Bridesmaids' Style Guide: What To Wear And When

Bridesmaids' attire is an important part of the wedding planning process. Traditionally, bridesmaids wear matching dresses, a custom that dates back to Ancient Rome when it was believed that evil spirits could ruin a wedding. Today, bridesmaids' outfits are chosen to complement the bride's dress and create a cohesive bridal party look. While some brides still opt for matching dresses, modern brides are increasingly embracing mismatched styles, allowing bridesmaids to express their individuality and feel comfortable. Budget, body type, and style preferences are key considerations when deciding what bridesmaids should wear.

Bridesmaids' dresses: matching vs. non-matching

Bridesmaids Dresses: Matching vs. Non-Matching

The bridesmaids' dresses are an important part of the wedding planning process. Traditionally, bridesmaids wear matching outfits in the chosen wedding colour. However, modern brides are increasingly opting for a more mismatched look, allowing their bridesmaids to express their individual style and personality. So, which option is better? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both matching and non-matching bridesmaids' dresses to help you decide which approach is best for your wedding.

Matching Bridesmaids' Dresses

Pros

• Symmetry and Cohesion: Matching dresses create a symmetrical and cohesive look for the bridal party, which many brides find appealing and aesthetically pleasing for photographs.
• Simplicity: Solid colours and matching outfits provide an uncomplicated and classic aesthetic, upholding the long-standing tradition of bridesmaids' attire.

Cons

• Lack of Individuality: Matching dresses may come across as uniforms, and some bridesmaids may feel restricted in expressing their personal style or highlighting their unique body shape.
• Affordability: Different bridesmaids may have different financial backgrounds, and a matching dress policy may pose affordability issues for some, adding unnecessary stress to the wedding planning process.

Non-Matching Bridesmaids' Dresses

Pros

• Individual Flattery: Allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses means they can select styles, necklines, and cuts that flatter their figures and boost their confidence.
• Comfort: Bridesmaids can opt for dresses that align with their comfort levels, ensuring they feel good and confident on the big day.
• Budget Flexibility: With non-matching dresses, there is room for bridesmaids to choose options that suit their price points, reducing financial strain on the bridal party.

Cons

• Lack of Cohesion: A non-traditional look may be off-putting to some guests, and achieving a cohesive arrangement with different colours, dresses, hues, and patterns can be challenging.
• Planning Complexity: The bride may need to provide more guidance and stay involved in the shopping process to ensure that the non-matching dresses complement each other and the overall wedding theme.

Both matching and non-matching bridesmaids' dresses have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision depends on the bride's preference and the level of flexibility they want to offer their bridal party. Whether opting for a traditional or modern approach, clear communication and specific guidelines will help ensure that the bridesmaids' dresses align with the bride's vision for her special day.

The role of the bride in choosing bridesmaids' dresses

The bride has a lot of say when it comes to choosing bridesmaids' dresses. While it is not necessary for the wedding party to wear matching outfits, many couples like to achieve a cohesive look. Bridesmaids traditionally wear the same dress or outfit in the chosen wedding colour, which helps the bride stand out, creates visually cohesive photos, and helps other wedding guests identify the wedding party.

However, many couples are now choosing to let their bridesmaids pick their own dresses, which can give them more confidence and ensure they feel comfortable. If you go down this route, it's a good idea to give your bridesmaids some guidelines, such as the colour, length, material, and style of dress you would like them to wear.

If you are choosing the dresses yourself, it's important to consider your bridesmaids' different body shapes, style preferences, and budgets. You should also choose dresses that complement your bridal style. For example, if your wedding dress is vintage-inspired, your bridesmaids could wear gowns with modern silhouettes. If your wedding dress is whimsical and romantic, consider dressing your bridesmaids in flowy fabrics and ruffled sleeves.

You should also factor in the details of your wedding dress when choosing your bridesmaids' outfits. For example, if your dress has a plunging neckline, choose a different neckline for your bridesmaids so that you don't take away from your dress. The same goes for embellishments—if your dress is already blinged-out, your bridesmaids don't need to sparkle too.

It's also important to keep the formality the same. If you're wearing a ballgown, your bridesmaids should also wear formal dresses. You can tie everyone's look together with accessories, such as matching jewellery, shoes, or florals.

Comfort, confidence and cost

The bridesmaids' comfort is paramount. Assigned dresses may not suit different body types, so allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses means they can select styles, necklines, and cuts that flatter their figures. This will also give them the confidence to radiate confidence, not discomfort, on your wedding day.

If you're worried about cohesion, there are a few ways to achieve a unified look without making your bridesmaids wear the same dress. You could ask them to wear the same colour in different styles, the same dress in different colours, or the same colour but different necklines or textures.

Cost is also a significant factor. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses means you don't have to worry about settling on a price point that fits everyone's budget.

Timing and budget

The timing and budget for bridesmaids' dresses are important considerations to ensure that the bridal party has enough time to prepare and that the costs are manageable for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you navigate these aspects:

Timing

• It is recommended that brides have an idea of the dresses they would like their bridesmaids to wear at least seven to eight months before the wedding. This allows enough time for ordering, alterations, and any last-minute adjustments.
• Made-to-order dresses from formal bridal retailers often require more time, so last-minute purchases might be challenging.
• A final check-in with the bridesmaids about their chosen dresses should be scheduled about seven months before the wedding. This gives everyone ample time for any necessary changes or alterations.

Budget

• Discuss budgets openly and early on. It is important to be transparent about financial expectations to ensure everyone is comfortable.
• Consult with your bridal party to understand their budget constraints. You can offer price ranges to make it easier: $100 to $200, $200 to $350, and $350+.
• If the desired dress is outside someone's budget, consider offering to pay the difference, cover alteration costs, or gift them accessories or hair and makeup services.
• To save costs, you can suggest pre-owned dresses from sites like eBay or Poshmark, or embrace mismatched looks to allow bridesmaids to choose more affordable options.
• Renting dresses from sites like Rent the Runway or Nuuly is another cost-effective and sustainable option.
• Secondhand dresses are also an option, but keep in mind that alterations might be needed to fit individual measurements.

Remember, it is important to respect everyone's privacy when discussing financial matters. Reach out to each bridesmaid individually and be mindful of additional costs for accessories and alterations.

Accessories and shoes

Accessories

If you want your bridesmaids to have a cohesive look, you can give them a theme to work with. For example, if you're wearing a pearl choker, they could wear simple strands of pearls. Alternatively, if you're wearing a sparkly headpiece, they could each wear a similar clip in their hair.

You could also let your bridesmaids decide on their own accessories, allowing their personalities to shine through. If everyone is wearing the same dress, choosing their own accessories will give them a chance to personalise their look. You can provide some guidelines, such as suggesting they stick to pearls or crystals, or that they all wear stud earrings.

If you have a specific piece of jewellery in mind, you could choose it as a bridesmaid gift. This is a polite way to ensure they wear what you want, and it's something they can wear again after the wedding. For example, you could gift them a set of gold teardrop earrings and a matching necklace.

Other accessories to consider include hair accessories, such as a pearl headband, hairpins, or clips with words like "babe" or "bride" adorned with rhinestones or pearls.

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Asking your bridesmaids to buy identical shoes that they'll likely never wear again can be unnecessary, and no one will pay much attention if their shoes don't match. However, if your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses and you want a uniform look, you can set specific guidelines for the type of shoe, such as nude pumps or black patent peep-toes, and let them pick something within their budget.

If you want their shoes to match, black is a versatile option that works for any season or locale, and will look especially flattering and sophisticated with black dresses.

For a more relaxed approach, you can ask your bridesmaids to pick heels from the same colour palette. This way, they can feel comfortable and confident, while still maintaining a cohesive look. Nude shoes are another option to consider, especially if you want the focus to be on the gown or bouquet.

Frequently asked questions