How to Let Your Bridesmaids Show Their Personal Style

If you’re looking to allow your bridesmaids to showcase their personal style while still maintaining a cohesive appearance for your ceremony and photos, you may find yourself a little lost. We’re here to explain the five best ways for your bridal party to reveal their individuality, while noting which methods will be the easiest to employ. 

- Let bridesmaids pick their own jewelry. 

Assuming your bridesmaids know enough about fashion to be able to accessorize themselves, this is something you should be fine letting them have free reign with. If it’s important to the look of your wedding, you can always specify a metal color. 

- Let bridesmaids choose their hairstyles. 

Unless you’re insisting on a completely uniformed look for your bridal party, this is a simple way for your bridesmaids to have a semblance of control in how they look. As with gowns, there are not many hairstyles that flatter every person, and bridesmaids may feel they will look their best if they have a choice in the matter. 

- Let bridesmaids wear their own shoes. 

Or buy new ones, as long as it’s up to them! If the bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, then it really shouldn’t matter what goes on their feet. It’s understandable to be more hesitant if they’ll be wearing shorter frocks, but having a few requirements like color or style should help keep the looks cohesive while allowing everyone to be comfortable.

- Let bridesmaids be themselves. 

If anyone in your party has a more unconventional style, such as visible tattoos, piercings, or brightly colored hair, don’t make them hide or change this aspect of themselves. Similarly, everyone has heard horror stories about bridezillas requiring their bridesmaids to lose weight, get a tan, or not cut their hair. Don’t do that.

- Let bridesmaids select the bridesmaid dress style. 

Brides are sometimes more reluctant to give up control when it comes to the bridesmaid dresses – and that’s okay! The mismatched look is trendy, and if it feels right to you, it can be a beautiful option. We do recommended having a suggested color or color family, though.

Discover the pros and cons of having your bridesmaids wear matching gowns, learn how to create a cohesive look for mismatched 'maids, and gather 10 bridesmaid gown ideas for winter weddings.