Letting Bridesmaids Pick their own dresses?

I did! And I think they looked amazing!

ETA I didn't give them a color swatch, I just told them gold, nude, metallic, taupe and this is what they chose.

I told my ladies they could pick whatever they wanted in plum and they made me pick! I worked with them and 4 are wearing 1 dress and 2 another.

Yes. I did this. I told them the store (Alfred Angelo), color (Love's First Blush) and fabric (flowy not satin) and length (long) and they all went in on their own and got a dress they felt comfortable in. The results have been great. All of them are happy they are in a dress they like and chose within their own budgets. I still do not have pictures together cause everyone is in different cities).

My MOH was the only one in Satin - she stands out that way.

I purposely did this so have them be happy and feel confident in their attire. I would highly recommend it. It's a win-win for you (having them in what you envisioned) and them (being comfortable and happy).

I gave my MOH free reign. She is choosing her own dress. I did not even give her a color to stick to.

Gosh LDwed that's a gorgeous picture.

I'm starting to consider this as well, and I love how well it's worked for you girls. I might have to start SERIOUSLY considering it now!

I told my girls gray and knee length. I think they all looked fabulous!

I did the same as Mrs Perez - I picked out the store (azazie.com), color (spa), length (knee) and fabric (anything but satin) and they are free to pick whatever style they like best for themselves. My hope is that they'll get something they will actually (maybe) wear again for another nice event. I figure if they're going to be spending their money on it, they should be able to have a say in what they wear.

Yup. Went even easier and chose black.

My bridesmaids were so happy because they could pick their style and budget. They've all wore the dress again since the wedding and have said these dresses are their favorite bridesmaid dresses (my MOH has been a bridesmaid 5+ times now, so it holds some weight).

We told our party to chose whatever they wanted. They all looked fantastic and even though they chose all different styles and colors, it all coordinated well.

I did this and i was a bridesmaid recently where the bride did this too.

If you are picky with color go with a major store like David's where you can pick the color and they have multiple dresses available in that exact color. That's what I did (quartz) and I am happy with how the girls dresses look and so are they since they each picked their own style.

If you are not picky with color and don't want to limit the girls to one store then pick an easy to find color like navy, black, etc. but know that the shade may vary. For the wedding I was in recently the bride had us get Navy dresses of any style and we had a couple different shades of navy - also shades of cobalt blue. It still looked nice, but I am picky with that so I wanted the exact color.

I told them "shorter, light shades, lace" and they ended up all picking the same dress. 3 chose light blue and one chose lilac. I am not worried at all the perceived color imbalance and they are really happy with them. The lilac happened to be my daughter's choice, and she is my MOH, so it works.

Yup. Did this too. Gave them a general idea of color (burgundy, merlot, etc) and long. I only have my 2 nieces so it was easy. They picked a great dress that they can each wear differently.

I told mine to pick any dress that was long chiffon and truffle. They ended up choosing the same dress

@LDwed those bouquets OMG!!

@OP - I'm hoping to do this with my girls. I'll pick a color and length and let them choose from there. All of my girls are different sizes and have different styles. It makes it easier for them (and me)

I told them floor length and navy. My wedding is still a little over 7 months away so no pictures, but my sister has her dress already and I've seen the dresses 2 of my other bridesmaids want to get and I love them all. I think my 4th bridesmaid has one in mind, but I haven't seen it yet. No one is going to pick a dress they think looks bad on them so I'm sure they're all going to look great.

I'm doing this! I also only have one person in my bridal party (MOH) and I really trust her sense of style. I told her I would like it to be something full length, but as long as she feels beautiful and confident I don't care.

That is how I am doing it. Like you said I just want my friends by my side.

Mismatched bridesmaids are my favorite bridal party look. Both when they stay in the same color family and when they don't. Love, love, love!

I told them Navy and long and all 6 chose the same dress. They all look amazing in it

I told my girls a shade of plum or eggplant, short, and then chiffon. I did see all the dresses before they where purchased but I didn't require that the girls just automatically sent me pictures of dresses they liked or we where shopping together. Most of my guest didn't even realize the dresses where different colors.