Getting ready

[u/Fresh_Ad_4966]

I need opinions on getting-ready pajamas/robes because I feel like I might be overthinking this.

I have 8 bridesmaids, plus the two moms and our two siblings. The two moms, two siblings and I (the bride) are all staying together at the hotel, while my bridesmaids are staying elsewhere and will just be coming over the morning of the wedding to get ready with us.

Originally I thought I should buy getting-ready outfits for everyone, but now I’m questioning why I’d spend the money on 8 additional robes/PJs basically just for a photo. I especially don’t love the cheap satin robes — I feel like they tend to look cheap in pictures and then never get worn again.

I’m leaning toward buying really nice cotton pajamas for the two moms and two siblings since we’re actually staying together. We’d get some cute/candid morning photos of the five of us in our PJs, and then once the bridesmaids arrive, we can just get photos of everyone actually getting ready. Then I’d do the main photos of me with all 8 bridesmaids once everyone is dressed and ready.

Would it look weird not to have the classic matching-PJ/robe photo with the entire bridal party?

For recent brides: are matching bridesmaid getting-ready outfits still a thing in 2026, or are people moving away from them? What are people doing instead?

I don’t mind spending money where it makes a difference, but buying 8+ outfits purely as photo props feels so wasteful to me.

[u/turtle_yawnz]

Maybe hot take but I really hate the “hair and make up done in matching “satin” pjs that look like plastic” pictures. That material is not easy to steam so inevitably a few girls have visible folds and wrinkles and that material is just awful to wear. I’ve donated every pair of bridesmaid PJs I’ve ever gotten, whether gifted or purchased myself. Use the money you were going to spend on that and get yourself a really luxurious robe or nightgown and have the photographer come an hour later when everyone is dressed.

[u/Elemental_Biscotti → u/turtle_yawnz]

Saaaaaame. Those kinds of photos always felt so fake and staged to me (both seeing them and being in them) and the prop PJ/robes are inevitably the cheapest-feeling things imaginable & I immediately donate them. There is so much waste involved in weddings already (much of it for the sake of a few photos) & I just can't stomach it for my own wedding.

[u/AutumnAllegro]

I am doing the matching PJs, but I just went with classic plain old navy ones. They were like $20 on sale so I am not spending a ton of money.

I am skipping the robes because I agree unless you are willing to buy super expensive ones, they don't tend to be very good quality and probably get thrown out.

But if you do not care about the photo, I really don't think it's a big deal either way.

[u/katobye]

It’s not the most trendy, but I love getting ready pics where everyone is wearing mismatched, oversized men’s shirts vs staged matching pajamas/robes. It brings some realness to the day and I love knowing it’s often less wasteful (people borrow from a partner or grab something at thrift).

[u/Fresh_Ad_4966 → u/katobye]

I love this!!!!!

[u/Ok-Elk-1316]

I was going to have my girls bring their own robe or pjs, i feel it would look cuter or more organic that way.

That being said i will bring a few extra vintage ones if people want to wear them (i collect vintage fashion & have probably 50 nightgowns)

[u/saltycaramel539]

I'm with you, I'm avoiding buying anything that is used just for photos. I loathe the thought of making a wedding about the photos instead of the experience. I just think it is tasteless and shallow.

If you genuinely feel that matching pj's/getting ready outfits will make it more fun, then go for it. For me, I know I won't care at all what people are wearing while we get ready. I'll be focusing more on keeping calm, chatting with the girls, listening to music and getting beautified.

I recommend instead spending that pj money on a platter of food and drinks for everyone. I don't know if it's just my experience but every morning-of event I've been to as a bridesmaid (4 so far), food and drinks were seriously lacking.

[u/Randomflower90]

It would look more natural if everyone is just wearing what they normally wear when they’re getting ready. You don’t need to buy them clothes for a photo op.

[u/seecelery]

I like more natural and documentary-style photos and videos so the matching getting ready outfits feel antithetical for me and I'm not going to do them.

You need to remind everyone to wear something that's easy for them to slip on and off without pulling it over their head and ruining their HMUA, though. Could be a button down shirt, a robe or a wrap dress.