“What colour flatters everyone?” “Should I just ask them what they want to wear?” “My girls’ tastes are so different. How do I choose?” …and the list of questions running through the minds of brides-to-be regarding bridesmaid outfits can go on.
If you’re the happy bride who’s currently knee-deep in wedding planning, chances are you’re also the one who’ll make the big decision of what your bridesmaids will wear. It’s the one time you get to decide how your group will look in photos and the kind of vibe your group gives off – something that can feel equally thrilling and surprisingly stressful.
More often than not, brides place unnecessary pressure on themselves to get everything just right, forgetting that the day is ultimately about celebration and joy. So, if your mind is spinning with dress decisions for your closest girls, this list of tips is made just for you.
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First things first, your outfit!
You’re the star of the day and the fact that all eyes will be on you says something uniquely beautiful: that it’s YOURS who you should care about the most. Days like these, when a mass of people and the dearest ones from abroad gather to celebrate you despite any challenges, are justifiably rare, so let those darlings witness one of your shiniest moments ever. That being said, start by determining what vibe and feel you want on that day. Do you want to be the strong essence in the small bottle? Then, maybe you should consider A-line dresses, sheaths, empire-waist dresses, or mermaid/fit-and-flare dresses. Or are you dreaming of that “princess moment”? If this is the case, you may want to consider ballgowns, A-line skirts, corset-back dresses, and princess seams.
The fabrics also have a significant impact, and the way you accessorize, along with the details you select, will only amplify the message you want your look to convey. Focus on how you feel in the tried outfits, consider what flatters your figure the most, and trust your instinct. These, plus other wedding-dress shopping insights, can make your journey smoother.
Consider the material
The material you choose for the bridesmaid dresses sets the tone and should match the vibe of your dress. Here are some of the most popular materials to look through:
- Chiffon: lightweight, flowy, and perfect for a soft, dreamy look
- Tulle: airy and voluminous, often used in ballgowns and layered skirts
- Organza: crisp and lightweight with a subtle sheen, great for structured silhouettes
- Lace: intricate and elegant, adds texture and sophisticated charm
- Crepe: smooth with a slight stretch that allows for a modern, sleek drape
- Mikado: a blend of silk and nylon, Mikado is heavier and more structured than satin
- Velvet: rich and luxurious with a soft pile, ideal for dramatic styles and cooler seasons
- Taffeta: crisp and smooth with a slight rustle, often used for structured gowns
- Georgette: lightweight and slightly textured, allowing for a flowing, graceful silhouette.
Coordinate colors
Colour coordination is one of the most straightforward yet impactful ways to create harmony. While you don’t need to have every dress use the exact same shade, you should aim for a specific palette to make everything look like it comes from the same story.
A great idea is to match tones, not colours per se. For instance, a champagne or ivory bridal dress can look great when paired with dresses in shades of dusty rose, blush, or soft neutrals. These will create a dreamy, cohesive effect without looking monotonous.
If your wedding has a seasonal theme, pick bridesmaid dress colours that complement your gown while reflecting the season. Think of bold hues like emerald green, royal blue, radiant orange, sunshine yellow, etc. if you hold the wedding this summer – or any other summer, for that matter. Or deep jewel tones for fall, pastels for spring, and icy hues for winter.
Bonus tip: Different fabrics reflect light differently and can more or less affect how the dresses’ colour appears. For example, a matte chiffon bridesmaid dress might appear softer than a satin bridal gown, but if the hues align, the contrast can be beautiful and feel intentional.
Dive into silhouettes and lengths
Identical bridesmaid dresses are a thing of the past. That is, unless you and your bridesmaids prefer this choice. Other than that, bridesmaid dresses don’t have to be identical. Allowing variety in dress styles while keeping a consistent colour scheme is an increasingly popular trend, especially among brides who want their squad to feel comfortable and confident.
- Choose flattering silhouettes. When picking dresses, consider each bridesmaid’s body type and preferences, for a coordinated look can be achieved only after you’ve narrowed down your choices. Think of how each will look with similar or different necklines, waistlines, or lengths.
- Keep it balanced. If your bridal gown is voluminous, such as a ballgown or A-line, streamlined bridesmaid dresses (like sheath or column styles) can balance the overall look. For a sleek or fitted bridal gown, bridesmaids might choose dresses with a bit more flow or texture.
- Determine the length. Would you like your bridesmaids to wear floor-length gowns, tea-length dresses, or knee-length frocks? Of course, the length doesn’t need to be set in stone, especially if you’re holding your wedding during this summer’s dog days. However, a more or less flexible decision in this regard will help maintain visual harmony.
How about mismatched dresses?
While “coordination” and “mismatch” may seem like opposites, the truth is that you can still achieve a cohesive look, even when your dress code is built on contrast. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a perfect example, and they’ve become a huge trend among modern brides. It’s about empowering everyone to dress in what suits them best, with freedom of choice in terms of hue, texture, style, and more. Even with all the marketed freedom, it’s a great idea to provide your bridesmaids with some guidelines – this will create cohesiveness. For instance, you can let them know that you prefer warm, bright colours, such as yellow or orange. Or that you’d like to see them flow gracefully in their dresses like goddesses? Perhaps you prefer satin as a material for the sleekest style possible. Alternatively, if you prefer a romantic overall look, you can opt for chiffon.
Endnote
Your wedding dress is your moment, so focus on how your bridesmaids can enhance it while empowering them to feel their best, too. With these tips in hand, you’re on your way to a beautifully coordinated bridal party that looks and feels like a dream.
