Fresh Idea Friday: Bridesmaid Mix Up!

I don't know about you, but boy am glad that it is FRIDAY! It has just been one of those l-o-n-g weeks...and to help get out of this d-r-a-g, I am excited to post a Fresh Idea and mix things up a little. 

Alright girls...I hate to say it, but sometimes we know how to work up the drama! Ha! And not to give us girls a bad rap (because I do think we all fabulous and it is our wedding after all!), but typically two of the biggest drama makers on a wedding day are either the Bride-zilla or an angry gang of bridesmaids. I'll address the infamous "bride-zilla" at a later date, but today's post is all about how to you can add a fresh spin to your wedding and alleviate some bridesmaid drama along the way - the idea: Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match.

We all know that we girls come in all shapes and sizes. Some tall, some short - some tan, some pale - some blonde, some brunette..yeah you get what I am saying. Being so, choosing one dress for your bridesmaids tends to be a difficult task! To avoid eye rolling, diva attitudes, and put-out girlfriends, allow your bridesmaids to CHOOSE what they want to wear. Now I am not telling you give them 100% free reign over there outfit (who knows what would be standing alongside you at the altar!), but I am saying, GIVE THEM OPTIONS! Your can do this three ways:

1. Same Dress, Different Style
Choose a dress that comes in several different styles such as halter, strapless, off-the-shoulder, or sleeveless, and let each girl choose which style fits her best. This option enables each girl to pick what they are most comfortable in, but also allows you to choose the exact color everyone is wearing. I would go with this option if you want to mix it up a little but still desire a traditional look at the altar.

2. Same Color Group and Length
Give your girls a color and length, such as "yellow" and "cocktail length" - then let each girl find a dress that meets your standards. The goal here is to allow each girl find the perfect dress for themselves, but still look like they coordinate with your wedding theme. This option is certainly a more modern trend, but it definitely is a great one - not only is each girl going to look her best, but the slightly different colors/styles really add a cool element to your wedding line up!

3. Different Colors
If there are several color combinations integrated through out your wedding, give each girl a different color dress. For example, if your color scheme consists of pastel purples, greens, and fuchsia - have each girl wear one of the colors. This option really sets the mood of your BIG DAY!

I am a serious fan of all three options, and when pulled off right, not only will you have a fresh spin for your wedding...but you will have a much more pleasant (and comfortable) gang of bridesmaids by your side. Tip: these options work best with 3-6 bridesmaids. It definitely can be done with larger parties...just make sure everyone has a "binding" element in their fashion! Some of my favorite bridesmaid fashions are from Ann Taylor and J.Crew - both places have mix-and-match options.

Check out some examples of Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match below! Remember, have fun with your style, and don't be afraid to steer from the "norm." Have a fabulous weekend, enjoy!

Photo Credits: JOS Photographers, Brooke Keegan, Abby Ross, Shanni Weilerst, Perez Photography, Mike Larson Inc., Christain Oth Studio, and Jessica Johnston.