One of the hottest trends in bridesmaid fashion is mix and match bridesmaid dresses. Choose this trend if you want to keep your bridesmaids happy, can’t decide on just one dress, love more than one color, or just like to live outside the “bridal” box. Now that you have made a daring and modern decision to embrace mix and match maid fashion, it’s time to make a plan to execute the end goal flawlessly.
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Find an inspiration Photo. The best way to design your bridesmaids fashion is to find a couple of photos that you love. It’s ok if they are all completely different. Mix and match dresses have a lot of options. Start by finding pictures that speak to you. Once you have a handful, narrow down what you like about each picture. Is it the color choices? The length? The fabric? Even the mood and atmosphere of the picture can influence your decision. What are the bridesmaids in the pictures mixing and matching? Do you prefer the same color? Completely different dresses? Similar shades? Similar patterns? Take your time decoding the images and your preferences.
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Start a Facebook group. This is the best way to communicate with your bridesmaids. Post the inspiration image of your mix and match bridesmaids so everyone can picture your vision. Point out specifically what you love about the photo and anything you want to change about it. Give them a purchase by date and set a date for a dress rehearsal. If you are mixing and matching dress styles, this is also a great place to post dresses that you love so the ladies can buy something that is already pre-approved by you.
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Coordinate a group shopping trip at least once. The best plan starts with good execution. Once you have your inspiration and your ladies know what to look for, it’s time to start shopping. Start off dress shopping all together. If anyone has questions about the specifics or doubts about your vision they can be addresses in person. You will also be able to see if your vision is going to work out. If you are heading to bridal shops, ask to see the dress on more than one girl or in multiple colors. For off the rack shopping, go to large department stores to find the most dresses in array of sizes. This will make it easier to find dresses in similar colors or styles all in one place.
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Do a group try on a few months before the wedding. Once all the bridesmaids have purchased dresses, have a dress rehearsal. Figure out what is working and what’s not. Don’t be afraid to let one of the bridesmaids know if they missed the mark. If one dress is slightly too long, send them to a seamstress. If a dress is slightly off the preferred shade, it is best to know earlier rather than later. Try to be aware of the store return policies prior to the rehearsal so you know what you can change beforehand.
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Don’t stress out. The biggest concern of brides choosing mix and match dresses is the stress of depending on your bridesmaids to execute your vision. Be specific about what you want and trust them to execute it perfectly. Don’t forget to be nice if you don’t like something. Give them a firm deadline and stick to it. Remember you are the star of the show, and they are your background dancers. They should look nice but not overwhelm you and your groom.
