Brides are famous for proclaiming, “You can wear it again.” While the bridesmaids may not actually be able to wear it again, at least the days of ugly dresses are over. As any glance through a bridal magazine will show you, bridesmaids' dresses can be tasteful, elegant, and fashion-forward.

Selecting the Dress

Was I wrong to not solicit my bridesmaids' opinions before selecting their dresses? You do not have to consult with the ladies about the dress. This is your wedding and it should reflect your taste. Of course, you can take their opinions into consideration, but they don't have final approval over what they wear.

Can I just let my bridesmaids select their own dresses? If you're having a hard time finding a dress that looks great on all of your bridesmaids, don't send them off shopping on their own. Instead, look for a designer that offers coordinating separates with varying necklines, waistlines, and sleeve lengths. This way all of the dresses will be in the same fabric and the same length to ensure there is some uniformity and cohesion in the overall look.

Color Correction

Can bridesmaids wear black? At one time black was considered inappropriate for weddings. However, now it is a chic fashion statement. Many designers offer black as a standard color option. If your mother is traditional or even superstitious you may want to consult her on the matter.

Should junior bridesmaids wear the same dress as the bridesmaids? A junior bridesmaid can wear the same dress as the other bridesmaids as long as it is appropriate for her age. If the bridesmaids' dresses are not appropriate, then a dress in the same color and fabric but in a more appropriate style would be in order.