Significance

• For the longest time, bridesmaid dresses were identical so the bridesmaids did not overshadow the bride. Now, brides might want to highlight each special friend or sister in a creative way, by having them dress in variations of dresses in style or color.
  
  

Types

• Dresses can all be the same design but in complimentary colors; similar lengths and cuts, but in various colors; similar or the same dresses, but with different accessories such as shoes or jewelry; or, a dress selected by each bridesmaid with little or no direction from the bride for some real wedding day fun and anticipation.
  
  

Features

• Even flower choices can add fun to bridesmaid dresses.
  
  Many factors make up the big picture on the selection of bridesmaid dresses--cut, color, length, fabric, shoes, jewelry, nails, hair and flowers. To add fun to bridesmaid dresses, pick one or more of these items as a wild card. Flip flops for shoes, everyone with a different colored flower in their hair, or each bridesmaid in a slightly varied shade of the wedding colors.
  
  

Considerations

• A considerate bride will clue in her groom before she veers away from the traditional aspects of bridesmaid dresses too much. Look into the future 25 and 50 years and think about how the pictures might appear then.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Although bridesmaid dresses today are typically different than the bride's, in the past they were similar to hers to confuse evil spirits! Consider dressing bridesmaids in white, but with some modern twists--different colored beaded necklaces or with festive bouquets.