Grandma wants to match the bridesmaids

This is not an old school tradition, or it exists only in certain social circles if that is the case, not universally. Some family want to upstage the wedding for unknown reasons. They should not match bridesmaids or anyone else. Put your foot down and get assistance from parents in enforcing this.

My FMIL and both of FH's grandmas asked what color they needed to wear, which I thought was odd! I never thought family members were to match the wedding party and they were more asking what color I wanted them to wear, not necessarily to match, though. I told them to wear whatever color they'd like, just not any of the three shades of blue (like the specific ones I chose from Azazie, other shades of blue are fair game) that my bridesmaids are wearing!

Yeah this is an old-school thing apparently. Just tell them no haha

I have heard of this before , and it has been on WW a
number of times. You find it in old books, etiquette, or home companion books that are based on everyday people ( not royalty or celebrities). my mom collects such books for her work. And she has at least 3 from the Midwest or Northwest, 2 published by Lutheran women's groups . They refer to Montgomery Ward, Sears, and going down to the railroad depot office for big items you order. And in books of New England, MOB was queen bee and not only picked her color dress, as the hostess of the wedding, but that of MOG, and often daughters of both families, usually a complementary color, not matching, bridesmaids.

There have been instances where they matched at least the mothers. Maybe they just wanted to feel included? Or maybe you can designate a color for the grandmothers?

The colors for my wedding are ivory, gold, and purple. Bridesmaids are wearing purple and so is my sister and mom (purple and gold). My MIL may or may not wear one of our colors

View Quoted Comment That is a good idea! I should just give them their own colors since there will be 5 of them! Thank you!

Some people have all the family in specific colors so the family photos look cohesive (mostly so your sister isn't in bright orange while your mother is in purple). If you don't want your grandma to match the bridesmaids, just tell her that upfront and offer some complimentary colors/shades for her to choose from.

I’ve never heard of that! I told my mom what color she’ll be wearing (a darker color that my bridesmaids) and FMIL will be wearing a lighter color than my FH! But his grandma could wear whatever she wanted haha

I haven't heard of this, but if it makes your grandma happy, let her do it. I can't see how it would affect the wedding at all

I don't think it's a big deal. FH and I both have mom and stepmom and I sent them all a pic of our wedding colors so that if they wanted to coordinate, they could. His mom and stepmom both asked what I would like them to wear and I just told them either wedding colors or something neutral, as long as it isn't a long white dress lol. If grandmas wanted to match that wouldn't bother me. If anything, it will make family photos look put-together.

Not a tradition, at least not in this generation. Generally the mothers and grandmothers can wear what they want (though they can of course coordinate with the wedding party if the bride is OK with it). wouldn't let her wear the exact same dress since it sounds like she's doing it to be obnoxious.

I'd have them all wear a shade off from the maids. So if the maids are in navy blue, I'd tell them that their color is baby blue. Grands often look best in paler colors - but we all have those wild grandmas that like vibrant. That way they are included and coordinated, but not matchy/matchy. Also, a good idea is just a color for them, but choose it wisely and be able to explain why that color. Have fun with this rather than let it be a challenge. Hint: This also makes flowers easier.

Interesting. Our colors are black, burgundy, and gold. Bridesmiads are in burgundy and I asked our moms to wear gold. Everyone else we don't want to match the bridal party if they can help it.