Bridesmaids Dresses: Complimenting The Wedding Gown

Choosing bridesmaid dresses that complement the wedding dress can be a challenging task. It is important to consider the wedding dress style, fabric, colour, and formality when selecting bridesmaid dresses to ensure a cohesive and picture-perfect bridal party look. While the bridesmaids' dresses should complement the wedding dress, they should not be too similar to it, as the bride should stand out. Accessories, such as bouquets, can also help to tie the bridal party's look together. Additionally, it is crucial to keep in mind the different body types, budgets, and preferences of the bridesmaids when making selections.

Choose bridesmaid dresses with the same fabric as your wedding dress

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses that complement the wedding dress, simplicity is key. While it's natural to worry about being overshadowed by your bridesmaids, this is highly unlikely. Instead, focus on selecting dresses that your friends will thank you for.

One way to ensure cohesion is to opt for bridesmaid dresses made from the same fabric as the wedding dress. This can help create a unified look while still allowing for individuality and unique styling. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Lace wedding gown: Matching bridesmaid dresses to a lace wedding gown can be tricky due to its unique texture. You can opt for a bridesmaid dress made entirely of lace or one with lace accents, or choose a dress with embroidery or crocheting, which mimics the appearance of lace.
• Chiffon wedding dress: If you're wearing a romantic and breezy chiffon wedding dress, it's best to keep the bridesmaid dresses in the same airy and light fabric. Avoid heavy materials that may detract from the overall aesthetic.
• Satin wedding gown: Satin is often associated with formality and elegance. To complement your satin wedding dress, choose bridesmaid dresses in fabrics like silk, charmeuse, or taffeta, which offer a similar level of formality and elegance.
• Classic princess ball gown: With this style, you have endless options for bridesmaid dresses. You can play with different colours, lengths, and strap options. Flowing chiffon bridesmaid dresses often pair beautifully with this style of wedding gown.
• Elegant and simple chic wedding dress: If you're going for a clean and minimal look, choose bridesmaid dresses that mirror this simplicity. Avoid dresses with too much volume or full layered skirts, as they may detract from the sleekness of your wedding dress.
• Laid-back bohemian style: For a bohemian bridal gown, choose bridesmaid dresses that embody a similar laid-back vibe. Spaghetti straps or flutter sleeves can add a touch of casual elegance to complement your bridal look.
• Fit and flare shape: This style is perfect for showcasing your figure, and your bridesmaids can rock a similar silhouette with less dramatic flares. These fit-and-flare styles flatter all figures and create a cohesive bridal party look.

Remember, while choosing the same fabric can help create a unified bridal party, it's not the only option. You can also play with different colours, styles, and embellishments to create a stunning and diverse bridal party that complements your wedding dress.

Opt for dresses with a similar neckline to yours

Opting for bridesmaids' dresses with a similar neckline to the bride's dress is a great way to create a cohesive bridal party look. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose a Flattering Neckline

Firstly, consider the venue, season, accessories, hairstyle, and body types of your bridesmaids when selecting a neckline. Different necklines suit different body types and can enhance certain features. For example, petite bridesmaids may look best in a sweetheart or V-neck neckline, while a bateau or boatneck neckline can elegantly showcase the collarbones of taller bridesmaids. Additionally, ensure that the neckline flatters the bust and shoulder areas of your bridesmaids. For instance, a V-neck can elongate the neck and enhance the silhouette, while a high neckline can provide more coverage for those who want it.

Match the Neckline Style

While you don't want to exactly replicate your bridal gown's neckline, try to match its style. If your dress has a straight neckline, your bridesmaids could wear a slight variation, such as a sweetheart or semi-sweetheart neckline. This way, you achieve a coordinated look without being too matchy-matchy.

Consider the Fabric and Details

The fabric and details of the bridesmaids' dresses can also help complement the bridal gown. For example, if your dress has a unique texture like lace, the bridesmaids' dresses could incorporate lace accents or embroidery to create a similar look without being identical. Additionally, consider adding embellishments to the bridesmaids' dresses that complement any beautiful embellishments on your wedding gown. For instance, if your dress has beads and embroidery, the bridesmaids' dresses could feature pleats or layers of fabric.

Keep it Simple

Remember, simplicity is essential when it comes to bridesmaids' dresses. You want your bridal party to look beautiful and coordinated, but the focus should ultimately be on the bride. So, while matching the neckline style and considering complementary fabrics and details, ensure that the overall design of the bridesmaids' dresses remains simple and elegant.

By following these tips, you can achieve a stylish and cohesive bridal party look, with the bridesmaids' dresses tastefully complementing your wedding dress.

Select a colour that complements your wedding dress

Selecting a colour for your bridesmaids' dresses that complements your wedding dress is a key part of achieving a cohesive bridal party look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colour:

Consider the Season and Venue

Think about the season and venue of your wedding when selecting the colour of your bridesmaids' dresses. For example, velvet burgundy gowns would be perfect for an autumnal wedding at a barn, while baby pink satin designs would be ideal for outdoor nuptials in the spring. If you're getting married on a beach, opt for fun, flirty, and short dresses in soft, flowy fabrics like chiffon. Navy is another versatile shade that works for any setting, season, or theme, whether it's a seaside escape in the summer or an autumnal bash in the forest.

Choose a Complementary Colour Scheme

When selecting the colour for your bridesmaids' dresses, opt for shades that complement your wedding dress without matching it too closely. If your wedding dress is white, you can choose nude-coloured bridesmaid dresses that won't contrast too much with your gown. Alternatively, if your wedding dress is coloured, choose bridesmaid dresses in complementary shades. For instance, if your wedding dress is light blue, you can have your bridesmaids wear different shades of blue to create a stunning ombre effect.

Take Into Account Your Bridesmaids' Complexions

It's important to consider your bridesmaids' complexions when selecting a colour for their dresses. While you want the colour to complement your wedding dress, it should also flatter your bridesmaids' skin tones. Popular shades that tend to suit a range of complexions include navy blue, blush pink, deep purple, and teal.

Match the Colour Scheme of the Venue

To make your bridesmaids stand out, consider the colour scheme of the venue when choosing their dress colour. Select a shade that will complement the surroundings and create a beautiful contrast. This will not only make your bridesmaids look stunning but will also enhance your wedding photos.

Coordinate with the Groomsmen

If you want a cohesive look for your bridal party, you can choose a colour for your bridesmaids' dresses that the groomsmen can also wear. This will create a unified appearance for your wedding party and add to the overall aesthetic of your special day.

Avoid bridesmaid dresses that are too similar to yours

When choosing bridesmaid dresses, it's important to strike a balance between complementing the wedding dress and maintaining a unique bridal look. While it's natural to want your bridesmaids to look similar to you on your special day, taking care when selecting their dresses will ensure that you, as the bride, stand out. Here are some tips to avoid bridesmaid dresses that are too similar to yours:

• Choose a Different Neckline: If your wedding dress has a particular neckline, opt for a similar but slightly different neckline for the bridesmaid dresses. This will create a sense of connectivity without being too matchy. For example, if your dress has a sweetheart neckline, consider a straight or plainer neckline for your bridesmaids.
• Avoid Identical Fabric: While coordinating fabric can be a great way to match your bridesmaids to your dress, be cautious of using the same fabric. If your wedding dress is made of lace, chiffon, tulle, or satin, consider a different fabric for the bridesmaid dresses. This will add variety to the overall bridal party look.
• Emphasise Unique Details: Instead of focusing on similarity, emphasise the unique details of your wedding dress. For instance, if your dress has ruffled sleeves, opt for a different sleeve style for the bridesmaids. This will ensure that your dress stands out while still creating a cohesive bridal party aesthetic.
• Pre-select Options: If you want to give your bridesmaids some freedom in choosing their dresses, provide them with pre-selected options. Offer a range of colours, styles, or designers that complement your wedding dress, and let them pick their favourites. This will prevent any last-minute surprises and ensure that the chosen bridesmaid dresses enhance your bridal look.
• Accessorise Differently: Accessories can be a powerful tool to differentiate the bride from the bridesmaids. If the dresses are already quite similar, opt for distinct accessories to create a clear contrast. Alternatively, if the dresses are more contrasting, using matching accessories is a good way to bring everyone together.
• Consider the Venue and Season: Take into account the season, venue, and aesthetic of your wedding when selecting bridesmaid dresses. For example, velvet gowns may suit an autumnal barn wedding, while chiffon dresses are perfect for a beach wedding. This will ensure that your bridesmaids' dresses complement not only your dress but also the overall theme and atmosphere of your special day.

Use accessories to tie the bridal party's look together

Accessories are a great way to tie the bridal party's look together. This can be a fun part of the wedding planning process, reflecting you as a couple and setting the mood for the rest of the day.

Firstly, decide on your wedding colour palette. You might have primary colours and secondary "accent" colours. Then, choose your bridesmaids' dress colours from your palette. You could opt for the same colour bridesmaid dresses or go for a mismatched look, incorporating more of your wedding colours.

Now, it's time to choose accessories. You could have the groomsmen wear ties, pocket squares, or socks that match the bridesmaids' dress colour. If you want to avoid an overly matchy-matchy look, you could instead opt for different shades of the same colour. For example, the bridesmaids could wear a light shade of blue, and the groomsmen could wear navy.

If you want to add more accessories, consider the following:

• Jewellery: Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can all help to tie the bridal party's look together. You could opt for statement jewellery or something more subtle, depending on your preference and the style of your dress.
• Shoes: The bridesmaids' shoes don't have to match the dresses exactly, but they can complement them. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing light blue dresses, they could wear silver shoes to add a modern twist.
• Hair accessories: Headbands, hair clips, and combs can all be used to accessorise and tie in with the bridal party's look.
• Belts: A belt in a contrasting colour to the bridesmaids' dresses can add interest and help to define the waist.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to style your bridal party. The most important thing is that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident.

Frequently asked questions