Bridesmaids Dresses

I've mentioned before that Lance and I want gray, blue, or black bridesmaid dresses.  We don't have a bridal party yet, but already two maybe-bridesmaids have mentioned that they don't care for black dresses.  Personally, I like black because it's the most formal color, flattering on all skin tones, and increases the odds that the dress will be worn again, but I don't have my heart set on it.  I know not everyone has looked at as much wedding inspiration as I have, so I'll post some photos here to give people an idea of what I'm thinking.

Black:

[I love the lace trend the past few years!:]

Gray:

[This is one of my all-time favorites, so of course it's twice 

as much as I would ever dream of asking anyone to pay:]

Blue:

Two of the maybe-bridesmaids have also asked about choosing their own dress.  I know the trend right now is different cuts of dresses,

because everyone gets to choose a cut that is flattering to their body type, but I am leaning toward having them all match.  First of all, I think the mismatched dresses work better for more informal weddings.  Second, typically brides will set guidelines (designer and color / color, length, fabric) so that they all more or less go together.  Third, if they are going to be different, I would want them to each be distinct from the others, and fourth, you have to pray that people don't choose a dress that is completely other from what you have in mind.  I figure if you're going to go to that much trouble, you might as well just pick one dress!

Finally, the wicked problem of bridesmaids dresses is that 1) no one wants to spend too much money on something that will most likely be worn once but 2) no one wants the dress to look cheap.  Unfortunately, bridesmaids dresses are expensive, so I anticipate this will take a bit of work.  I'm not opposed to finding a "non-bridesmaid" dress somewhere and having everyone order one (I actually love patterned bm dresses, but again, those are more appropriate at a less formal event).  I would love to find one with lace, but we'll have to wait to see what will go with my dress, and I don't plan on shopping for that for a few more months.  :)