Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all bridesmaid dresses. Modern weddings embrace individuality, and that includes letting your bridesmaids wear different styles, colors or even fabrics. But how do you ensure a mix-and-matched bridal party still looks polished and coordinated? Follow these tips to create a stylish yet cohesive look for your wedding day:
Above: Caroline Morris Photography
Amber Dawn Photography/Hope Helmuth Weddings
Why Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses?
Mix-and-matched bridesmaid dresses are a huge wedding trend, allowing bridesmaids to feel comfortable while adding depth and visual interest to wedding photos. Whether you’re planning a boho wedding, a classic affair or a modern chic event, mixing bridesmaid dresses can enhance your wedding aesthetic while letting your bridal party showcase their unique style.
How to Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses Perfectly
1. Pick a Unifying Element
The key to making different dresses look intentional rather than random is having at least one common thread. Choose one of the following unifying elements:
- Color Palette: Stick to a single color in different shades (e.g., blush, dusty rose and mauve) or a set palette (e.g., jewel tones or earth tones). Consider trending bridesmaid dress colors like sage green or champagne—or coordinated florals.
- Fabric Choice: Dresses in the same material (like chiffon, velvet or satin) will naturally look cohesive, even in different styles.
- Length Consistency: Keeping all dresses the same length helps maintain visual balance, whether you opt for floor-length gowns or chic midi dresses.
- Neckline or Silhouette: Similar dress shapes, such as A-line or wrap styles, create harmony while allowing for individual flair.
Alexandra Eveland/Susan Elizabeth Photography
2. Create a Wedding Vision Board
Give your bridesmaids a clear idea of the wedding aesthetic by creating a Pinterest board or sharing fabric swatches. This helps ensure that tones and textures complement each other seamlessly. Trending wedding themes, such as rustic, beach or garden weddings, can influence your dress selection. Be specific when asking them to order their dress: show them the exact color palette or designer to choose from. You may even want to consider pre-screening 10 specific styles that that can then select for themselves.
3. Mix, But Don’t Overdo It
While variety is great, too many competing elements can look chaotic. Aim to mix no more than two to three elements—such as different colors but the same fabric and length—to maintain harmony.
Speer Images/Boswick Photography
4. Incorporate Patterns and Textures Thoughtfully
Mixing textures (lace, satin, chiffon) or incorporating subtle patterns (florals, sequins) can add dimension without overwhelming the look. Stick to one or two statement pieces if you’re adding bold elements.
Jac N Jules Photography/Fresh New Angle Events
5. Unify the Look with Accessories
Matching accessories—like bouquets, shoes or jewelry—help tie everything together. Even if the dresses vary, a uniform accessory choice can make the bridal party feel coordinated and polished. Consider trending accessories like mismatched pearl earrings, minimalist gold jewelry or matching bridesmaid shrugs.
Keri Calabrese Photography/Magdalena Studios
6. Take Your Bridesmaids’ Preferences into Account
Your bridesmaids know what they feel best in, so consider their input while sticking to your wedding vision. This ensures everyone is comfortable and confident on your big day, leading to a happier bridal party and better wedding photos.
OffBeet Productions/Caroline Morris Photography
By following these simple guidelines, you can achieve a beautifully curated yet effortlessly stylish bridal party look. The result? Happy bridesmaids, a visually stunning wedding aesthetic and picture-perfect wedding photography.
Great Designers for Mix-and-Matched Bridesmaid Gowns:
- Jenny Yoo – Effortlessly chic styles in soft, romantic fabrics with a variety of necklines and colors.
- Anthropologie Weddings – Trend-forward bridesmaid dresses in versatile silhouettes and color palettes.
- Birdy Grey – Budget-friendly and stylish dresses under $100, with mix-and-match-friendly hues.
- Watters – Elegant and modern designs with varied cuts, textures and fabrics.
- Show Me Your Mumu – Boho-inspired, flowy dresses in multiple silhouettes and matching color families.
- Dessy Collection – Classic and contemporary bridesmaid dresses with customizable options.
- Amsale – Sophisticated and timeless dresses with different styles in coordinated shades.
- Revelry – At-home try-on service with trendy velvet, chiffon and satin styles.
- Azazie – Affordable, size-inclusive gowns with hundreds of mix-and-match options.
- Kennedy Blue – Modern yet timeless designs starting at $99, with a variety of fabric and style pairings.
- Lula Kate – Preppy and polished dresses with custom skirt and bodice combinations.
- Vera Wang Bride – High-fashion bridesmaid looks with dramatic silhouettes and luxe fabrics.
