Wedding Blog
Remember when I said that at first, I wanted all of my BMs to pick their own dresses? And then I decided I needed fancy-schmancy matching dresses? Well… now we are back to the mix and match bridal party. I know—Miss Dumpling is a total flip-flopper. Do you still like me? 
This part of wedding planning is not as fun as it sounds. Yes, sometimes it’s all lollipops and rainbows when you’re thinking about the attire, but not all the time. I was really concerned about my girls having to buy a dress that they otherwise wouldn’t wear. I wanted to find something that was flattering on everyone—which is pretty near impossible when everyone is a different shape, size and age. I was spending way too much free time (read: work time) looking at dresses online and complaining about not being able to find something. I was stressing out about the bridesmaids dresses and I decided that I should just make a decision.
But here’s the good part—I’ve finally made a decision!
My bridesmaids are going to be wearing any dress they want. I’ve only given them two rules: it has to be chocolate brown and it can’t be strapless. It can be long or short, mermaid or ball gown. They can look as ridiculous or as glamorous as they would like. Here is a shot of all of the bridesmaids at my friend’s wedding in Canada, where we all picked out own dress:
Miss Dumpling is second from the left.
I’m not at all worried about this because I know my fabulous friends have great taste. And, score! Two of them are using dresses already worn by my other friends from the wedding in Canada (hence, the title of this post, “Recycled Bridesmaids Dresses”).
Are you a total back and forth, cant-make-up-her-mind bride who finally threw in the towel? If you’re married and let everyone pick their own BM dress, how did it turn out?
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I let all my bridesmaids pick their own dresses and shoes, hair and makeup. We paid for everything. The only requirement was they choose a chocolate brown dress as well. (my BM had a green dress) They looked great and each felt wonderful with their choice.
ps… I put pictures on our blog so you can see what it looked like. 
totally. i’m still trying to decide on colors. its driving me nuts!
i was thinking of going the mix colored bridal party route of yellows & oranges, but I love greens.
so still contemplating.. yellows and oranges or a sea of greens, ahhh. yay to you for figuring out though.
I couldn’t decide either, so my girls are bringing their own black dresses. I love the chocolate brown all lined up like that, though. Hmmm…I wonder if it’s too late to make the switch…
I did the same thing in chocolate brown and they looked great!
Oh, well even though I am now divorced, I had all my bridesmaids wear what they wanted too. I actually bought my dress on http://www.idonowidont.com/newsite.php, its previously owned and then sold the engagement ring my ex gave me there too ha! I think recycled items are worth it to be honest. Why not?
I almost let them pick, but then realized that ‘purple’ can range from lilac to fushia so yikes. Chocolate brown or black are so much more wise. And you are so lucky you don’t have to deal with it!!
I told my three ladies to buy a short (knee-length) dress that wasn’t strapless and didn’t make them look like a show girl.
I’ll post pictures after our wedding - in two weeks!
I did the same! i had my BM’s pick diff styles&lengths, but same color. the process to get there was quite difficult (each girl finding a dress they liked) but in the end i think they looked even more beautiful b/c they were unique in their own dress.
I flip-flop about EVERYTHING. my dress, colours, etc. etc. We’re still so far from the wedding that I might change my mind again but for now I’m loving the “pick your own dress idea”. The colour is harder for me. I wanted charcoal but we just had that in my friends wedding…so I’m thinking navy. We’ll see!
Love the brown dresses in your picture!
It was “Meadow green Ann Taylor” with “be sure to check Ebay-they may have your size.” As it worked out, I had four bridesmaids and two chose one style and two chose another…looked good!
Aww, Miss D you look so cute in that picture!
And good decision with the semi-matching dresses.
i’m totally letting my bridesmaids pick their own dresses. i think this is the best decision simply because girls have different body types and different styles they feel comfy with. i’d feel terrible making a good friend wear a strapless and mini skirt if they’re usually more conservative with their clothing. besides, this really allows them to add their own personality to their attire.
Total flip flopper here, too! I originally said “Pick a black dress” then said, “No let’s all choose one.” So I spent 4 weeks sending them emails of potentials, and half of them kept saying, “Whatever, pick one.” Earlier this week, I realized I *couldn’t* pick one and threw in the towel and said, “I give up! It’s not worth being stressed about! Pick a dress!” I’m resting now. No more dress stress for me!
Glad to hear i’m not alone. Although, my BM situation is a little more complicated. I gave my girls the ability to choose their own dress as well, except I also gave them a range of colors to choose from (from soft pink to peach). Provided them with ribbons so they can go to the store (any store) and decide. Same parameters as many of you…a sense of formality, knee-length, etc.
I’m hopeful the end result will be a lovely range of pinks & peach ladies who will HOPEFULLY wear the dresses again. However i have to say it takes some managing to make sure that they don’t look like a crazy candy store. So while i’m giving them freedom, i’m also having to really monitor everything.
Only my MOH got her dress off the rack, the others are leaning towards the WTOO line.
wish me luck!
I gave my bridesmaids similar rules. It had to be long and dark green that was all. Wouldn’t you know they went shopping together and all picked the same dress!!!
I ended up with matchy matchy anyway. My girls are to funny.
I am glad you went this route, really I think the days of matching BMs are coming to an end. I give it 5 more years
I’m doing something sort of in the middle. I’ve found 7 BM dress styles that I like and are relatively inexpensive and versatile, I’ve chosen the color (navy), and I’m letting them choose within those parameters. My girls range widely in height, weight, age, style, etc., so this covers them pretty well while still maintaining a somewhat uniform look. I don’t want to be a BM dress nazi, but I am not exactly sure that I … um… support the styles that some of my girls would pick. This goes back to the “no showgirl dress” comment listed above
I also let all my bridesmaids pick their own dresses. I did however set some parameters (i.e. length, color and store)– I’m going with Alfred Angelo (Claret & Harvest Gold) simply because all my girls live in different states. Its been a bit of a headache at times, but in the end, I’m hoping they will all be comfortable with themselves on that day. Thanks for posting this picture though, definitely nice to see what it will look like.
i was GOING to let my bridesmaids pick out their own dresses, but then in the early planning stages, one of my bridesmaids kept favoring dresses that were…ahem…kinda revealing. and she has double d’s. i couldn’t figure out how to say “please don’t show your entire boob at my wedding!” so to save her feelings (and my wedding portraits!) i (like kelly, above) chose a couple of styles and colors and let them choose from there.
best thing i could’ve done, i’m sure.
Yay for non matching dresses! And I think you look so cute in the dress you chose.
I found one store (Aria) and color and let them all pick their style. It worked really well because there are three tall flat bridesmaids and two shorter bigger bussomed bridesmaids and now they all have dresses that flatter them!
Here’s a link to a picture from a wedding I was in last month. Our only requirement was that our dresses be “Truffle” from David’s Bridal. I completely love my dress, and I can’t wait for an excuse to wear it again!
For my girls, they’ll be wearing matching dresses, but they all assure me that they love the dress and will be able wear them again.
http://grubbphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/5679569_6U5wx#349912146_3Mkvj
And here’s the link! Oops!
@2babc: OOhhhh that DOES look good. By the way, those are great pics. You look so pretty!
@Emily: Thanks, the dress is Bill Levkoff # 874 and it was the most uncomfortable dress I’ve ever worn. I couldn’t lift my arms the entire night…until I DID and the straps ripped. LOL.
1. You are completely allowed to flip flop. I have a million times, and I’ve only been engaged for a week!
2. I love the idea of letting girls choose their own dresses. I’m probably going to end up going that route. It allows every girl to wear what looks best on them, they don’t have to dish out money for a dress they will never wear again, and you don’t have to worry about coordinating measurements/payments/shipping dresses to various locations. Win/win situation for all parties involved!
at first I was going to let everyone choose, but the chiffon & satin version clashed, so I made them all pick similar satin dresses, but I think chocolate is easier to mix and match
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Mrs. Dumpling, Las Vegas
Age and Occupation: 27, Finance
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Real Estate
Engagement Date: March, 2008
Wedding Date: March, 2009
Blogging Since: August 26, 2008
Venue: Catholic church ceremony & golf course reception
About Me: I grew up in the Deep South, and while most people say I have a thick southern accent, I tend to think it only comes out when I need to use it. Living in Las Vegas has definitely been an adventure and Mr. Dumpling and I are loving every minute of it! We are planning a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony and a reception with lots of DIY! We might even get Elvis to show up! I'm a HUGE Beatles fan, love The Office and can't wait to become a Mrs.!
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