Matching Wedding Parties: Harmonizing Colors For Bridesmaids And Groomsmen

Matching bridesmaids and groomsmen colours is an important part of wedding planning. While some couples prefer to let their bridal party express their own personal style, others opt for a more coordinated approach. One way to achieve this is to pick one colour and let your bridesmaids and groomsmen choose their own styles within that shade. Alternatively, you could select a standard element, such as a black ballgown skirt for the bridesmaids and a matching black tie for the groomsmen. Choosing complementary shades is another way to create a cohesive look, such as navy blue or shades of blush. For a bolder statement, consider mixing and matching colours or incorporating patterns. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what makes the bridal party feel happy and comfortable.

Matching accessories

Ties

One of the most common ways to coordinate groomsmen accessories with the bridesmaids' dresses is by matching the colour of the ties to the dresses. This creates a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. You can also play with different shades of the same colour or try mixing and matching patterned ties that complement the dresses.

Pocket Squares

Pocket squares are another accessory that can be used to match the bridesmaids' dresses. Choose a colour or pattern that ties in with the dresses, adding a fun pop of colour or a subtle accent.

Socks

For a fun surprise, match the groomsmen's socks to the bridesmaids' dresses. This is a great way to add a playful touch, especially if you're going for a more relaxed or whimsical theme.

Jewellery

If your bridesmaids will be wearing jewellery, you can coordinate it with the groomsmen's accessories. For example, if your bridesmaids have gold necklaces, the groomsmen could wear gold cufflinks or tie bars. This creates a cohesive look that ties the bridal party together.

Shoes

Although not always considered an accessory, shoes can also be used to coordinate the bridal party. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing gold shoes, the groomsmen could wear gold pocket squares or tie bars. Alternatively, you could match the colour of the groomsmen's shoes to the dresses or other accessories.

Remember, the key to successful matching is to keep it simple and choose one or two elements that remain the same between the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This will create a stylish and cohesive look for your bridal party.

Mismatched dresses

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular trend, and for good reason. They allow each bridesmaid to choose a style that suits their body type, skin tone, and budget, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident. Here are some tips for pulling off mismatched bridesmaid dresses while still achieving a cohesive look:

Create a Vision Board:

Start by creating a digital vision board that can be shared with your bridesmaids. Include dress examples as well as inspiration photos that capture the overall vibe and feel you are going for. This will give your bridesmaids a clear idea of your vision and help them understand the specific aesthetic you are aiming for.

Order Fabric Swatches:

Narrow down your search by ordering fabric swatches from various bridesmaid dress brands. This will allow you to see how different colors, patterns, and textures look together. Remember that things can appear different online, so having physical swatches to compare is essential.

Determine a Unifying Design Detail:

Even with mismatched dresses, it's important to have at least one consistent element to create cohesiveness. For example, you may give your bridesmaids freedom to choose their preferred style and cut but request that they all wear the same specific color. Alternatively, you can ask them to pick a floral dress to match your wedding theme, even if the styles vary.

Shop From the Same Retailer:

Many brands offer different styles in the same fabric or shades of the same color, making it easier to coordinate a mismatched look. Consider working with a retailer that specializes in bridesmaid ensembles, as they often have stylists available to provide guidance and assistance.

Consider Convertible Dresses:

Convertible gowns can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each bridesmaid to choose the silhouette that makes them feel the most confident. This is an easy way to achieve a mismatched look while ensuring everyone feels comfortable and stylish.

Talk to Your Bridesmaids:

Get input from your bridesmaids about what would make them feel comfortable and confident. Remember, it's your decision, but hearing their opinions can be helpful. Ask about their preferences regarding style, color, and any specific features they may want (or want to avoid).

Consider Hemlines Carefully:

When opting for mismatched dresses, be mindful of hemlines. A mix of lengths and silhouettes can work well, but ensure there is a good balance. Otherwise, photos may look awkward if everyone chooses a long dress except one or vice versa.

Don't Vary Too Many Features:

Stick to changing one or two things about each dress and keep the rest consistent. For example, you can vary the neckline and color but use the same fabric. Or, you can choose different fabrics and necklines but keep the color consistent. This will help maintain a cohesive look without appearing confused or disjointed.

Examine Color on Sample, Not Just Swatches:

When working with different colors, it's important to examine the full-size samples in daylight rather than relying solely on small swatches. Colors can appear different when made up into gowns, so it's best to see the options together to ensure they complement each other.

Tie the Look Together With Identical Accessories:

While alternating colors, styles, or silhouettes, consider adding identical accessories to tie the looks together. This could be a rhinestone belt, a hairpiece, or statement jewellery. You can even incorporate the different colors into the bridesmaid bouquets for a stunning visual effect.

Get Input From Your Bridesmaids:

Remember that the beauty of mismatched dresses is that they allow everyone to feel beautiful and confident. Before assigning specific dresses, talk to your bridesmaids and consider their preferences and concerns. Some may prefer more modest necklines, fitted silhouettes, or certain fabrics. By giving them a choice, you can ensure everyone feels included and valued.

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses offer a unique and personalized touch to your wedding. By following these tips, you can achieve a cohesive and stylish look that celebrates the individuality of each member of your bridal party.

Pick one standard element

Picking one standard element is a simple way to ensure your bridesmaids and groomsmen are colour-coordinated without being overly matched. This could be a specific colour, a colour pattern, or a print. For instance, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties, or vice versa.

An easy way to achieve a cohesive look is by choosing different shades of the same colour. For example, sage green bridesmaid dresses can be paired with light grey groomsmen suits, or black groomsmen suits. Dusty rose bridesmaid dresses also complement grey groomsmen suits well. If you want to add a subtle feminine touch to your wedding colours, this is a great option.

Another option is to match the bridesmaids' accessories to the groomsmen's pocket squares. As these are smaller elements, pulling the same shades of colour together will create a coordinated look without appearing forced.

Gold, beige, and champagne are beautiful, warm-toned neutrals for bridesmaid dresses. These light shades contrast well with black groomsmen suits. You can bring the whole wedding party's look together by coordinating the dress colour with a matching tie.

Black is also an underrated choice for bridesmaid dresses. Everyone looks great in black, and the bride will truly stand out. The groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids can all wear black, creating a stylish and cohesive look.

Complement the venue

Matching your bridesmaids and groomsmen to the venue is a great way to complement the wedding's colour palette and overall aesthetic.

If your wedding is taking place outdoors, consider matching your bridesmaids' dresses to the surrounding environment. For example, if your wedding is in a venue with lush greenery, opt for green hues or complementary colours for your bridesmaids' dresses. Similarly, if your venue features palm trees and a desert landscape, groomsmen in charcoal suits that appear olive green will complement the setting.

You can also draw inspiration from the season and location of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a beach wedding, tan suits for the groomsmen will fit the theme perfectly.

If your wedding has a designated colour palette, such as ombré or jewel tones, you can style your bridesmaids and groomsmen accordingly. For instance, if your wedding has a coastal theme, groomsmen can wear contemporary preppy ensembles that play off the ocean backdrop.

Remember, it's unnecessary to match your bridesmaids and groomsmen perfectly. Instead, focus on choosing complementary colours and styles that tie in with your venue and overall wedding theme.

Mix and match ties

Matching the bridesmaids and groomsmen is a great way to set the tone and personality for your wedding. It is not always possible to completely match your bridal party with so many different shades and fabric types, but there are ways to coordinate your wedding party to achieve a cohesive look.

One way to do this is to pick out your wedding colours and overall theme. It is common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours. You can then use your primary colour for the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen accessories such as ties, pocket squares, and even socks. Ties are the easiest way to match groomsmen to bridesmaids and add a pop of colour to groomsmen, who are often in black, grey, or another neutral-coloured suit.

If you want to get creative, you can match the groomsmen's ties to each of the bridesmaids' dresses if they are different colours. You can also choose matching groomsmen ties that are a few shades off from the dresses. For instance, if your bridesmaid dresses are a pale seafoam, your groomsmen might wear darker teal ties.

Another way to coordinate the bridal party is to choose one element that will remain the same between the two sides of the wedding party. For example, the bridesmaid dress colour could match the design of the groomsmen's ties, or vice versa. You could also choose different shades of the same colour for the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen ties.

If you are going for a more vibrant and individualistic approach, you can mix and match both patterns and colours. Your wedding palette can help with this, as it usually has two main colours and one or more secondary colours. By choosing groomsmen ties from the secondary colour options, you can guarantee that they will complement the bridesmaid dresses while also matching other colours found in the wedding decor.

When selecting the colours and patterns for the groomsmen ties, it is important to keep the complete ensemble in mind. Consider the backdrop of the shirt and the jacket. Do you want a dark tie to pop against a crisp white shirt, or would a muted colour be better? You can also use patterns to add interest and texture to monochromatic looks.

Frequently asked questions