Matching Bridesmaids: Color Coordination Or Creative Freedom?

Bridesmaids' dresses don't have to match the wedding colours, but it is important to consider how the colours will look together. While it's not necessary to have matching bridesmaids' dresses, it's worth noting that mismatching dresses can be more challenging to coordinate. There are a few ways to approach this: having the same dress style in different colours, the same dress colour in different styles, or different dress styles and colours. The key to pulling off mismatched bridesmaids' dresses is to ensure there is a cohesive look, which can be achieved by choosing a unifying design detail such as a similar neckline or hemline.

Same dress, different colour

Matching bridesmaids' dresses is a thing of the past. Nowadays, brides are mixing it up with mismatched dresses, creating unique ensembles that allow each bridesmaid to shine in a dress that flatters her figure and makes her feel confident.

One way to achieve this look is to choose the same dress style in different colours. This option is perfect if you've found a dress that you love and want to keep the same silhouette for all your bridesmaids. It's also a great way to ensure uniformity while still giving each bridesmaid a style she's comfortable in.

When choosing this option, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, decide on a colour scheme and try to stick to no more than three variations in colour to maintain a cohesive look. Secondly, consider giving your bridesmaids some direction by providing them with fabric swatches or colour families to work with. This will help ensure that the dresses meet your vision for the big day.

Another tip is to choose dresses from the same designer or brand to ensure an exact colour match and avoid different interpretations of the same colour. You can also tie the look together with identical accessories, such as statement necklaces or earrings, which can also be given as bridesmaid gifts.

Finally, don't forget the flowers! Neutral and simple matching bouquets can help tie together different cuts and colours of bridesmaids' dresses.

Same colour, different dress

Matching bridesmaids' dresses is no longer the norm, with many brides now opting for a mix-and-match look. This allows each bridesmaid to showcase her unique style and ensures she's wearing a dress that flatters her figure and makes her feel comfortable and confident.

This option is perfect for brides who want to hold fast to tradition but also want to acknowledge the diversity of their bridal party. By choosing the same colour but allowing for different dress styles and designs, you're recognising that not every dress flatters every figure. This option also gives your bridesmaids the freedom to pick their favourite style, ensuring they feel comfortable and happy.

To ensure the look remains cohesive, it's a good idea to choose dresses that differ in style but have at least one element in common. This could be the fabric, such as satin or chiffon, or the neckline, for example, a v-neck. You could also pick colours that go well together, such as different shades of blue, pink, or neutral.

Another way to keep the look cohesive is to choose dresses from the same designer or brand. This ensures there is no shade variance within the same colour (for example, multiple interpretations of navy). It's also important to make sure you have time to see all the dresses together before the wedding to ensure they complement each other.

Tips for pulling off the 'same colour, different dress' look

• Consider hemlines carefully: Choose either all floor-length gowns, a uniform to-the-knee hem, or a mix of lengths, but make sure there is a good balance of options.
• Don't vary too many features: Only switch up one or two things about each dress, such as the neckline or colour, and keep the rest the same.
• Examine colours on samples, not just swatches: Small swatches often look very different when made up into a gown. Check out full-size samples in daylight and switch out different options until you find a combo you're happy with.
• Tie the look together with identical accessories: Choose a statement necklace or hairpiece, for example, that each bridesmaid can wear.
• Create a visual mood board: Communicate your vision to your bridesmaids by creating a mood board that includes swatch colours, dress silhouettes, and inspiration photos.
• Flowers can pull it all together: Simple, matching bouquets can help tie together different cuts and colours.

Different dress styles and colours

Matching bridesmaids' dresses is a thing of the past. Nowadays, brides are mixing it up with mismatched dresses, allowing each bridesmaid to showcase her unique style and ensuring she's wearing something that makes her feel great. There are three ways to pull off mismatched bridesmaid dresses:

• Different dress styles, same colour: This is the most common type of mismatched bridesmaid dresses. It's a simple way to achieve the trendy mismatched look while keeping things coordinated. This option also allows bridesmaids to choose a style that suits their body type and personal preference.
• Same dress style, different colours: If you can't settle on a single colour, go for a variety! Pick a dress style that suits everyone, like the ever-flattering A-line silhouette, and then decide on a mix of colours that complement each other.
• Mix of dress styles and colours: For a truly unique bridal party look, choose dresses in varying styles and colours. Pick 2-4 colours that go well together, such as different shades of blue, pink or neutrals. To avoid a chaotic appearance, focus on similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines or straps.

To ensure your bridal party still looks cohesive, here are some additional tips:

• Choose one element that's the same across all dresses, such as the fabric type, neckline or colour family.
• Opt for the same dress length for everyone. Mixing short and long dresses can look mismatched.
• Choose your wedding colour palette carefully. Pick colours that look good together and complement your wedding theme.
• Give your bridesmaids direction by creating a vision board or providing sample photos of the style you're going for.
• Tie the look together with identical accessories, such as statement necklaces or hairpieces.

Bridesmaids' comfort and confidence

Allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses can be a great way to ensure they feel confident and comfortable. Each person has a different body shape, and a particular style of dress may suit one person more than another. By letting them select their own dresses, you're ensuring they feel confident in a style that complements their figure. It also allows them to express their individual style and fashion sense. Some may prefer a modest look, while others may opt for something more daring.

There are a few ways to achieve this mismatched look while still maintaining a cohesive bridal party:

• Different dress styles, same color: This is a simple way to achieve a trendy, mismatched look while keeping things coordinated. This option allows your bridesmaids to choose a style that suits them while maintaining uniformity with the same color.
• Same dress style, different colors: If you've found a dress style that you love and want to keep the same silhouette for all, you can still achieve a mismatched look by opting for different colors. You can keep within the same color family, playing with different tones and hues, or choose completely different colors that complement your wedding palette.
• Mix of dress styles and colors: For a truly unique look, you can opt for different dress styles and colors. This option requires more planning but can result in a fun and memorable bridal party look. Choose 2-4 colors that go well together, such as different shades of blue, pink, or neutrals. Focus on similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines, or straps to maintain a cohesive look.

To ensure your bridesmaids' comfort and confidence, it's important to involve them in the decision-making process. Discuss with them their preferences, styles they feel comfortable in, and any concerns they may have. Creating a digital vision board that can be shared with your bridesmaids is a great way to communicate your vision and keep everyone on the same page.

Ultimately, the decision to match or mismatch bridesmaid dresses depends on the wedding's aesthetic, budget, and the couple's personal preference. However, ensuring your bridesmaids' comfort and confidence will contribute to a happy and memorable day for all.

Mismatched accessories

Accessories are a great way to tie together a bridal party's look, even if the bridesmaids are wearing mismatched dresses. Here are some tips for using accessories to create a cohesive look:

• Choose a unifying accessory: Select one accessory, such as a rhinestone belt, hairpiece, statement necklace, or earrings, that all the bridesmaids will wear. This accessory can also be given as a bridesmaid gift.
• Represent dress colours in the bouquet: If the bridesmaids' dresses are different colours, these colours can be represented in their bouquets for stunning photos.
• Use accessories to tie in with the wedding theme: For example, if the wedding has a garden party theme, the bridesmaids could wear hairpieces or jewellery with floral motifs.
• Provide a vision board: Create a digital vision board that includes not just dress examples but also inspiration photos that give an idea of the overall vibe and feel you are going for. This will help the bridesmaids understand the look you are aiming for and allow them to choose accessories that fit the theme.
• Consider matching accessories as a gift: Accessories such as jewellery or hairpieces can be given as bridesmaid gifts and will help to tie the look together.
• Use accessories to make the maid of honour stand out: If you want the maid of honour to stand out from the other bridesmaids, consider giving them a unique accessory, such as a special brooch or hairpiece.

Frequently asked questions