Anyone that knows anything about weddings or has been to one recently will know and notice that bridesmaids wear matching dresses. Still, in former times, both the bridesmaids and the bride wore matching dresses that initially were created as an attempt to evade evil spirits and other suitors with ill intentions.
The theory was that if all the bridesmaids were dressed similarly, enough confusion would allow the couple to get married without the risk of being targeted.
By the time the Victorian age came along, however, the white wedding dress had become the de facto style that has since become the norm, with it now a tradition for the bridesmaids to wear matching dresses as a show of support for their dear friend.
Of course, the debate continues to rage on if bridesmaids must wear matching dresses, and the notion comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Which option is the best depends on your perspective and your intentions for the big day.
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Pros of Matching Dresses
An Overall Streamlined Look
Fans of the minimalist approach to weddings will especially love how uniform the decor is for matching wedding dresses worn by all the bridesmaids. The overall effect exudes cohesion and uniformity, with each woman dressed and styled the same way. Matching ensembles bring the attention to faces first and give the bride a true opportunity to shine on her big day.
Symmetry
Arguably the greatest reason for matching bridesmaid dresses is the symmetry it brings on the wedding day – with all women wearing the same dress creating a symmetry that many women prefer. Furthermore, the costs associated can equalize the group and reduce a significant amount of stress.
Upholding Tradition
Many brides prefer to take the traditional approach on their wedding day. The notion of incorporating matching dresses is one of the most classic aesthetics to weddings as it is elegant, classic, and altogether timeless.
Cons of Matching Dresses
Matching Dresses as Props
Although matching dresses can equate to a unified front on the big day, they also can signify uniformity. Some bridesmaids may oppose wearing certain styles as they have various tastes. It may be controversial to use a close friend as a prop for a wedding when there is an option to wear something that accentuates their bodies and personal style.
Mixed Preferences
A group of bridesmaids rarely have the exact same body type and style preferences, and this is when issues can come into play for the wedding event. Rare is the wedding where all the women are the same size, which means that preferences are less likely to match up. This could lead to tension in the days leading up to the wedding day.
Prices and Budgets
The same dress worn by all the bridesmaids does not mean that the price point may be equal for all involved. Bridesmaid dresses come in a broad range of prices, the same as the women wearing them have varying purchasing power. If the bride is not paying for all the dresses, this can also lead to issues that affect the budget of the bridesmaids participating in the event.
Tips for the Bride
Brides that opt to go the non-matching route should be prepared to have a list of guidelines for their bridesmaids regarding hues, available colors, and styles that can be considered for the event.
The bride’s main responsibility in this manner should be to stay as involved as possible and perhaps even shop with them to make the process as painless as possible. There is also to tie the looks together with accessories, including shoes, jewelry, floral bouquets, and more. For the big day, it is your chance to create a truly memorable event that is unforgettable.
A Dress To Remember
Whether or not bridesmaids need to match for the wedding is a question that must be answered individually and truly depends on the aesthetic preferred for the event. Every participating member of the bridal party will have their own ideas about which style works the best for them.
Also, some colors may be objected to immediately. Regardless, the mission is to ensure that the dress style compliments the bridesmaids as well as possible and causes few hassles or none at all on the wedding day. Remember that you want the bridesmaids to complement the bride and groom for this exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.