I had initially gravitated toward the idea of putting my bridesmaids in black because I loved the idea of having them each pick their own dress. Better yet, they could even pull something from their closet if that was easier. Purple made this a little more challenging, but I was still under the impression that I could just tell my girls to find a purple dress. (Think Mrs. Bear Cub's Letting the 'Maids Dress Themelves)
Here was my reasoning:
1. I fundamentally like the idea of collectively unique dresses.
2. The concept of bridesmaid dresses seems kind of funny to me. What do the matching dresses symbolize, anyway? I feel funny if the implication is that they're actually my "maids".
3. Each of my girls are quite different, and I felt challenged by the idea of finding something that would work for everyone equally well.
4. Financially, it offers them the option of purchasing something wherever they are comfortable.
5. Maybe they will actually wear the dress again!
(and here's where we get into sticky stuff)
6. I fear snarkiness, and don't want my girls to secretly hate what I choose. And worse, discuss it behind my back.
7. I don't want any of my girls to be uncomfortable or self-conscious in any way. I hate that feeling. I want them to feel beautiful.
8. I don't want my girls to be happy, I need them to be happy. If I know they're upset, it will make me feel terrible.
9. I don't want to be high-maintenence, bossy, or (gasp!) a bridezilla.
Has a closer look at your reasoning for doing something ever revealed an insecurity?