Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses: Creating A Cohesive Look

There are several ways to ensure that bridesmaids' dresses look good together. One way is to have the bridesmaids wear different styles of dresses in the same colour. This allows each bridesmaid to showcase their unique style and choose a design that flatters their figure. Another option is to opt for a uniform dress style but include varying colours. This can be a great way to incorporate each person's personal style and preference while still maintaining a cohesive look. Alternatively, for a truly unique bridal party look, consider choosing dresses in varying styles and colours. This option requires more planning but can result in a fun and memorable aesthetic. To ensure the dresses complement each other, it is recommended to pick 2-4 colours that go well together and focus on similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines, or straps.

Same colour, different dress styles

If you want your bridesmaids to wear the same colour but different dress styles, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the bridal party looks cohesive.

Firstly, it is recommended that your bridesmaids choose gowns from the same designer so that the colour is an exact match. You could also opt to pre-select the dresses, necklines, and colours that you like, and then let your bridesmaids choose their favourite among your preset choices.

Secondly, keep at least one element consistent across all the dresses. This could be the fabric, such as chiffon or satin, or the neckline, silhouette, hemline, or sleeve length. Keeping the hemlines floor-length is also a good way to ensure the dresses look consistent when standing side by side.

Thirdly, consider the accessories and bouquets. Jewellery, shoes, hair accessories, hairstyles, makeup, and bouquets can all help tie the mismatched bridesmaids' looks together.

Finally, don't forget to involve your bridesmaids in the decision-making process. It's important that they feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing, so be open to discussing any concerns they may have.

Same colour, different necklines

If you want your bridesmaids to wear the same colour but different necklines, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the dresses look good together.

Firstly, it's important to choose a colour that suits all your bridesmaids and that they feel comfortable in. You might want to create a mood board with swatches and photos to communicate your vision clearly. It's also a good idea to pick a colour that complements your wedding colour palette and theme.

When it comes to different necklines, consider your bridesmaids' preferences and body types. For example, one of your bridesmaids might prefer a dress with straps, while another might feel more comfortable in a strapless style. By allowing them to choose their own necklines, you can ensure that everyone feels confident and comfortable.

To maintain a cohesive look, try to keep other elements of the dresses the same, such as the fabric, length, and silhouette. This will help to create a unified look while still allowing your bridesmaids to showcase their unique style and personality.

Finally, don't forget the accessories! Matching jewellery, shoes, and bouquets can tie the whole look together and make your bridesmaids feel even more special.

Same colour, different textures

If you're going for the same colour but different textures, it's a great way to create visual interest among your bridesmaids' dresses. For example, if you're having an autumn wedding and want your bridesmaids to wear burnt orange, one might find a satin dress she loves in that shade, while another might prefer velvet. Assigning a texture to each bridesmaid will let them showcase their personal style while ensuring their dresses work well together.

You could also put your bridal party in different silhouettes, necklines, and sleeve lengths but keep the same texture. This is an easy way to create a cool, cohesive look.

If you're worried about the bridal party looking too mismatched, there are a few things you can do to keep things cohesive. Firstly, decide on at least one consistent element between each look that will help create cohesiveness. For example, you could give your bridal party the freedom to choose the style and cut of their gown but request that the colour matches a specific swatch you've picked out.

You could also consider convertible dresses. These are gowns that can be worn in a variety of different ways, allowing each bridesmaid to wear their dress in a silhouette that makes them feel the most confident.

Another way to keep things cohesive is to give your bridesmaids certain guidelines. For example, you might want them all to wear a maxi dress, or dresses that are in the same fabric.

Finally, don't forget about accessories. Choosing a pair of shoes or a specific shoe style and colour is an easy way to bring a cohesive look to your bridal party.

Different shades of the same colour palette

If you want your bridesmaids to wear different shades of the same colour palette, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure the overall look is cohesive.

Firstly, decide on the colour family you want to work with. This could be warm tones, cool tones, or shades of a specific colour like green, pink, blue, or purple. For instance, you could choose different shades of sage and forest green or dusty pink and fuchsia. This will create a tonal, ombre-inspired look that's perfect for a boho wedding.

Once you've chosen your colour family, select 2 to 4 colours that complement each other well. For example, if you're going with shades of blue, you could choose slate, sky, and marine. If you're opting for pink, consider a mix of spice, blush, and peach.

To maintain a cohesive look, it's recommended to choose dresses with similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines, or straps. This ensures that your bridal party has a unified appearance while still showcasing a diverse range of styles.

Additionally, consider choosing a single element that is the same across all dresses. This could be the fabric, such as satin or chiffon, or a similar neckline like a V-neck.

Another tip is to opt for the same dress length for all the bridesmaids. Mixing short and long dresses can sometimes create a disjointed look. Instead, choose a length that suits the formality of your wedding and the season. For example, long dresses are ideal for a festive winter wedding, while short dresses are more suitable for a summer celebration.

Finally, pay attention to accessories. Accessories can be a great way to create unity within your bridal party. Consider providing matching jewellery or hairpieces as bridesmaid gifts. Alternatively, you can tie the look together with identical bouquets that complement the different shades of dresses.

Different colours tied together

Mixing and matching different colours of bridesmaid dresses is a great way to let each bridesmaid showcase her unique style. It's also a way to ensure that each bridesmaid feels comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. Here are some tips for mixing and matching different colours of bridesmaid dresses:

• Pick a colour family: Choose a colour family such as warm or cool tones, or select a colour scheme that reflects the season, like jewel tones for a winter wedding or pastel shades for a spring celebration. You can also choose different shades of the same colour, like sage and forest green or dusty pink and fuschia.
• Use a mood board: Create a digital vision board that can be shared with each bridesmaid so they can get a sense of the overall vibe and feel you're going for.
• Order fabric swatches: Request swatches of different colours and fabrics to see how they look next to each other. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure the colours complement each other.
• Choose a unifying design detail: Decide on at least one consistent element between each look to create cohesiveness. For example, you could ask your bridesmaids to pick a dress in the same colour family or a specific fabric type.
• Shop from the same retailer: Many brands offer various bridesmaid dress styles in the same fabric or different shades of popular wedding colour palettes, making it easier to coordinate a mismatched look.
• Consider convertible dresses: Convertible gowns can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each bridesmaid to style the dress in a way that makes them feel confident.
• Talk to your bridal party: Get input from your bridesmaids about what would make them feel comfortable and confident. They may have suggestions or ideas that you haven't considered.
• View bridesmaid dress combinations in person: Visit a bridal salon to mix and match different dress combinations in-store and see your ideas come to life.

Frequently asked questions