Choosing The Perfect Color Scheme For Your Bridesmaids

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. It's important to consider the season and venue when making your decision, as well as the different skin tones of your bridesmaids. For example, pastel palettes are perfect for spring, while auburn, oranges, reds and dark greens are ideal for autumn. If you're having a beach wedding, you might want to opt for a shade that will stand out against the white sand, like fuchsia or orange. For a barn wedding, warm colours like rust, brown, burgundy and mustard are a good choice. For a winter wedding, rich jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are popular, as well as classic colours like navy and black.

Colours for different seasons

Choosing colours for bridesmaid dresses is one of the most important tasks on the wedding to-do list. The palette of the wedding party attire will likely determine the rest of the decor, like flowers, tablescapes, and even lighting. So, once you select a colour for your bridesmaid dresses, the rest of your wedding decor and colour palette will seamlessly fall into place.

Spring

Spring weddings often conjure up images of lush florals and greenery. If you're planning spring nuptials, opt for shades of greens, pinks, blues, or neutrals for your bridesmaid dresses. Floral prints are also a particularly fitting option for spring. From baby blues to soft pink hues, pastel bridesmaid dresses are a great choice for spring. These lighter shades will add a subtle pop of colour to your wedding's vibe.

Summer

Summer is the perfect time to embrace vibrant colours and breezy, soft fabrics. Yellow and orange channel the cheerful vibes of sunny weather. If you're getting married with your toes in the sand, oceanic-inspired hues like coral and light blue are sure to make a splash. Bright colours always pair great with a summer tan.

Fall

Planning an autumn wedding? Let the foliage be your guide and opt for warm shades of gold, copper, and brown when picking out fall bridesmaid dresses. These colours will offer the ideal colour palette to complement the season of changing leaves, especially if you're hosting a rustic outdoor celebration. Fall is also the perfect time to lean into metallic shades like gold and copper.

Winter

When you think of winter bridesmaid dresses, you probably think of rich jewel tones, like emerald and sapphire, as well as classics like navy and black. That doesn't mean you can't make a statement by opting for shimmering champagne-coloured gowns. In addition to colour, consider seasonally-appropriate fabrics, like crepe, velvet, and satin.

Colours for different locations

When it comes to choosing colours for bridesmaid dresses, it's important to consider the location of the wedding. Here are some colour options for different wedding locations:

Beach Wedding

For a beach wedding, it's a good idea to choose colours that will stand out against the white sand and complement the surrounding scenery. Bright and vibrant colours like fuchsia, orange, coral, or light blue can be perfect for a beach wedding. Tropical prints with colours like peach and blue can also be a fun option for bridesmaids' dresses. Additionally, pastel colours and sunset hues such as pale yellow, powder blue, and lavender can create a dreamy, romantic aesthetic.

Garden or Outdoor Wedding

If you're having a garden or outdoor wedding, consider colours that will complement the natural surroundings. Shades of green, including sage, seafoam, and emerald, can be a beautiful choice for a wedding in nature. Floral prints with an understated colour palette, such as mint, sage, and cerulean, can also be a lovely option for bridesmaids' dresses. For a rustic outdoor wedding, warm neutrals like gold and taupe or a green hue with brown undertones can create a stylish, on-trend look.

Indoor Wedding

For an indoor wedding, the specific location will play a key role in determining the colour palette. For example, a city rooftop wedding could call for colours like Kelly green or royal blue, while a barn wedding might lean towards earthy tones like dark sage, taupe, and terracotta. A ballroom or upscale hotel wedding is a great opportunity for classic colours like black or navy.

Seasonal Weddings

The season of your wedding can also guide your colour choices. Spring weddings often feature lush florals and greenery, so shades of green, pink, blue, or neutrals are popular choices. Summer calls for bright tropical hues, yellows, and oranges, while fall weddings are all about warmer tones like gold, copper, and brown. Winter weddings are the perfect time to bring out the rich jewel tones, such as emerald, sapphire, and burgundy.

Colours for different skin tones

When choosing colours for your bridesmaids, it's important to consider their skin tones. Here are some tips for selecting colours that will complement different skin tones:

Light Skin + Cool Undertones

For those with very fair skin and cool undertones, warm neutrals like pastel colours are a beautiful choice. Light pinks, blues, and yellows are a safe option, while jewel tones like ruby or emerald in satin designs can create a bold and elegant look. Avoid harsh bold solids like black and navy, which can wash out this skin tone.

Light Skin + Warm Undertones

For bridal party members with light skin and warm undertones, fresh summer colours like coral, peach, or blush are a great choice. Lilac, sage, and pastel yellow are also excellent options. Avoid bold colours like cobalt blue and rust orange, which may not complement this skin tone as well.

Medium Skin + Cool Undertones

Bridesmaids with medium or olive skin tones can typically wear dark colours well. If your bridesmaid has cool undertones, consider dark and lush shades like olive, evergreen, jade, emerald, hunter, sapphire, or navy. Muted light colours like beige or linen may wash out this complexion, so it's best to avoid them.

Medium Skin + Warm Undertones

For those with medium skin and warm undertones, jewel tones like garnet, ruby red, golden champagne, sapphire blue, hibiscus, blackberry, and plum will make them radiant. Desert rose, creams, ivory, and neutrals are also stunning options that will complement their complexion. Pastels or light pinks, however, may make them look washed out.

Dark Skin + Cool Undertones

Bridesmaids with dark skin and cool undertones often have captivating dark features. To highlight these features, consider rich and eye-catching hues like cinnamon, rose, mahogany, and Sofia blue. Be cautious with neutral tones, as they may wash out this skin tone.

Dark Skin + Warm Undertones

Bridesmaids with dark complexions and golden undertones are fortunate to look amazing in almost any colour! Jewel shades will make them luminous, and dark shades like navy, burgundy, and even black will not wash them out. However, very pale shades like light icy blue, silver, or sage green may look too harsh against their dark complexion.

Mix-and-match colours

Mixing and matching colours for bridesmaids is a great way to incorporate each person's style and preference. It's a popular choice, but it can be tricky to get right. Here are some tips for creating a stylish and cohesive look for your bridesmaids:

Choose a Colour Family

Start by selecting a colour family that you love and that complements your wedding theme and venue. This could be shades of pink, blue, green, or neutrals like taupe and gold. You can then ask each bridesmaid to choose a dress in a different shade within that family. This works especially well with larger bridal parties, creating a unique ombré effect.

Mix and Match with Neutrals

If you're worried about colours clashing, a good tip is to include some neutral-coloured gowns to break up the brighter shades. For example, if you're using pinks and oranges, add some taupe or beige dresses into the mix. This will give a more balanced look while still allowing for a variety of colours.

Play with Patterns

Patterns are a great way to add interest and variety to your bridesmaids' attire. Start by finding a pattern you love, then use the colours within it to determine the shades of the solid gowns. For example, if you choose a floral pattern with pinks and greens, you can mix and match solid pink and green dresses to complement it.

Add Textures and Embellishments

Textures and embellishments like sequins, beading, and embroidery are a great way to bump your bridesmaids' attire up a notch. For example, you could have some gowns in satin and others in sequins, all in the same colour family. This will add depth and variety to the overall look while still maintaining a cohesive style.

Create a Vision Board

To help you and your bridesmaids visualise the overall look, create a digital vision board that can be shared with everyone. Include dress examples as well as inspiration photos that capture the vibe and feel you're going for. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and make it easier to mix and match colours and styles.

Order Fabric Swatches

To make sure the colours, patterns, and textures work well together, order fabric swatches so you can see them side by side. Many bridesmaid dress brands offer this, and it's a great way to narrow down your options and ensure a cohesive look.

Determine a Unifying Design Detail

Even with a mix-and-match style, it's important to have at least one consistent element to create cohesiveness. This could be the colour, fabric, or a design detail like floral prints or embellishments. For example, you could give your bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own style and cut but request that they all have floral dresses to keep with your wedding theme.

Shop from the Same Retailer

Many brands offer a range of bridesmaid dress styles in the same fabric or different shades of a particular colour palette. Working with one of these retailers can make it easier to coordinate a mix-and-match look. They often have stylists who can work with your crew to create a stylish and cohesive look.

Colours for different styles

When it comes to choosing colours for your bridesmaids, there are endless options to consider. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect shades for different styles:

Classic/Traditional

If you're a classic or traditional bride, you might want to opt for timeless colours like navy, black, eggplant, or blush. These shades are elegant and sophisticated and will complement a wide range of wedding themes and styles.

Beachy

For a beach wedding, it's essential to choose colours that will stand out against the backdrop of the sea and sand. Navy, blush, sea glass, or deep sea hues will create a stunning contrast with the ocean and give your bridesmaids a fresh and elegant look.

Garden

If you're getting married in a garden setting, you can make a statement by having your bridesmaids wear floral-print dresses. Opt for dresses with a mint, sage, or cerulean colour palette to complement the natural surroundings without being too overwhelming.

Trendy

As trends are always evolving, it's a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest colours. Currently, slate blue, sky, Bordeaux, emerald, and desert rose are on-trend and perfect for a trendy bride. These colours offer a modern twist on classic shades.

Girly

For a girly and feminine aesthetic, blush, Bordeaux, desert rose, French lilac, or wisteria are ideal choices. These soft and romantic colours will create a delicate and whimsical look for your bridesmaids.

Minimalist

If you prefer a minimalist style, stick to a neutral and earthy colour palette. Black, dove, fog, or storm grey will create a sleek and sophisticated look while still remaining true to your minimalist aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions