Bridesmaids:

When selecting the bridesmaids dresses think along the same lines that you chose your gown on.

Style, shape, fabric

Temperature

After use

Comfort

Affordability

Think also of the location and where your photos will be taken, think of how you look as a group.

Generally bridesmaids pay for their own attire, thus they may not want another unusable dress in their closet after the wedding. If you have a specific idea for the bridemaids dresses then you should look to contribute to the purchase of the dresses.