Which one...Which one...

Which one...Which one...

Choosing Your Bridesmaids Dresses

One of the most crucial aspects of planning your wedding is deciding on how to dress your bridesmaids. Coordinating dresses for a diverse group of women can be a tricky task to handle. You're dealing with various body types, skin tones and personal tastes, and finding one dress to satisfy all these differences can be challenging. Fortunately, a recent trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses has made this decision easier and more creative. This may sound scary to a bride who insists that everything at her wedding look uniform, but if done correctly it can be just the right twist. There are endless ways to mismatch dresses but here are some useful examples:

One choice is to have each girl wear a different dress using the same color. The dresses can vary in length, fabric, texture and/or patterns. They can be variations of one dress or different dresses altogether.

Although these dresses are daringly different from one another, the element of ruffles and color help pull them all together.

You can step out of the box a little further and play with complimentary colors and patterns:

Or colors that fall into the same palette:

When using a combination of different colors and styles, be careful not to choose looks that clash. Try to find some element of consistency, like length or similar accessories.

Model and actress Molly Sims executed this trend beautifully.  The ladies are wearing elegant dresses that fall to the same length but have subtle differences in color and style. Notice how the print of one girl's dress is found in the strap of another; also, at least four of the dresses feature black stripes, two horizontal and two angled vertically, a great way to tie everything together.

If you're dead set on keeping each dress the same but still looking to add some flare, there are options for you too. You can keep the dress the same but play with colors or lengths:

This blend of beige, yellow and other ethereal colors adds uniqueness, but the consistent style of the dresses keep it cohesive.

You can also add a subtle (or bold) twist by playing with different accessories or shoes.

This bride kept all the dresses the same but added her personal touch by giving each bridesmaid a different color cardigan. Original yet simple.

Whether you dress your bridesmaids traditionally or decide to mix and match, the only thing that matters is whether you're thrilled with the end result. Remember, your bridesmaids are a reflection of you and should look both cohesive and beautiful. But not too beautiful – this is YOUR day after all.

Xoxo Chelsea