Cake-Cutting Dresses: Should They Match The Bridesmaids?

There are no rules when it comes to choosing what to wear for your cake-cutting ceremony. While some brides still opt for the traditional route of having their bridesmaids wear the same dress or outfit in the chosen wedding color, many couples are now letting attendants choose dresses that reflect their individual styles. If you're worried about your cake-cutting dress matching your bridesmaids' dresses, you can ask them to avoid a certain color or shade, or you can choose to wear a different color or style altogether.

Asking bridesmaids in advance what colour they will be wearing

Asking your bridesmaids in advance what colour they will be wearing is a great way to ensure your cake-cutting dress is colour-coordinated. It is perfectly acceptable to ask your bridesmaids about the colour of their dresses, and doing so can help you avoid blending in with the bridal party. Lizzie Post, host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast from the Emily Post Institute, suggests that couples post the bridal party colours on their wedding website so that guests can be aware of what colours to avoid.

If you are concerned about your cake-cutting dress matching your bridesmaids' dresses, you can ask your bridesmaids to share swatches or colour families with you. This will give you a better idea of their chosen colours and help you make an informed decision about your dress. You can also suggest that your bridesmaids stay within a specific colour palette to ensure some level of consistency. For example, you could suggest they all wear different shades of purple.

Another option is to provide your bridesmaids with a few pre-selected dress options in the colours and styles you prefer. This way, you can maintain some control over their attire while still allowing them to choose a dress that flatters their figure and makes them feel comfortable. Remember, it is important for your bridesmaids to feel happy and confident in their dresses, so be sure to consider their preferences and keep them involved in the decision-making process.

When deciding on the colour of your cake-cutting dress, consider the time of year and the overall theme of your wedding. Choosing a colour that complements the flowers, invitations, and decorations can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, don't be afraid to add some personal touches to your bridesmaids' dresses, such as unique accessories or a fun pair of shoes, to make the look feel more like their own.

Reusing a dress from a different wedding

Choose the Right Dress

When reusing a dress, it is important to consider the formality of the wedding you will be attending. For example, if you are attending a backyard barbecue wedding, a flowy, silky gown may not be the best choice. Opt for a dress that fits the formality and theme of the wedding.

Accessorize

To make your reused dress feel like your own, consider accessorizing it with unique pieces. Claudia Hanlin, owner of Wedding Library, recommends steering away from neutral accessories, which is typically how a wedding party styles bridesmaid dresses. Instead, opt for statement pieces such as a chunky necklace, funky shoes, or a leather bomber jacket to make the look your own.

Alter the Dress

If you are confident in your sewing skills or know a talented seamstress, consider altering the dress to give it a fresh new look. You can shorten the dress, change the sleeves, or even turn it into a two-piece set. This way, you can create a new outfit while still reusing the fabric from the original dress.

Dye the Dress

If you are open to experimenting, consider dyeing your dress a new color. This is a great option if you want to transform your dress into a formal gown for special occasions. Keep in mind that not all fabrics and embellishments are compatible with color dyes, so it is important to consult a professional before proceeding.

Create Heirlooms

If you are sentimental and want to preserve your dress, consider transforming it into heirlooms that you can cherish for years to come. Companies like Unbox the Dress offer services to redesign your dress into unique pieces such as robes, bouquets, or even Christmas ornaments. You can also create your own heirlooms by cutting and sewing the fabric into items such as tote bags, quilts, or throw pillows.

Remember, reusing a dress from a different wedding is a sustainable and cost-effective option. With a bit of creativity and the right accessories, you can make the dress your own and feel confident at the next wedding you attend!

Accessories to differentiate from bridesmaids

There is no rule against wearing the same colour as the bridesmaids to a wedding. Lizzie Post, host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same colour as the bridesmaids. However, if you want to differentiate yourself from the bridesmaids, you can try the following accessories:

• A chunky necklace
• A funky pair of shoes
• A leather bomber jacket
• A rhinestone belt
• A statement necklace
• Statement earrings

As long as your accessories are within the wedding's dress code, you should be able to pull it off.

Mismatched bridesmaids' dresses

There are a few different ways to achieve a mismatched look:

Same Dress Style in Different Colours

If you've found a dress silhouette that you love, you can still achieve the mismatched look by opting for different colours. It's best to stick to no more than three colour variations to maintain a cohesive look.

Same Dress Colour in Different Styles

This option is perfect if you want to stick to the tradition of everyone wearing the same colour, while also acknowledging that not every dress flatters every person. This allows your bridesmaids to pick their favourite style and ensures they feel comfortable and happy.

Different Dress Styles and Colours

If you're going to have different bridesmaid dresses, you might want to go all out. You can incorporate different designs and colours into your bridal party ensemble, playing with different tones and hues or using the palette of your wedding inspiration.

Tips for Pulling Off Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses:

• Consider hemlines carefully: Opt for a mix of lengths and silhouettes to avoid bridal party photos looking awkward.
• Don't vary too many features: It's best to switch up only one or two things about each dress, such as the neckline and colour, but keep the rest the same.
• Examine colours on samples, not just swatches: Small swatches often look very different when made into a gown. It's best to check out full-size samples in daylight to visualise how they will look together.
• Tie the look together with identical accessories: While alternating colours and styles, it's important to have one design component that ties all the looks together, such as a statement necklace or earrings.
• Get input from your bridesmaids: Talk to your bridal party to understand their voices and concerns. This will help ensure that everyone feels beautiful and confident in their own look.
• Create a vision and stick to it: Share swatches or colour families with your crew or give them options of dresses to choose from in the colours you desire. This will help maintain a cohesive look for your bridal party.
• Consider one designer: Sticking to one designer's collection allows each bridesmaid to showcase her personality while wearing a very similar dress.
• Flowers can pull it all together: Don't forget the flowers! Neutral and simple matching bouquets can help tie together different cuts and colours.

Overall, the key to pulling off mismatched bridesmaid dresses is to maintain a balance between individuality and cohesion. By providing some guidelines and considering the overall aesthetic, you can achieve a beautiful and diverse bridal party look.

Choosing bridesmaids' dresses

The same goes for the neckline—it's generally best to avoid choosing bridesmaid dresses with the same neckline as your own. If your wedding dress has a plunging neckline, go for a plainer, less dramatic neckline for your bridesmaids. Also, consider the fabric. If your wedding dress is chiffon, for instance, choose a different fabric for the bridesmaid dresses, like satin or silk. This will add interest and prevent everyone from looking like they've been "cut from the same mould".

If you're worried about your bridal party looking disjointed, there are a few tricks to ensure a cohesive look. You could give your bridesmaids a colour and let them choose their own dresses, but be aware that slight variations in shade may be noticeable in photos. To avoid this, preselect a few options for your bridesmaids to choose from. You could also tie the look together with identical accessories, like a statement necklace or hairpiece.

It's also important to consider the body types and budgets of your bridesmaids. A-line cuts are universally flattering, and keeping costs reasonable will ensure your bridesmaids are happy with their dresses.

Frequently asked questions