Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

Standardized colors. Unflattering cuts. Scratchy fabrics. Resentful participants. All bring uniforms to mind, but we’re not talking about UPS drivers or Catholic school students. We’re talking about bridesmaids.

If you’re looking for dresses your gals might actually wear more than once, several bridal shops offer lines that stylishly balance a consistent look with flexible options. Thread Bridesmaid’s classic party collection is a wonder of customization that could please even the pickiest bride. Choose from a number of silhouettes, colors, fabrics and lengths to assemble the dresses of your dreams. Gotta have everyone in knee-length navy? Go for it, then let your gals decide between strapless or V-neck and satin or taffeta. (Not even sure what you’re wearing yet? Check out Thread’s wedding gowns, which all retail for under $1,000).

To get multiple looks out of a single dress, let alone a single retailer, check out Two Birds’ amazing wrap dress, a fluttery, flowing length of fabric that can be twisted and tied in 15, count ‘em 15, different ways. Some other impressive numbers: 18 colors, four lengths, and just two cuts that can fit sizes 0 to 24 (props for such maternity-friendly wedding wear). From a casual one-shouldered number in mint green to a striking cabernet red strapless gown, this dress can do it all for around $300. Your maids will wear it long after the wedding, mercifully letting them kill “two birds” with one dress.

Also take a look at a similar wrap dress by Brooklyn, NY boutique Butter by Nadia that comes in both jersey and satin in an array of rich colors. And for the clumsy: If you’re imaging yourself straight jacketed in an endless loop of fabric, both sites feature how-to instructions on wrapping the dress.

For an off-the-beaten-path look that requires little more than zipping and buttoning, browse Calypso’s inventory of bohemian yet timeless dresses in looks perfect for a casual wedding event. Their sleeveless smocked-waist dress flatters any figure, while their linen tank dress looks right at home on a sandy beach. And right now, both are marked down to $99 from $165.

Remember, your bridesmaids will get married one day too. Bank yourself some good karma now, or face the possibility of ruffles – lots and lots of ruffles.