Once upon a time brides selected one dress design in a single color for their bridal party. And while it might work if the women standing next to you on your special day are all the exact same height and body type, this traditional path can leave the women in your bridal party less than thrilled. Luckily for you, and your dearest friends, today’s bridesmaid dresses are limited only by your creativity. Dress shopping for other people has never been so fun.

Despite what dated tradition might have us believe, one size really does not fit all when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. Remember, you want your bridesmaids to be as happy and comfortable as possible on the big day. But it will be hard for your friends to have fun if they feel obligated to wear an unflattering style or color all day long. Every woman is different. So give yourself the flexibility to change your bridesmaids’ dresses in a way that accentuates their natural beauty. The trick is to figure out which combination below is right for your friends.

Matching Color with Individual Styles

Finding that one perfect dress shade or color theme can be difficult. But once you do, it is smooth sailing ahead. Rather than picking the same dress style for every woman, just focus on a color or theme. Everyone will wear the chosen color when walking down the aisle, but in shape and design that they are comfortable with. This option is perfect if you have an expecting bridesmaid who is showing on the wedding day. With so many gorgeous dress styles, gone are the days when your friends will have to wear a uniform tent of satin and chiffon all day.

Letting your friends choose the cut and style of their dress puts control in their hands, and alleviates stress for everyone. For example, the bridesmaid with an ample chest can pick a dress with a halter neckline or tank style straps to afford maximum support, eliminating any risk of wardrobe malfunctions on the dance floor. On the other hand, your petite bridesmaid may opt for a dress with slightly shorter hemline so she will not feel like a little girl playing dress-up. Of course, any bridesmaid who is expecting will want to choose a dress with flowing fabric, perhaps with a comfortable empire waist.

Single Style with Coordinating Shades

Finding a single dress style that looks right on every bridesmaid is generally a daunting task, but it can be done if everyone is willing to cooperate and compromise. Multiple Saturday shopping trips (or girls’ night in at the computer sessions) may need to be scheduled to get it right. Choosing a single style of dress allows you to have fun with colors. Each bridesmaid can pick a shade that compliments her taste and skin tone.

Being realistic, you know that the pale pink dress you fell in love with may not look as nice on the fair-skinned redhead of the bridal party as it did on your olive-toned, brunette sister, even if the dress itself is a winner. Letting your bridal party choose from two coordinating shades will result in better wedding photos, and all around happier bridesmaids. If possible, let them select from a dark shade and lighter shade, like dark regency purple and lilac.

The best part of this option is that you can take it a step further by picking separates rather than dresses. If your bridesmaids carry more weight on the bottom, they will appreciate being able to complement their curves by opting for the lighter shade on top and the darker hue for the skirt. Having a bridesmaid wear each of the three color options, light, dark and mixed, is a beautiful and balanced option for bridal parties with three bridesmaids.

Same Dress with Individual Accents

If your heart is set on all of the bridesmaids walking down the aisle in the same color and style, there are still opportunities to allow each bridesmaid to shine and express her personality. Give your bridesmaids the option of adding a matching wrap, scarf or sash to show in their own style. This also allows the bridesmaids to accentuate curves, or have more coverage.

The ideal bridesmaid dress fits into the wedding theme without taking control away from your closest female friends. Considering all of the decisions that have to be made in order to pull off a flawless wedding, choosing bridesmaid dresses should be one of the most enjoyable, as opposed to say, finalizing your list for invitations. By remaining flexible and experimenting with colors and styles, you and the entire bridal party are sure to live happily ever after.