Rhiannon Hendricks
Creating a cohesive bridal party look is a challenging task. The key to choosing bridesmaid dresses that complement the bride's wedding gown is to consider the style, fabric, colour, and embellishments of the gown. For instance, if the wedding dress is vintage-inspired, trendy bridesmaid dresses with modern silhouettes might look awkward. Similarly, if the wedding gown has a plunging neckline, a different neckline for the bridesmaids is recommended to avoid taking attention away from the bride. The fabric of the wedding dress is also important – chiffon bridesmaid dresses might not pair well with a chiffon wedding gown, and instead, satin or silk could be a better choice. Bridesmaids' dresses should also match the formality of the wedding gown. For instance, boho bridesmaid dresses might look out of place with a ball gown wedding dress. Ultimately, the bridesmaid dresses should enhance the overall aesthetic and theme of the wedding and elevate the bridal presence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Chiffon, lace, tulle, satin, crepe, velvet, silk, charmeuse, taffeta |
| Color | Red, purple, black, ivory, white, blue |
| Style | Modern, vintage, whimsical, romantic, bold, trendy, boho, ball gown, mermaid |
| Details | Embellishments, rhinestones, beads, embroidery, pleats, layers, ruffled sleeves |
| Neckline | Plunging, sweetheart, straight, notched, strapless, V-neck |
| Length | Full-length, floor-length |
| Silhouette | A-line, fit-and-flare, mermaid, column |
| Formality | Black-tie, desert-chic, beach |
| Accessories | Hairpiece, necklace, bouquet |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a different neckline for your bridesmaids
When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses, it's important to consider the wedding dress style. If your wedding dress has a plunging neckline, opt for a different neckline for your bridesmaids. Here are some tips for choosing a different neckline for your bridesmaids:
- Square necklines: Square necklines are versatile and can complement various body shapes, including pear and rectangular. They are also suitable for those with square face shapes as they highlight strong jawlines. Square necklines are classic and timeless, flattering for bridesmaids of any age.
- Sweetheart necklines: Sweetheart necklines are universally flattering and suit most body types, especially pear, hourglass, and rectangle shapes. They are also ideal for heart and round face shapes as they balance out the jaws and provide a youthful appearance.
- V-necklines: V-necklines are extremely versatile and pair well with every body shape. Deeper V-necks suit apple and rectangle body types, while pear shapes are flattered by higher V-necks.
- Off-shoulder necklines: Off-shoulder necklines are a great choice for bridesmaids who want to look younger. They draw attention to the face, so good hair and makeup can enhance this style.
- Boat neck and collar neck: These styles are ideal for bridesmaids with narrow shoulders as they add depth to the collarbone area.
- Plunging necklines: Conversely, broad-shouldered bridesmaids may prefer a plunging neckline, such as a wide scoop or V-neck, to reduce attention to their shoulders.
When mixing and matching necklines, it is essential to keep the colours or silhouettes of the bridesmaid dresses constant to achieve a stylish and modern look. Additionally, consider the comfort and preferences of your bridesmaids. Some may prefer sleeveless styles and high necklines, while others might favour strapless or off-the-shoulder looks.
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Mimic embellishments without copying
When it comes to pairing your wedding gown with your bridesmaids' dresses, you want to stand out without overshadowing your bridesmaids, and vice versa. The key to achieving this balance is to coordinate without matching exactly. Here are some tips to help you mimic embellishments without copying them:
Embellishments
If your wedding gown is embellished with beads, crystals, sequins, rhinestones, or embroidery, you can choose bridesmaid dresses with similar but more subtle embellishments. For example, opt for dresses with pleats or layers of fabric. This will give the bridesmaids' attire an interesting look that complements your style without being too matchy-matchy.
Necklines
Avoid having your bridesmaids wear dresses with the same neckline as your wedding gown. If your dress has a plunging or sweetheart neckline, choose a simpler, less dramatic neckline for your bridesmaids. A straight neckline or a strapless style can be a good alternative.
Fabric
While it's convenient to choose bridesmaid dresses made of the same fabric as your wedding gown, it can make the bridal party look like they're cut from the same mould. Instead, opt for complementary fabrics. For example, if your wedding gown is chiffon, choose satin or silk bridesmaid dresses. If your gown is lace, look for dresses with embroidery or crocheting, which mimic the appearance of lace without being an exact match.
Colour and Cut
Avoid harsh colours and dramatic cuts for the bridesmaids' dresses, as these can detract from the details on your wedding gown. Steer clear of dresses that mimic the most memorable details of your gown. For instance, if your dress is off-the-shoulder, avoid putting your bridesmaids in dresses with similar details in the shoulder area, such as capped sleeves or single straps.
Prints
If done right, printed bridesmaid gowns can look incredible next to your wedding dress. The key is to choose a print that coordinates with the style of your gown. For example, if your dress is made of lace, a printed fabric that mimics the pattern of the lace can create a stunning effect.
Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive bridal party look that complements your wedding gown without blending in. By following these tips, you can achieve a well-balanced and stylish aesthetic for your special day.
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Avoid matching the fabric
While it is possible to match the fabric of the bridesmaids' dresses with the wedding gown, it is not necessary. In fact, mixing fabrics is a great way to add variety to your wedding day look. For instance, you could pair satin with lace, chiffon with crepe, or silk with cotton.
If you are wearing a chiffon gown, it is best to keep the bridesmaids' dresses equally airy. However, you don't want to end up with a chaotic mix of clashing pieces. To avoid this, decide on a route you want to take. For example, you could have different styles in the same colour, different colours in the same style, or different colours and styles.
If you are wearing a formal wedding gown, the bridesmaids' dresses should also be formal. For instance, satin is a formal fabric, while chiffon is more casual. If you are wearing a casual wedding dress, the bridesmaids' dresses can be casual too.
If you are set on having a cohesive look, you could have the bridesmaids wear the same gown in different colours, or the same colour in different silhouettes. You could also give them a fabric swatch of your chosen hue to ensure their dresses are in the same colour family.
If you want to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, be specific with your guidelines. For example, you could ask them to wear a specific colour or a floor-length dress.
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Keep the formality of the gown in mind
The formality of the wedding gown should be reflected in the bridesmaid dresses. If the wedding dress is a full-length ball gown with a voluminous silhouette, the bridesmaids should also wear full-length dresses with luxe details. On the other hand, if the wedding dress is chiffon, light, and breezy, the bridesmaids' dresses should also be airy and polished, perhaps in silk, charmeuse, or taffeta.
If the wedding dress is vintage-inspired, the bridesmaids should avoid modern silhouettes and trendy gowns. Instead, they should opt for classic styles that complement the vintage theme. Similarly, if the wedding dress is whimsical and romantic, flowy fabrics and ruffled sleeves for the bridesmaids would be a perfect match. For a bold and trendy wedding dress, the bridesmaids can wear mismatched dresses with different textures or fashionable jumpsuits.
The bridesmaids' dresses should also consider the unique details of the wedding gown. If the wedding dress has a plunging neckline, the bridesmaids' dresses should have a different neckline to ensure the bride stands out. The same principle applies to embellishments, where the bridesmaids' dresses should not be as blinged-out as the wedding dress. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid choosing bridesmaid dresses that mimic the most memorable details of the wedding gown, such as off-the-shoulder styles or capped sleeves. Instead, opt for a strapless style or a straight neckline to complement a sweetheart neckline on the wedding dress.
While it is important to maintain a cohesive bridal party look, the bridesmaids' dresses should not be too matchy-matchy with the wedding gown. Instead of choosing the same fabric, opt for complementary fabrics. For example, if the wedding gown is chiffon, the bridesmaids can wear satin or silk. This adds variety to the bridal party while still maintaining a coordinated aesthetic.
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Decide on a cohesive mismatched look
Deciding on a cohesive mismatched look for your bridesmaids can be a great way to incorporate each person's unique style and body type. It can also be a way to avoid the stress of choosing a single outfit that suits everyone. However, it can be challenging to execute, and you run the risk of a disjointed-looking wedding party if not done right.
To achieve a cohesive mismatched look, it's important to decide on at least one consistent element between each outfit. This could be the same colour in different silhouettes, or different colours in the same silhouette. You could also mix and match printed and solid-coloured gowns while sticking to the same colour palette.
If you're worried about your bridesmaids choosing different shades of the same colour, you can pre-select the colours and necklines that you like, and then let them pick their preferred piece. You could also decide on a specific accessory, like a hairpiece or necklace, to tie the different ensembles together.
Another way to achieve a cohesive look is to focus on varying only one or two elements of the dress. For example, you could have your bridesmaids wear the same gown in different colours, or the same colour in different styles.
Remember, it's important to be involved in the selection process to ensure the different styles complement each other. Ordering fabric swatches can also help you decide on colours and fabrics that work well together.
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Frequently asked questions
The key to choosing bridesmaid dresses that complement your wedding gown is to consider the style of your gown. If your wedding dress is vintage-inspired, it would be best to avoid modern silhouettes for your bridesmaids. If your wedding dress is whimsical and romantic, consider flowy fabrics and ruffled sleeves for your bridesmaids. If your wedding dress has a plunging neckline, be sure to pick a different neckline for your bridesmaids. You can also mimic the embellishments on your dress without completely copying it. For example, if your dress has beads and embroidery, opt for bridesmaid dresses with pleats or layers of fabric.
While it's perfectly acceptable to select bridesmaid dresses of different lengths, make sure there's a balanced mix. For example, if everyone opts for a long gown except for one person, your photos may look a bit awkward. If you're alternating colours, styles, or silhouettes, it's important to have one component that ties all the different ensembles together. This can be in the form of an accessory, such as a hairpiece or necklace.
If your wedding dress is chiffon, avoid chiffon bridesmaid dresses and instead opt for satin or silk. If your wedding dress is lace, you can either look for a lace bridesmaid dress or go for one with embroidery or crocheting, which will mimic the appearance of lace.
Whether you're going for a romantic garden affair, a glamorous black-tie event, or a bohemian beach celebration, your bridal style is your roadmap. If you're wearing an ivory or white wedding dress, it's best to pair it with colourful bridesmaid dresses to avoid clashing.
