At the forefront of this new wave of fashion are brides who work closely with their bridesmaids to ensure that each one is a part of the dress selection process. From choosing a color and/or designer and then giving her maids carte blanche, to selecting a gown and then letting each bridesmaid pick its color, more and more brides are relinquishing the dress decision to the people who will actually be wearing them. Still other brides pick a few styles they like and then let their bridesmaids choose the one that they’d like to wear.

Another way brides are embracing bridesmaids’ attire this season is by celebrating each maid’s individuality with a few stylish details such as shoes, accessories or flowers. To add some pizzazz to bridesmaids wearing identical or similar ensembles, brides are opting for each to wear different colored pairs of shoes, gloves, wraps, jewelry or hairpins that celebrate their individuality. Simplicity is key here, as combining too many of these elements can overwhelm the look.