Tip of the Day: "Set parameters for your bridesmaids! So many brides these days want their 'maids to be happy, which is great. However, that can sometimes translate into saying, 'Just pick whatever you want,' and having too many choices can make the process harder for them. Also, the bride may have preferences she isn't even aware of until she sees what her friends have picked, and then the backtracking and hurt feelings creep in," say the pros at Joanna August.
They recommend letting your bridesmaids choose their top three styles and colors, or rank their favorites in order out of a pre-selection you have made. That way, everyone gets a say, but the bride ultimately cobbles together the exact look and combinations she wants.
Plus, check out Mix & Match Done Right: 25 Ideas for Your Bridesmaids.