Bridesmaids choosing outfits

I have been very keen on keeping my ladies comfortable in what they will be wearing to the wedding. I also want a variety of color and styles because it is meant to be a casual backyard wedding.


I had been excited about finally deciding on colors and showed it to a bridesmaid (also my coworker of over 10 yrs and I am also in her wedding). She said “oh I like the Eucalyptus. Is that the company price of $185?” I told her “Yes. I chose them because of how much they offer and you can try multiple on and get good quality fabric with color range and hues I like. Also we can have a try on party and see what styles go best together.” She then said “Oh actually I’ll go with the French Blue. Then that way I’ll just use my Sister in laws bridesmaid dress she has for my wedding.” So keep in mind I have already purchased the bridesmaid dress for her wedding and I was severely struggling to buy food and pay rent. Then When she had to reschedule the wedding due to COVID and make a small wedding ceremony instead, she said I wasn’t immediate family and could not come to it. Only the reception in April but to keep the dress for pictures. I politely said ok and moved on.
So now... back to my wedding.I told her that the colors may seem similar but not every company may have the same hues for color swatches. So depending on how the other blue dress looks it may work, but to keep it in mind that they may not be the same.” She told me “yeah we will have to see when you have the dress try on thingy.”
After that I completely switched sites and colors for the dresses and have narrowed down dress looks. NOT with the intent to control, but with the intent to better accommodate price ($99) and better direct people without being left feeling walked over.
So my questions are (after venting about this to you all):1) how the heck do I politely and tactfully let her know that it would be nice to have her buy the dress (and if she isn’t able to, then I’ll help her find a way or make an exception, of course).2) should I now NOT have options and only pick one dress style and keep things simple for myself?3) has anyone in your wedding party tried to decide before they hear what is directed?4) if you have done variety styles and colors how have you handled it and how did you direct who would get what color? If you did.