Bridesmaids' Guide: Coordination Tips For A Perfect Wedding

Coordinating bridesmaids' outfits is a key part of wedding planning. While it's unrealistic to expect a perfect match, given the variety of shades and fabric types, there are several ways to achieve a cohesive look. One option is to choose a colour palette with primary and secondary 'accent' colours, which can be used for both bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. Another approach is to opt for matching dress styles or similar shades of the same colour. For a bolder statement, consider different styles and colours, perhaps reflecting the season, such as autumnal reds and oranges, or pastel shades for a spring wedding. Prints, textures and embellishments can also be used to create a unique look, with the maid of honour standing out by wearing a different texture.

Choosing a colour palette

It's common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours, giving you endless possibilities for creative touches. You and your partner should choose from around three to five colours for your wedding palette. Then, you can solidify one to two primary colours, which will be used predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will determine the colours for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Consider what your primary colour would look like as a suit or a dress to make sure you love it.

If you want a classic, coordinated look, consider a bridal party shade that's naturally found in nature, like Chaniti, Cinnamon, Juniper, or Quartz. You can match your bridesmaids' dresses with your groomsmen's ties or bow ties. For a more unique look, let your creativity flow by mixing and matching bridesmaid colours, fabrics, and styles to create a one-of-a-kind look. This works especially well for mixed-gender bridal parties. To successfully craft an eclectic party, try picking colours with the same level of saturation and undertone.

Ordering samples of your bridesmaids' and groomsmen's elements is a great way to look at the fabrics and colours together. Be sure to order a few different bridesmaid dress fabric swatches so you can see how your favourite colours look in different fabric types. Colour swatches also make it easy to coordinate your bridesmaids with the groomsmen, and they can be handed off to your vendors for colour-matching.

Selecting bridesmaids' dresses

Pick your wedding colour palette

The first step is to choose your wedding colours and overall theme. These colours will be used throughout your wedding, from the decorations to the outfits, so it's important to spend time on this decision. You're not limited to just two or three colours; it's common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours. We recommend choosing 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, so you have plenty of options to play with.

Decide on your primary wedding colours

Once you've chosen your wedding palette, it's time to select 1-2 primary colours. These colours will be used predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will help determine the colours of your bridesmaids' dresses. Consider what these colours would look like as a dress to ensure you love them.

Mix and match colours and styles

If you want your bridal party to have a coordinated look, consider matching your bridesmaids' dresses with the groomsmen's ties, bow ties, or pocket squares. You can also mix and match different colours, fabrics, and styles to create a unique and eclectic look, especially if you have a mixed-gender bridal party. To successfully craft an eclectic party, try picking colours with the same saturation and undertone.

Complementary colours

If you want a more balanced approach, opt for colours that complement each other. You can find a range of colours made to match, from neutral shades to bright hues.

Order swatches

Ordering fabric swatches is a great way to see the colours and fabrics together and make coordinating your bridal party super easy. Be sure to order swatches in different fabrics so you can see how your chosen colours look in various types.

Get creative with shades and textures

You don't have to stick to just one shade of your primary colours. Feel free to mix and match different shades of your chosen colours to make your bridesmaids feel extra special. You can also play around with textures, such as velvet, lace, satin, sequins, and ruffles. For example, you can have your bridesmaids wear the same colour but in different textures or vice versa.

Coordinating with groomsmen

Coordinating your groomsmen with your bridesmaids is usually a simple task! Groomsmen suits are typically made in neutral tones, with black, navy blue, and grey being the most popular colours. These colours are easy to coordinate with bridesmaid dresses. You can even choose groomsmen ties that match the bridesmaid dresses exactly.

If you want to get creative, groomsmen suits come in many other colours, which may take a little more effort to coordinate but are more unique. Cream, white, red, and beige are interesting options for groomsmen suits. Tan suits are especially nice for a beach wedding. You could even do a pattern if your groomsmen want to be bold.

Black suits are a classic choice, especially in autumn and winter. They coordinate well with almost any bridesmaid dress colour, especially darker and deeper tones. Grey is a nice, lighter alternative to black suits and is a good neutral colour that goes with most dress colours. We especially love grey suits with lighter-coloured dresses. Navy blue groomsmen suits provide a nice contrast with warm-coloured bridesmaid dresses, and we also love when groomsmen wear navy and bridesmaids wear other cool-toned colours like blue or green.

Ties are the easiest way to match groomsmen to bridesmaids. Ties are also a great way to add a pop of colour to groomsmen who are often in black, grey, or another neutral-coloured suit.

To achieve a coordinated look, you could choose different shades of the same colour. You could also match the bridesmaids' accessories to the groomsmen's pocket squares. Because these are smaller elements, when pulling the same shades of colour, it perfectly ties the two together without looking forced.

Planning pre-wedding events

Engagement Parties

The engagement party may be the first pre-wedding celebration. It is usually an intimate event held at the host's home, a restaurant, or a special venue. It is traditionally hosted by the bride's parents, but any relative or friend of the couple may organise it. Some couples have two parties—one for family and one for friends. It is proper etiquette to celebrate with family first. It is common to have multiple engagement parties, especially if you have loved ones in different cities. Unlike wedding showers, guests do not have to bring gifts, but they often do.

Bridal/Wedding Showers

Bridal showers are women-only celebrations, whereas wedding showers are co-ed events. Wedding showers are also known as 'Jack and Jill' parties. During a bridal shower, female friends and family members bring gifts and play games. Wedding showers are similar, but the groom and his friends and family attend too. Couples may opt for a wedding shower if they have friends or family visiting from far away or if the bride wants male friends or relatives to attend. Wedding showers are usually planned by a close friend, family member, or a combination of both, and they usually take place one to three months before the wedding.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are a fun way for the bridal party to celebrate with the bride or groom. They usually take place a few weeks before the wedding. While some are still treated as a 'last hoorah', the goal of this event is to celebrate however the bride or groom prefers. There are various thoughts on who covers expenses, so the best way to avoid surprises is to ensure everyone is on the same page about the budget and activities.

Bridal Brunch/Bridesmaids Luncheon

The bridal brunch, or bridesmaids luncheon, is hosted a few days before the wedding. It is the bride's opportunity to thank the women in her life who have helped with the wedding planning. It is usually hosted by the bride, but mothers, in-laws, or other female relatives can also host or co-host. It is customary for the host to invite a few friends who are also attending the wedding to join the meal.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is usually the largest event in the pre-wedding period. It is a gathering that allows the wedding party and families to get acquainted. While all pre-wedding events are optional, having an organised rehearsal dinner can be beneficial and fun! The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, but some couples hold it two nights before to give everyone a chance to recuperate. The dinner is a chance for families to spend time together in a relaxed setting and for the couple to give gifts to the wedding party and parents.

Welcome Party

The welcome party is the final event before the wedding. Like the rehearsal dinner, it is an opportunity for friends and family travelling from out of town to mingle. It is open to all wedding guests but does not require their attendance.

Being supportive

Emotional Support

It is important to be emotionally supportive of the bride throughout the planning process and on the big day. Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's key to be there for the bride and ensure she feels calm and cared for. Offer to help early on and throughout the process.

Be Available

Make yourself available for dress fittings, pre-wedding events, and any other wedding-related tasks. This includes attending the rehearsal dinner and any other wedding-weekend events.

Be Proactive

Take the initiative and be proactive in offering help. Ask about specific tasks you can take on rather than asking what needs to be done in general. Be available to visit the wedding venue, meet the wedding coordinator, and be a point of contact on the day for any issues.

Be Positive

Stay upbeat and positive throughout the process. Solving problems as they arise and ensuring the bride feels cherished and supported is essential. Keep any drama or tension away from the couple, and be flexible and patient.

Practical Support

There are many practical ways to support the bride, such as helping with pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party. You can also support the maid of honour in organising these events. It is customary to give a gift, such as a spa day, or contribute to a larger gift for the couple.

Be Respectful

While you can offer ideas and suggestions, it is important to respect the bride's vision and adhere to her preferences. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the wedding, such as the attire, it is best to bring it up early on rather than derailing plans later.

Keep the Bride Calm

On the wedding day, it is your job to keep the bride as calm as possible. Help her stay hydrated and fed, and assist her with her dress, shoes, and jewellery. Keep an eye on the time and the overall atmosphere, and ensure the bride has everything she needs for her photos.

Frequently asked questions