Bridesmaids Dresses: Modern Simplicity To Compliment Your Gown

When it comes to choosing bridesmaids' dresses, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the bridal party looks and feels beautiful. Firstly, it is important to consider the wedding aesthetic, venue, season, and individual preferences of the bridesmaids. The dresses should also complement the bridal gown and be well-coordinated. While traditional matching dresses were once the norm, modern brides are increasingly opting for a mix of hues, patterns, and styles, allowing their bridal party to showcase their individuality. This can be achieved by choosing a colour palette with different shades or mismatched tones, such as lilac, baby pink, and emerald green. To create a cohesive look, some brides may opt for dresses with similar silhouettes or fabrics, such as chiffon or satin. Ultimately, the goal is to find dresses that the bridesmaids will feel comfortable and confident in, while also complementing the bridal gown and overall wedding aesthetic.

Colour schemes: from lilac and baby pink to emerald green and navy

Colour schemes are an important part of creating a cohesive wedding aesthetic. Here are some colour scheme ideas for bridesmaids' dresses to complement a modern, clean bridal gown:

Lilac

Lilac is a delicate and unique colour that is sure to look great in photographs. A lilac colour scheme for your bridesmaids' dresses is an elegant and unexpected choice that will also be rewearable for your bridal party at other upcoming occasions.

Baby Pink

From dusty rose to faint blush, the range of pale pinks is well-suited for bridal parties. These gentle hues allow for more exaggerated silhouettes, such as statement necklines or textural fabrics. Pale pink is a classic choice for bridesmaids' dresses and will create a soft, romantic aesthetic for your wedding.

Emerald Green

Emerald green is a bold choice for bridesmaids' dresses and will create a stylish statement. This rich, luxurious colour is perfect for a modern wedding and will complement a clean bridal gown beautifully.

Navy

Navy is a traditional colour for bridesmaids' dresses and is a classic, elegant choice. This deep hue will pair well with any type of floral bouquet and create a sophisticated aesthetic for your bridal party.

Ultimately, the choice of colour scheme for your bridesmaids' dresses depends on your personal preference and the overall style of your wedding. These colours will complement a modern, clean bridal gown while also creating a chic and stylish look for your bridal party.

Floral prints

If you're looking for a subtle way to incorporate florals into your bridesmaids' looks, consider a soft floral print in pastel hues. These delicate prints are ideal for spring and summer weddings and will complement your bridal whites perfectly. You can also opt for a floral print in bold hues for a statement-making alternative look.

For a bohemian feel, Show Me Your Mumu offers unique floral bridesmaid dresses in a variety of fabrics, silhouettes, and prints, including plus sizes. Their gowns are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your bridal party, with styles that are sure to wow your wedding guests.

If you're looking for ready-to-wear floral styles that won't break the bank, Lulus is a great option. They offer fast shipping and a wide range of botanical options in beautiful colours.

For high-quality floral gowns, Reformation is worth considering. Although more expensive, they offer silk bridesmaid dresses that will add an ultra-luxe element to your wedding day. Their Es collection also includes extended sizes.

Known for its affordability and convertible dress styles, Birdy Grey is another excellent choice for botanical wedding party gowns. All of their dresses are priced at $99, and they offer a range of colours and silhouettes for a mismatched bridal party look.

For a glamorous take on floral prints, consider a black floral bridesmaid dress. These gowns offer timeless elegance with a touch of whimsy and are a great choice for summer weddings. Lulus, Petal + Pup, and Reformation all offer elegant options in this style.

When choosing floral bridesmaid dresses, it's important to consider the season, venue, and aesthetic of your wedding to create a cohesive look. You may also want to think about the fabrics and silhouettes that will complement your wedding dress and the body types of your bridesmaids.

Black bridesmaid dresses

For a formal wedding, choose black bridesmaid dresses in lustrous satin, lace, or with embellishments. Dramatic silhouettes with voluminous skirts or ample sleeves are also a good choice for more formal weddings and evening affairs.

If your wedding is during the day or is more casual, cotton or linen black bridesmaid dresses with frilled details, like ruffles or flutter sleeves, will fit the bill. Midi dresses or floral-printed black dresses are also a good choice for daytime or casual ceremonies.

• The Norma Kamali Maria gown ($325)
• Reformation's Nadira Dress ($278 at Reformation, $278 at Farfetch.com, $139 at Saks Fifth Avenue)
• Staud's Honeydew dress
• The Row Pau strapless gown
• Ann Demeulemeester Sara slip gown
• Brandon Maxwell silk gown
• Needle & Thread Tempest ankle gown

Bold hues

If you're looking for a fashion-forward option that brings tons of character to your wedding photos, consider bold hues for your bridesmaids' dresses. This trend truly allows your bridesmaids to embrace their personal styles and is a great way to showcase their individuality.

When selecting bold hues, you can opt for a mix-and-match approach, where each bridesmaid wears a different shade, or you can choose a single hue that suits your wedding's colour palette and theme. For example, if you're having a tropical bohemian wedding, like the one pictured by Karla Garcia Costa, your bridesmaids could wear long gowns in various vibrant colours, adding personality and charm to the celebration.

Another idea is to incorporate jewel tones into your bridesmaids' attire. Rich, sumptuous colours like ruby red, emerald green, and citrine yellow are perfect for autumn and winter weddings, reflecting the extraordinary hues of the season. These jewel tones also work well for artsy, eclectic groups, creating a daring and unique look.

If you're looking for a fun and distinctive colour, bright orange is a great choice. This striking hue makes a statement without feeling overdone and can be adapted to both the vibrant foliage of autumn and the blossoming landscape of warmer months. For a modern soirée, consider having your bridesmaids wear matching bright orange halter gowns, adding a touch of elegance and unity to the celebration.

For a spring or summer wedding, yellow is an excellent choice, evoking happiness and optimism. From saffron to lemon, there are various shades of yellow to choose from, and they pair beautifully with outdoor functions in warm weather.

Ultimately, when selecting bold hues for your bridesmaids' dresses, consider the season, venue, and aesthetic of your wedding. By choosing colours that complement your wedding's theme and setting, you can create a cohesive and stylish look for your bridal party.

Sequins and velvet

When it comes to sequins, there are many options to choose from. You can opt for a full sequin gown or go for dresses with subtle sequin accents. Sequins can be used to create a variety of looks, from Old Hollywood glamour to modern and trendy. For a cohesive look, mix and match sequin dresses with different fabrics. For example, pair a sequin top with a velvet skirt or trousers.

Speaking of velvet, this luxurious fabric is perfect for autumn and winter weddings. Imagine your bridesmaids in rich, burgundy velvet gowns at a barn wedding or baby pink velvet dresses at an outdoor spring celebration. Velvet is a versatile fabric that can be dressed up or down, making it a great choice for bridesmaids who want to be comfortable and stylish.

When choosing sequins and velvet bridesmaid dresses, consider the season, venue, and aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a tropical bohemian wedding like the one mentioned above, long gowns in various bold hues would be a stunning choice. On the other hand, for a more formal event, such as a swanky ballroom or historic estate wedding, gold sequin dresses would be a glamorous option.

Don't be afraid to play with colours. Sequins and velvet come in a variety of colours, so you can find the perfect shade to complement your bridal gown. Some popular options include silver, champagne, gold, rose gold, navy blue, charcoal, black, emerald, and pink. You can also opt for earth tones, which are very trendy right now.

Finally, keep in mind that you don't have to put your bridesmaids in identical dresses. You can choose the same colour palette and fabric but allow them to pick different styles that suit their personalities and body types. This way, everyone will feel confident and comfortable on your big day.

Frequently asked questions