Bridesmaid Style: Mixing Colors And Personal Taste

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and one of the most important is choosing the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. While it was once traditional for bridesmaids to wear identical dresses, many brides now opt for a mix-and-match look, allowing their bridesmaids to express their individual style while still adhering to a colour scheme. When selecting a colour, it's essential to consider the skin tones of the bridesmaids, the wedding theme, and the season. For example, pastel colours are popular for spring weddings, while richer jewel tones are more common in winter. Ultimately, the choice of how many colours and how many bridesmaids is up to the bride and can be tailored to fit the unique style of each wedding.

Choosing bridesmaid dress colours to complement the wedding palette

Choosing the colour of your bridesmaids' dresses is one of the most important tasks on your wedding to-do list. The palette of your wedding party attire will likely determine the rest of your decor, like flowers, tablescapes, and even lighting. So, how do you choose the right colour to complement your wedding palette?

Firstly, consider the seasonality of your wedding. The time of year is a great starting point to narrow down a colour palette and set the overall theme. Bright tropical hues work well in summer, pastels lend themselves to spring, warmer tones channel the colours of autumn, and rich jewel tones are best in winter. For example, butter yellow is a great choice for a summer wedding, while jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are perfect for winter.

The location of your wedding is another factor to consider. If you're planning a beach wedding, you might opt for a shade that will stand out against the white sand, like fuschia or orange. On the other hand, if your wedding is taking place in a forest, neutral-coloured gowns may be a better choice as they won't clash with the surrounding greenery. For an upscale hotel wedding, classic black dresses are always a good option.

You'll also want to think about the skin tones and complexions of your bridesmaids. Not every colour will flatter everyone, so it's important to find a hue that suits the entire bridal party. One way to achieve a cohesive look while still catering to different skin tones is to incorporate different tints of the same colour. For example, if you choose blue, your bridesmaids could wear powder blue, navy, and cobalt, depending on what looks best on them. If you prefer a monochromatic look, opt for a universally flattering colour like dark teal or maroon.

Finally, your wedding theme will influence your colour choices. For a boho-chic wedding, choose warm colours like rust, brown, burgundy, and deep mustard. For a city rooftop celebration, lean into Kelly green or royal blue. Black is also a versatile option that will complement almost any theme.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a colour that you and your bridesmaids feel confident and beautiful in. With careful consideration and a bit of creativity, you can easily find bridesmaid dress colours that perfectly complement your wedding palette.

Selecting a colour that suits all skin tones

When selecting a colour that suits all skin tones, it's important to remember that everyone's skin tone is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by considering a few key factors, you can choose a colour that will complement a range of skin tones and complexions. Here are some tips to help you select a colour that will suit all your bridesmaids:

Determine the Undertones

The first step is to understand the undertones of your bridesmaids' skin. There are three main undertones: cool, warm, and neutral. Cool undertones include pink and bluish hues, while warm undertones range from peach to yellow and golden. If your bridesmaids have neutral undertones, their veins may appear colourless, and they can usually wear a variety of colours without affecting their overall look.

Consider the Veins

An easy way to determine undertones is by looking at the veins on the wrist. Blue or purple veins suggest cool undertones, green veins indicate warm undertones, and blue-green veins are typical of neutral undertones. Knowing the undertones will help you choose colours that complement each bridesmaid's unique skin tone.

Choose a Flattering Colour

Some colours tend to flatter a wide range of skin tones. Rich, deeper tones like dark teal and maroon are universally flattering and can be paired with different tints to maintain a cohesive look while catering to various skin tones. Colours like black, royal blue, and dusty rose are also versatile and elegant choices.

Avoid Pastel Colours

Pastel colours, such as pale yellow and mint green, can be challenging to pair with a variety of complexions. They may wash out certain skin tones, so it's best to steer clear of them when trying to accommodate multiple skin tones.

Consider the Season and Venue

The season and venue of the wedding can also influence your colour choice. For a summer barn wedding, opt for light and earthy tones like dark sage, taupe, and terracotta. Beach weddings call for pastel colours and sunset hues like pale yellow, powder blue, and lavender.

Experiment and Get Feedback

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and get feedback from your bridesmaids. Hold different fabric swatches up to their faces to see which colours make their skin glow and which ones wash them out. You can also refer to a colour wheel to understand which colours complement different undertones.

Ultimately, the most important factor is that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident in the colour you choose. So, trust your instincts and don't be afraid to break the rules if you find a colour that suits everyone's skin tone and style.

Matching the colour to the wedding season

When it comes to choosing a colour for your bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to consider the season in which your wedding will take place. The time of year is a great way to narrow down your colour palette and set the overall theme.

For a spring wedding, shades of green, pink, blue, and neutral are all popular choices. These colours complement the lush florals and greenery of the season. Pastel shades, such as baby blue and soft pink, are also a perfect subtle pop of colour for spring.

Summer calls for vibrant colours and soft, breezy fabrics. Yellow and orange are great choices to channel the cheerful vibes of sunny weather. For a beach wedding, oceanic-inspired hues like coral and light blue are a perfect choice.

If you're planning an autumn wedding, let the foliage guide your colour palette. Warm shades of gold, copper, and brown will offer the ideal complement to the changing leaves, especially for a rustic outdoor celebration. Rich shades of red and rosy hues are also a lovely choice for fall.

For a winter wedding, rich jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are a popular choice, as are classics like navy and black. Shimmering champagne-coloured gowns are also a stylish option for the colder months.

No matter the season, it's important to consider the skin tones of your bridesmaids when choosing a dress colour. Warmer tones like rust, brown, and burgundy tend to suit a variety of complexions, while pastel colours can be more challenging to pair with different skin tones.

Considering the wedding venue when choosing a colour

When choosing the colour of your bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to consider the wedding venue. The location will set the tone and help determine the colour palette for the dresses.

For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you may want to choose light and airy colours that complement the seaside setting, such as pastel shades or colours inspired by the sunset like pale yellow, powder blue, or lavender. On the other hand, for a barn wedding, especially one that's an indoor/outdoor affair in the summer, earthy tones like dark sage, taupe, and terracotta would be a perfect fit.

The season of your wedding is also a factor to keep in mind. Darker shades like deep greens or blues are more suitable for winter, while summertime weddings call for brighter colours like fuchsia, corals, and offbeat shades.

If you're having an outdoor wedding, the colour options are almost endless. You can choose from a range of beautiful hues like forest green, emerald, teal, steel blue, or beige to suit the surrounding natural environment.

For a city rooftop celebration, consider bolder colours like Kelly green or royal blue. These colours will pop against the urban backdrop and create a stylish statement for your bridal party.

Ultimately, the venue and setting of your wedding will play a crucial role in determining the colour scheme for your bridesmaids' dresses. By taking into account the location, season, and overall theme of your wedding, you can choose colours that not only complement the venue but also ensure your bridal party looks stunning and cohesive.

Mix-and-match vs. matching dresses

There are several ways to approach the question of mix-and-match vs. matching bridesmaid dresses. Each approach has its own advantages and considerations. Here is a detailed look at the topic:

Matching Dresses

Matching dresses for bridesmaids have been a long-standing tradition. This approach offers a visually cohesive look for the bridal party, ensuring everyone is dressed uniformly. However, in recent times, brides have been embracing more creative approaches, including mix-and-match dresses, to add a unique twist to their wedding.

Mix-and-Match Dresses

The mix-and-match trend allows each bridesmaid to showcase their unique style and personality. It also offers practical benefits, such as accommodating different body shapes, comfort levels, and budget constraints. There are three main variations to this approach:

• Different dress styles, same color: This is the most common type of mix-and-match, offering variety while keeping things visually simple. Each bridesmaid can choose a style that suits their figure and preferences, ensuring a harmonious blend of silhouettes.
• Same dress style, different colors: This approach allows for a vibrant variety of colors while maintaining uniformity in the dress style. The bride can specify a balanced mix of colors for each bridesmaid to ensure a cohesive and complementary look.
• Mix of dress styles and colors: For a truly unique and memorable bridal party look, this option combines different dress styles and colors. The key to pulling off this diverse look is to start with 2-4 colors that complement each other, such as different shades of blue, pink, or neutral tones. It's important to maintain similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines, or straps to create a cohesive yet varied ensemble.

Considerations for Both Approaches

Regardless of the approach you choose, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Skin tone and complexion: Different colors suit different skin tones. It's essential to consider the complexions of your bridesmaids and choose hues that flatter everyone. A style expert can guide you in selecting colors that complement your wedding theme and your bridesmaids' skin tones.
• Wedding theme and season: Your wedding theme and the season of your celebration can influence your color choices. For example, a boho chic wedding may call for warm colors like rust, brown, and burgundy, while a city rooftop celebration might lean towards Kelly green or royal blue.
• Cohesiveness: Even with mix-and-match dresses, it's essential to maintain a sense of cohesiveness. You can achieve this by choosing one unifying element across all the dresses, such as the fabric type, neckline, or a specific color palette.
• Bridesmaids' preferences: It's important to consult your bridesmaids and consider their preferences. They will feel more confident and comfortable if their opinions are considered, even if you make the final decision.

Ultimately, the decision to go with matching or mix-and-match dresses depends on your wedding's aesthetic, budget, and your personal preference as a couple. Both options can be equally stunning and memorable, so feel free to get creative and make choices that align with your vision for your special day.

Frequently asked questions