This easy approach is the definition of a win-win. The bride can be blissfully hands-off after selecting the color, each bridesmaid has her say in choosing the style she feels most comfortable wearing (right down to the fabric and length), and everyone is happy.

Book a group styling session to determine which dress looks best on each maid.

Mixing up every last element—from fabrics, lengths, and silhouettes, to colors, prints, and embellishments—is the ultimate achievement in the world of mismatched bridesmaid dresses. But even when anything goes, it's best to have at least one common factor from dress to dress (requesting powdery pastels as opposed to saturated jewel tones, for instance).

Selecting a range of tones of the same hue is a refreshing take on a cohesive that requires a little bit of strategy. Choose at least three tones—light, medium, and dark—to allow the color gradation to really come through.

Think about designating the most impactful shade for the maid of honor, to let her stand out.