ness to them, while others will just absorb the light.

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

I had same situation as you. I went w/Impression Bridals b/c they have this line called Interchangeables. 2-peices I chose the material, the color, and the skirt, the girls all chose a top to compliment themselves.
There are all diffnt skirts/tops and all come in same materials and colors, and you can mix/match.
They also have dresses that come in the same.
And they carry ALL sizes, and prices are reasonable.
Worked out excellent.

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

Only do this if you wont be bothered by the different shades. Ive seen it done before and its very elegant but doesn't match perfectly so accept that first.

I use floor length black gowns (all the same one) and I loved the look - so black is a great way to go!

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

I actually was in a bridal party that did exactly that.... Everyone was different sizes and all I had to find was a long Black Dress.
It looked fantastic on the day of the wedding. My cousin who got married got us different handbags to go with the black dresses for our bridesmaid gifts.
This I though was a great idea for two reason: The dress was something that I know I would wear again and infact I wore it to a black tie wedding last week and the handbag is a great accessory to go with any dress.

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

My BM's got their dresses at Davids Bridal for $110 each. They were simple and elegant.

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

Jess,

You could pick a certain line of dresses & tell them what color you'd like, then they could pick any dress on that line & have the same basic color. They could order the dress from any shop that carries that line in their town. Differences happen b/c the dresses will be cut from different bolts of fabric where colors can vary, but at least you'd be in the same ballpark w/o going black ... if you have your heart set on a color.

And, there are some lines that are very reasonable! My BM's ran about $125.
Good luck!

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

Jess I am doing exactly what you said. All floor length black and chose your own. I am not really concerned with the difference in colors but that is just me. If it bothers you it might not be a great idea. I also have various sizes and shapes to deal with for bridesmaids and MOH and wanted them to not spend too much money yet get something they could wear again.

Good luck

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

I picked the color and found a store that had seperates and told the girls to pick whatever they wanted. I also thought it was a great idea because they all have different shapes. Some are short,some are tall,etc. To my surprise, they all picked the same top and skirt except the MOH. All my girls have the same dress except the MOH.
It will look great!

Re: Bridesmaid Dresses..suggestions?

I think it is a great idea. Personally, I wouldn't sweat the different shades of black thing- so if that doesn't bother you either, go for it. I am sure your bridal party would love it.