Key Takeaways
- To create a cohesive look with mismatched bridesmaid dresses, choose a color palette and provide fabric swatches or dress options.
- Balance is key when mixing styles—vary one or two elements, like necklines or colors, while keeping fabrics consistent.
- Tie the look together with shared details, such as matching accessories or coordinated bouquets that reflect your color scheme.
After you've asked some of your close friends and family members to stand next to you as you say "I do" to your future spouse (as well as partake in all of the pre-nuptial festivities leading up to the big day), it's time to check off another key task: selecting their ensembles for your wedding day. While some opt to have their bridal party appear in the same gown, many modern brides are taking a different approach by selecting mismatched bridesmaid dresses. With such a look, your friends will don pieces that share some similarities—but are also completely unique. For example, you may have all of your bridesmaids wear a shade of red in a different silhouette, or you may mix and match various hues and patterns within one color palette, creating a vision that's both cohesive and visually interesting.
However, opting for mismatched bridesmaid dresses also comes with a set of challenges. If it's not executed correctly, you can end up with a disjointed-looking wedding party—rather than a complementary one. For this reason, it's important to still be involved in the selection of the gowns. Without doing so, you could end up with photos that depict a chaotic mix of clashing pieces. To avoid this blunder, it's critical to decide the route you want to take when it comes to this stying, whether that's a combination of different styles in the same color, different colors in the same style, or different colors and styles.
Below, we break down what to keep in mind with each of these approaches—and offer 10 key tips to remember when selecting and styling mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Read on for more.
Photo by KT Merry
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: Same Style in Different Colors
If you've found a dress that you absolutely love and want to have all of your bridesmaids don for your big day, but you still want some variability between them, consider having them wear the same gown in different colors. While you may be tempted to let your friends select any hue they want, the best approach is giving them a palette to work from to ensure that your photos look effortlessly cohesive.
Photo by Sarah Porter
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: Same Color in Different Styles
This option is one of the most popular: Everyone wears a different silhouette in the same color. The benefit of this choice is that it allows your friends to select a style that they feel the most comfortable and confident in—while still ensuring that your bridal party looks cohesive. If you don't want to pre-select potential options for your friends, make sure to send them a fabric swatch of your chosen hue to avoid any unwanted variability between their ensembles.
Photo by Erika Delgado Photography
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: Different Styles and Colors
Yes, it is possible to create a cohesive look while having variability in terms of the fabric, style, and color of your bridesmaid dresses. To do so, stick within the same color family and play with different hues. For example, you may decide you want each of your friends to wear a sunset-inspired shade, or you may have them choose their preferred cool tone.
10 Tips for Pulling Off Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
Before you start sending links to your bridesmaids, you'll want to make sure you're creating a cohesive vision. Below, we break down 10 must-follow tips in order to pull off such a look.
Consider Hemlines
While it's perfectly acceptable to select bridesmaid dresses of different lengths, make sure there's an balanced mix. For example, if everyone opts for a long gown except for one person (or vice versa), you photos may look a bit awkward. Be intentional about the hemline options you give your bridal party.
Don't Vary Too Many Features
Rather than switching up everything about the dress from bridesmaid to bridesmaid, focus on just varying one or two elements. For example, choose different necklines or colors—but keep them in the same fabric. Or, if you'd prefer to keep the shade consistent, vary the silhouette.
Examine the Color on a Real Sample
While swatches can be a helpful tool when guiding your selection, there can often be a noticeable difference between those smaller pieces of fabric versus an actual sample. Make sure to take the time to look at full-size samples next to each other to ensure that the combination fits your vision for mismatched bridesmaid dresses.
Guide Your Crew
As much as you may want to just give your friends a color and let them have the freedom to shop for their own dress independently, this method can easily backfire. Think about it: If you tell your six friends to find a long navy dress, you may end up with six different shades of navy that don't blend well, as well as a slew of fabrics that may not look cohesive. To avoid this, make an appointment with your bridesmaids to discuss options in advance. Pre-select the dresses, necklines, and colors that you like. From there, they can pick their preferred piece.
Tie the Look Together With Identical Accessories
When alternating colors, styles, or silhouettes, it's important to have one component that ties all the different ensembles together. This can come in the form of an accessory, such as a hairpiece or necklace. If you're alternating hues, consider representing each shade in the bridesmaid bouquet.
Get Input From Your Bridesmaids
Make sure to speak with your bridal party before selecting your dresses. For example, some of your friends may prefer a tighter fit, while others want a looser gown. By having a discussion with your bridesmaids, you'll be able to determine the best path forward so that everyone can feel comfortable and confident as they stand next to you at the altar.
Forget About Finding Dresses They'll "Wear Again"
No matter how beautiful the dress is, they'll likely always feel like a bridesmaid while wearing it. As a result, don't stress over finding a gown that they'll definitely wear again. Instead, choose an ensemble that you love—and that they feel good in.
Have a Vision and Stick to It
Make sure you have a color scheme or theme before selecting your dresses. Do you want them all in shades of the same hue? Or, would you rather your friends each coordinate with one other member of the bridal party? To ensure you're able to stick to your vision, share swatches with your friends—or give them 10 to 15 dress options to choose from.
Create a visual mood board to communicate your preferred look. Include swatch colors, dress silhouettes, and inspirational photos to help guide your friends.
Consider One Designer
To create a cohesive look, consider sticking to one designer's collection—and having everyone select colors and styles from it. By doing this, you'll ensure that everyone can show off their unique style and personality while still looking like a unified bridal party. This is also a great way of preventing any shade variance from occurring, as one designer will only have one interpretation of navy.
Pull It Together With Flowers
Don't forget about the importance of flowers. When it comes to both different cuts and colors in your bridesmaid dresses, the perfect way to tie it all together is with coordinated bouquets.
