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My current idea for my girls’ dresses is to have them all pick a black dress and call it good. Why? Well, for two reasons really. One, because I’ve been in several weddings and have only actually worn one of the dresses again. Which one was that? The black dress.
Now, that black dress was for a wedding where we all had the same black dress, and it was one that was purchased specifically for the wedding. But, I still managed to wear it again (at least twice, maybe more). Also, this is an excellent way for someone with a tighter budget to be able to wear something they have in their closet (or borrow from someone else); or if they want to splurge on something new, then they can! Win-win-win!
And two? I heart pictures like this:
Seriously—there’s just something that makes me so happy about this look. I think it’s because it allows each of my fantastic ladies to let a little of her personality shine through. Also, I love shoes and I’ve been on a massive shoe restriction lately, so this means I can live vicariously through all the shoe choices they make!
I’m not sure if this idea is the one we’ll ultimately go with, but I haven’t come up with anything else that I like better. I also have other ideas for adding a little bit of color to the overall look because it will be a wedding in the woods and color is good. But before I unveil all those, let’s look at some of my other black-bridesmaids’-dress inspiration:
Mrs. Avocado’s beautiful ladies: Source (Photo by Kelli Nicole Photography)
Mrs. Avocado had her lovely ladies wear different black dresses. I really like how each one picked something that worked for her and made her look great.
Source (Photo by Rodrigo Cassou Photography)
I love the longer dresses, and I really like all the different necklines. I haven’t decided whether I want my girls in short or long dresses. (Or whether I mind if some have short and some have long? I think I want a general consistency of length…but I’m still mulling that possibility over.)
But whatever length we do, I definitely want the colorful shoes peeking out! That first picture is still my favorite!
“Just wear a black dress that makes you feel hot.”
That was the only instruction I gave my girls thinking it would be easier. However I was flooded with questions. Should I buy new or wear one I have? I don’t care. Long or short? I don’t care. What material? I don’t care. What neckline? I DON’T CARE.
If I had to do it again I would have given them a little bit more direction. I think they were so shocked that I really didn’t care that they just wouldn’t believe me! Even if you don’t care what they wear, give them a little bit more than “black” to work off of. Or just go shopping with them!
I love the idea of the little black dress! I know it can be deemed by some people as funeral -ish but i think that even on a wedding day it still gives of a nice elegance! Also helps with the battle of shoe matching, color coordinating ect. Simple yet sheik! I am going to have my brides maids in Black with a remove colored sash. Figured the sash would tie into the color theme of the wedding! Loved the colored shoe ideas!! Gave me something to think about!
@Emily: Oh believe me, we had lots of that to deal with! I was a little surprised as well, but it ended up all good. But yes - a little more direction than just “black” was definitely needed!
Oh, this is what we ended up with.
I love this look, too! 
I gave my BM’s the option of getting different little-black-dresses and they all ended up liking the same one anyways!! We’re doing teal shoes — all dyed to match but different styles.
I am having my girls wear black dresses, but I did have them get the same one. I made sure to pick a dress that 3 out of the 4 said they would actually wear again. The 4th said that she would have it changed a bit and then wear again (she’s really into burning man and this is the first “normal” dress she’s bought in years). I am also doing the different colored shoes. Each of them are going to have different colors that match their flowers and my bouquet is going to have all of the colors in it. I love the pop of color!
I agree with @Emily that you need to give them a little more direction than just “black dress”. My girls are having issues with the shoes. Apparently assigning them a color and telling them to get strappy shoes isn’t enough direction.
sigh… seeing awesome pictures like that makes regret not doing something that Fabulous!!! Im sure my girls would have rather splurged on a sexy black dress knowing that they could wear it again and some KILLER shoes
That first picture is so fun! I also went the little black dress route, I added color/ unity by giving them green pashminas (since it could have been cold in October!) They looked great, were happy and didn’t have to donate the dress right after the wedding which I have done on many occasions for the weddings I’ve been in.
I have to say I’m not a HUGE fan of the black dress idea. But combined with the color shoes, I LOVE!
Gives it such a nice Pop! of color!
Wow, Ms. Avocado’s photo is insanely awesome. Almost looks like they just robbed a bank and don’t care the cops are after them. Oh, and they’re names are Bonnie and Clyde.
Colorful shoes are a fantastic way to add some pop to your bridal party. One way to achieve this is using the Nina Shoes Design-Your-Own shop. You can colorize the heel, the sole, the bow, virtually everything - more than 4 million possibilities. And it’s a great way to give your bridesmaids some freedom - though not too much, of course!
Matthew
Nina Shoes
About 15 years ago when my aunt got married, the bridal party wore black. It was so scandalous at the time! But it is such a flattering color that I’m glad to see it’s gained popularity since then
Blue is my black for my wardrobe and I wanted to carry that theme into the wedding. Luckily blue is one of the favorite colors of just about all my girls, so they had no issue with that color for the dress. I did want to be the one to pick out options but I gave them lots of options to choose from, of various styles. The hard part actually has been that they keep telling me to just pick whatever I want. Finally I was able to get them to tell me their favorites and they surprised me by wanting the long formal dress. Its fine with me of course but I had just figured they’d want the shorter more casual dresses they could wear again.
I love that idea too. Course, my sister I suggest this to was appalled. lol Black bridesmaid dresses? Colored shoes for bride and maids? Short wedding dress? My sister thinks I’ve gone crazy. Growing up I imagined a big huge cinderella wedding….I’m a sucker for fairy tales. But I really just want a small casual type of thing. It’s more us. and yes COLORED shoes. lol 
I loved wearing a black dress of my choice as a bridesmaid… but here is one other thing to consider. You may also have guests who wear their little black dress to your wedding. The wedding I was in had at least 6 girls (outside of the wedding party) in black dresses. Your girls may not stand out in the crowd. This can be good or bad depending on your opinion.
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Mrs. Eggs Benedict, Seattle Age and Occupation: 29, Attorney Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Attorney Engagement Date: December 5, 2009 Wedding Date: February 2011 Venue: IslandWood About Me: I'm a Northwest girl who spends my time goofing around with Mr. Eggs Benedict and our dog, hiking, traveling, drinking wine and planning a wedding that will showcase the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I also love photography, beating Mr. Eggs Bene at Mario Kart, and watching the most ridiculous natural disaster flicks you can think of (seriously, how can you deny the awesomeness that is The Core or 2012?? That's right, you can't). We are planning our weekend wedding adventure at an environmental educational center, and I can't wait for the fun to begin!
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