Alternative to Bridesmaid Robes..

Why can't they just get ready in whatever clothes they want to get ready in? I put stuff like this in the "cute but don't need" category personally. I think it's a fad that will pass by eventually. That being said, if you really must have everyone coordinate why not have everyone wear jeans and the same colored tshirt or leggings and the same color zip up hoodie? I'm all about something comfortable, affordable, and easy to get up and over the hair.

I personally think that the robes are a waste of money. They take fine pictures, but after that no one is ever going to wear them again. My MOH is super crafty and made tshirts for my bachelorette party. We all just wore those to get ready. Cheap and simple.

I love the men's button down shirts. Go to places like Walmart, Target, or even check out Sears clearance page.

If you like the boyfriend shirt option- go to Walmart, not etsy. You can get the shirts for super cheap and find a local embroidery person. My friend did that for her wedding, they were about 14 bucks each. A pajama set could be cute. But, as Swolemates said, this isn't necessary. They aren't considered gifts either because it is more for you and the pictures than for them.

They didn't do it so it really didn't work for me but I asked each of my bridesmaids and my family who was getting ready with us to wear cute and comfy pajamas. Everyone showed up in jeans anyhow though but perhaps your group might go for it. I think they thought I was joking, actually.

Are you doing getting ready photos? Is that why you want it? If so I would agree with the boyfriend shorts in Walmart or Old Navy or cute pajamas.

I went to Walmart and bought $3 matching purple tanks. Which was great because they fit my 10 year old jr bridesmaid to my dress size 28 bridesmaid. I had them wear black yoga pants to match too. And agreed, this falls in the "not at all necessary" but still nice. I had planned on going over them with bleach pens to say "bridesmaid" but then I figured they would have more wearability if I didn't and it was another thing I had to do that I stopped caring about. You can also order super cheap ropes off etsy from China or India for about $20 each if you really want to go that route. But they're super short so many people feel uncomfortable in them.

Waste of money territory, seriously.

What about zip up hoodies from Kohls, Target, Uniqlo? I considered the button downs, but of anything, my bridesmaids would appreciate a hoodie. Either that or they can just wear any clothes.

I'm thinking they are a waste of money also. I was thinking some tank tops as we are having a DW so jeans/yoga pants/hoodies those types of things are going to be too hot. I do however, love the idea of a pyjama set. Like a T-shirt and shorts type thing as this is something they CAN wear again.

Thanks ladies!

I bought satin robes for my girls and they're so pretty. I already have one that I wear all the time like when FH is around and I want to look cute getting ready. I also have a thick and ugly one I wear all the time. I use them both so I don't know why people are so anti robes. I thought everyone used robes! I think monograms or embroidery on them can be an unnecessary expense. If I didn't get the robes I would have gotten them cute lounge pants and a tank top.

Check Groupon or Living Social for items like this. I got my girls monogrammed boyfriend shirts from Groupon because I wanted something that doesn't have to go over our heads/hair. There are only two of them, so anything that I buy is not done on a large scale.

We took barely any photos in our robes. So really, I would skip it. I don't regret buying mine, but if you are worried about the cost and not being used again, then skip a uniform look.

I am getting my girls personalized wire hangers. It's something fun for the big day with a small monetary commitment. You can still get some fun pictures of them holding the BM dresses to add the personal touch.

Of course they're a waste of money -- just like the wire hangers with the barely readable BM's names are a waste of money. However, they're also a photo op, and countless brides believe they need photos of their BMs in matching whatevers as they prep for the wedding. I'll be honest -- I don't get the "getting ready" pics. I prefer the finished product pics, but to each his own.

If you get anything I would say the tank tops. You can get them cheap. The satin robes are nice but can get pricey.

Now that I think of it I have to agree with you guys. I have been in several weddings and not one of them did we have a photographer doing "getting ready" photos. I think my mother has been trying to push the idea on to me as she has seen the robes and pictures from another wedding she attended. I agree they are beautiful but if I know myself and the other girls won't wear them again what's the point?

I also have to say getting something button up etc so it doesn't have to go over their heads is super smart. I would have never thought about that issue. Especially after hours of hair and makeup.

I got my girls and I robes with just our first initial and boxers when I asked them to be bridesmaids. I only have two BMs so it wasn't too bad plus we all have a thing for boxers. They've actually been wearing them already, lol

We are doing some "getting ready" photos, but it will most likely be once we are all in our dresses and doing last minute touches. I personally find the millions of "getting ready" photos a little odd. Plus we plan on doing lots of first look photos in a bunch of different locations and then getting some fun wedding party photos done before the ceremony, so we'd rather put more time to those photos. I'm gonna just tell my girls to wear something comfy and a button down shirt or zipped hoodie so they don't mess up their hair/makeup.

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Weddings apparently make people crazy! Haha! I blame the toxic mix of Pinterest and mother's, myself! Mine has been trying to talk me into all kinds of things she's "seen on Pinterest", which, I'll admit, I will feel I have to have all the sudden, but then I talk myself off that crazy-ledge and try to get back to the stuff I DO actually have my heart set on, and try to politely disregard all the other chatter.

That being said, I really do like the button-up shirt idea (for sure - Walmart) and I think it is a nice way to make your party feel unique and special. If you like the idea, I'm sure your photographer can take a few snaps right before everybody gets dressed, and that way you do have some special photos of just you and all your girls. I'm just about 100% positive most of those photos are staged and not "candid" like they are appearing to be, so I would just ask your girls if it's something they'd like to do and have a copy of, and if not, don't stress yourself about it. And if it's something YOU really want to do, then just tell them and schedule it in with your photographer. I don't think it would take long to get a few fun photos - and it might help loosen you up right before the grand appearance! Either way, it's totally not necessary, but it is a fun idea, if that's something you want. Just don't let Pinterest talk you into it!