Below are some pros and cons of various dress styles you may be considering for your bridesmaids, whether you’re planning a lavish or simple wedding.

Matching Dresses

Pros

• perfect symmetry
• price point will be exact (discounting alterations)
• traditional, simple and easy on eyes
• elegant and classy

Cons

• dress may not be flattering on all body types
• doesn’t allow bridemaides to incorporate individual style

Matching but Different Styles

Pros

• Allows brides to select a neckline or style that better suits their body type and preference

Mismatching/ Ombre

Pros

• allows each friend to dress in her personal style
• select dress flattering to body type
• allowing broad range of colors
• friends will feel their best
• great for Boho or vintage wedding themes
• allows each person to shop within their budget
• will more likely wear the dress again
• great way to incorporate multiple colors in one dress
• looks great for short or long dresses

Cons

• Bridal party may look mismatched
• must communicate on color hues to use
• harder for bride to organize
• if you are looking for a classic/simple look, probably not the way to go
• hard for guests/coordinator to find bridal party day of

Long vs. Short Dresses

Long

• more formal
• fall/winter weddings when cooler
• if large height differences may not be the best choice

Short

• Less formal unless dressed up with jewelry or select a more formal material
• good for hotter months
• shoes will show, so must discuss with bridemaids on show style

Trendy

Pros

• you will be the talk of the town by sticking to the current trends
• patterns, tulle skirts, metallic sequins, fun shoes, 2 pieces, cover ups etc.

Cons

• May look outdated when looking back on wedding photos from the future and you may not like it as much once its not a trendy fashion statement anymore