Bridesmaid dresses unfortunately possess a bad track record of being unattractive, unflattering, and hard to wear again. But in the past few years, bridesmaid dress trends have (thankfully) shifted toward more casual, practical, and customizable styles—and since a bridesmaid dress could be a significant expense, increasingly more brides are realizing the significance of choosing re-wearable dresses for their or her crew. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to find bridesmaid gowns you can wear again. We’re sharing a few of the things to consider as you’re searching for options and selecting dresses for your friends to rock because they stand by your side.

Let your ‘maids pick their bridesmaid gowns.

A bridesmaid that has some control over the dress they’re wearing is much more likely to be pleased with their choice, than a bridesmaid who had no say in their dress selection. Think about it: You know what kind of clothes you are feeling and what look you're very best in, and also the same goes for the bridesmaids. Our recommendation? Ask for the bridesmaids’ input when you initially start looking at dresses, whether it’s their preferred dress length, silhouette, color, or material, and try to locate common ground among everyone’s suggestions. Then, give a few guidelines (for instance, “a light pink, midi-length slip dress”) or provide them with a few specific dress options they can choose from, and then leave the rest as much as your crew. The result: A mix-and-match range of dresses that you’ll all love, and everyone can spend how much money they're able to afford.

Don’t hesitate to think away from the box with regards to bridesmaid dress retailers. Traditional bridal shops and internet-based bridesmaid dress brands are generally great places to start—and most of them have plenty of bridesmaid gowns you can wear again—but your ‘maids may also consider ready-to-wear brands and stores lavender bridesmaid dresses.