Should All Bridesmaids Have to Wear the Same Gown?

It used to be that being a bridesmaid meant you were doomed to wear the same ghastly gown. I’m thinking pouffy sleeves and pink chiffon tied up with bows and ribbons.  Today’s bridesmaids have it easy.  There are a variety of elegant choices out there that will keep the

bride happy and her maids even happier with dresses that are complimentary and not so matchy-matchy.

If you are on the fence about whether to have all of your bridesmaids wear the same bridesmaid dress styles and colors,  or let them each wear a different gown consider these things:

Fit to flatter. Everyone’s body is different. Consider whether it might be more comfortable and flattering to fit your bridesmaids with individual dresses that suit them rather than to have one dress style fit all.

Consider convenience. If you have 10 bridesmaids and all of them are out-of-town you might want to consider going with what’s easiest.  Think about choosing dresses available in national chain stores, or a brand such as Alfred Angelo that will easily let you match colours.

Pick a theme. As long as one element is consistent,  the details of the dresses won’t matter so much.  Ask them to choose dresses that are a specific legnth, or have one type of neckline.

Accessorize: Consider gifting your bridesmaids with a wrap or shawl,  and a handbag, all in the same style or colour.  This will tie in your bridesmaids’ look even if their dresses are different.

What do you think? Is not having your bridesmaids wear different dresses a major faux pas or a must?