who picks out the bridesmaid dresses

Think its a group effort.

I let my girls choose what they liked..the only thing I wanted was they be all the same color, short and strapless.

I think you can decide what style you like, and see if it fits everybody's body type or personal style.

You pick the dress or you can give them a choice...I am in a wedding in march and she picked four dresses and we just picked which one we want to wear...Remember it is your wedding and it is what you want

Gotcha. do i tell them that i want them to get there dresses from David Bridal's or just tell them to get something similiar to what i find.

If you want them all the same and same designer its best to get them at the same place...David's Bridal usually gives all bm's $20 off when they purchase, so thats a little bonus

I think its best for you to choose the style and type of dress you would like for your girls to were. I was gonna have my BMs come to the store with me to select but the rep at DB said it was not a good idea because each girl may have a different opinion. It's your day!!! I selected the style and color and the girls went to the store and loved the dresses. Hope everything works out.....

Are there rules on what kind of dress they wear. I mean i am having a spring wedding and not sure if i wanna have them in long dresses or short ones

I think it's best for the bride to be very flexible with bridesmaids - just like you, they're going to be standing up in front of a lot of people, and they're going to want to look their best. The "pick a color and let each BM choose a dress" system works quite well for that, especially if you have different body types in the group. If you want them to match, definitely take their feelings into account and try to find a dress that is both within their budgets (don't forget to factor in alteration), and will make them feel comfortable. They're your best friends and they should shine!

Gotcha so involve the bridemaid in the picking of the dresses.

Shannon is spot on. Not every girl will look good in the same dress. I only have one girl standing with me, so I told her what color she should wear and I let her choose the dress she is most comfortable in, the dress should also compliment yours. Make a day of it where all of you go together (if possible) and try on all types of BM dresses. Good luck!

I am going to have to do a lot of traveling. Have a bridesmaid on either coast. Gonna have to save up my leave days