Although you and I both know there are many more questions than that, and for the bride, the main question is, how much leeway does she offer her maids to begin with?
Chances are, if you have been a bridesmaid, your personal expereince will determine the expectations you have of your own maids.
As a photographer who has seen many a dress, I can assure you all, that uniform styles and colours do not necessairly make for better pictures - so pictures are not a factor.
Your bridesmaids will have many duties required of them, and the greatest of these, of course, is the overall amount of money they will spend leading up to your big day. And to be honest, if the year has been a rather, oh shall we say, trying one, a token gift from the bride doesn't really cut the verbal scraps and bitter emails that were exchanged months before.
As a bride, etiquette, and basic common sense dictates that the girls, within certain parameters, should choose the style and price point as a group. That they should also be allowed to choose custom fits according to their body shapes.
Note, this is where pictures are important - remember, the lens does nto lie! An uncomfortable girl in a dress not made for her makes for awkward pictures!
How does the bride accomodate everyone's needs then?
1. Different styles and even designers should be ok - just make sure the dresses are not so different from each other that the overall look (or even event theme - garden, cocktail etc.) does not make sense.
2. The fabric should be similar.
3. It is ok for neck lines may vary.
4. And, as mentioned above, body shapes differ.
All in all, with enough notice, the honoured bridesmaid should expect to spend to between $50 and $200 for the dress alone - but keep in mind, makeup, hair, jewelery, pantyhose, shoes, bachelorette parties, bridal shower parties, gas, kenneling the dog, travel expenses, and purchasing the couple's present adds up.
In the end, just like the weather on your wedding day - the bridesmaid's dress has no bearing at all on the rest of your relationship with the one wearing it. So choose your battles wisely!
It is the bride's day, it is true, but making imporatant decisions must be balanced with grace, and a genuine sense of holding your maids' best interests at heart!
If I have struck a cord - better yet, if I have not, either way, perhaps you'll take solace in viewing the pictures below!
Remember, some of these may be forgiven due to 'era'. :)
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