In case the bridesmaids have to pay for their own dresses, the bride either gives the style and color of the dress or lets the bridesmaids choose their own dresses, as long as they match the theme of the wedding. The bride can also opt for an updated twist to the traditional look, where she lets the bridesmaids choose dresses in varying shades of the same color. Today bridesmaids don't have to wear exactly the same dresses, giving them greater freedom in choosing cuts and colors that suit them best.

　　Finding a bridesmaid dress can be fun and easy, thanks to the number of options available. There are a lot of offered choices on the Internet, and most bridal stores online offer stylish yet affordable dresses in various styles and colors. Some of these online stores also give discounts on wholesale purchases, so it would be a great idea for bridesmaids to talk among themselves and buy from the same online store. This option is especially helpful if the bridesmaids don't live near each other and can't go to the same store.

　　Similarly, the bridesmaids can get their dresses from the same boutique at reduced prices. This would be great for the bridesmaids to get a feel of the dress and see if the color and the fabric work well for them. Buying from the same store is also helpful in case the bride wants the bridesmaids to wear the same color, since the cloths would be from the same dye lot and would match perfectly.

　　Wedding invitations are usually sent out months before the wedding, giving bridesmaids enough time to search for bridesmaid dress sales, which specialty bridal stores usually hold at least once a year.