Choosing bridesmaid dresses that complement the bride’s wedding gown is a crucial part of creating an united and beautiful wedding look. Here are a few considerations on how a bride can select the perfect bridesmaid dress that co-ordinates with your wedding gown:
Consider the Style of your Gown
Formality: Match the formality of the bridesmaid dresses to your gown. If you have a glamorous, formal ball gown, the bridesmaid dresses should also be more formal (e.g., long dresses in luxurious fabrics like satin or chiffon). For a more relaxed or casual gown, opt for bridesmaid dresses with a simpler, more laid-back feel.
Silhouette: While the bridesmaids’ dresses don’t need to totally match your gown’s silhouette, they should complement it. For example, if your gown is flowy and romantic, avoid overly structured or stiff bridesmaid dresses.
Colour Coordination
Match the Colour Palette: Bridesmaid dresses don’t have to be the same colour as the bride’s gown, but they should blend with the overall wedding colour scheme. You can choose colours that either complement or contrast with your gown.
Tonal Variations: If you prefer variation, consider choosing dresses in shades of the same colour (ombre or tonal looks) or different complementary colours within the same palette.
White/Ivory Options: If your gown is white or ivory, you can also dress your bridesmaids in soft neutrals like champagne, blush, dusty blue, or pale gold, which subtly complement your dress without overshadowing it, and will create and elegant look.
Fabric Considerations
Fabric Choice: Choose fabrics that are similar to the material of your gown. If your gown is made of a light and flowing fabric like chiffon or tulle, bridesmaid dresses in similar airy and flowing fabrics will complement it beautifully. Again, structured satin gown may pair well with dresses made from a heavier material like silk or velvet. If your dress features a specific fabric, like lace, or tulle, try and incorporate elements of the fabric into the bridesmaid dresses, maybe as sleeves, or a waistband.
Neckline and Sleeve Length
Neckline Compatibility: Ensure the necklines of the bridesmaid dresses work well with the neckline of your gown. If you have a strapless dress, choose bridesmaid dresses with a similar neckline or something that complements it, like a one-shoulder or halter, V neck or even off the shoulder styles, this could make the overall look elegant and cohesive.
Sleeve Length Coordination: Consider the sleeve lengths of your gown and the bridesmaid dresses. If your gown has long sleeves, matching or coordinating sleeve lengths (short, cap, or long sleeves) can create balance in your bridal party’s look.
Consider the Venue and Season
Venue-Appropriate Dresses: The style of the bridesmaid dresses should also reflect the venue. For a beach wedding, light and flowy dresses in soft colors work well. For a black-tie event, more formal gowns in elegant fabrics are more fitting.
Seasonal Considerations: For summer weddings, lighter fabrics and brighter colours work best, while darker colours, long sleeves, and richer fabrics like velvet are ideal for winter weddings. For cooler weather consider adding shawls and wraps that align to your gown and overall look.
Individuality and Body TypesFlattering for All:
Choose a dress style or range of styles that flatters the various body types in your bridal party. Many brides opt for the same dress in different styles (e.g., strapless, off-the-shoulder, V-neck) to allow each bridesmaid to feel comfortable and confident.
Mix and Match Styles: If you want to give your bridesmaids more freedom, consider allowing them to choose different styles of dresses in the same color or fabric. This way, their dresses reflect their individual tastes while still complementing your gown
Bridal Gown Detailing
Reflect Key Details: If your gown has a distinctive detail (such as lace, beading, sequins or embroidery), choose bridesmaid dresses that subtly echo this feature. For instance, if your gown has lace detailing, bridesmaid dresses with lace accents can create a cohesive look.
Avoid Overpowering Details: If your gown is heavily detailed (such as intricate beading or a full lace gown), choose simpler bridesmaid dresses to avoid visual competition. If your gown is minimalist, bridesmaid dresses with embellishments can add a touch of elegance and contrast.
Consult Your Bridesmaids
Comfort and Style Preferences: It’s important to consider the preferences of your bridesmaids when selecting their dresses. Ask for their opinions on color, style, and comfort, especially if they will be purchasing their own dresses. This will ensure they feel good in their outfits on the big day.
Consider the Wedding Theme
Match the Theme: Make sure the bridesmaid dresses fit the overall wedding theme. For example, if you’re having a vintage-inspired wedding, consider retro-style tea length dresses. For a boho wedding, flowy and relaxed bridesmaid dresses with floral details will tie everything together.
Coordinate Accessories
Co-ordinating Accessories: Once you’ve selected the bridesmaid dresses, choose accessories that complement both their dresses and your gown. For instance, if you’re wearing a sparkling hairpiece or statement jewellery, your bridesmaids could wear matching but more understated pieces to create a unified look. Shoes or jewellery choices, should complement both your dress and the theirs, choose, metallic, nude or colour co-ordinating, the right accessories will keep the overall style cohesive.
By carefully considering all these aspects, you can ensure that the bridesmaid dresses complement your gown and contribute to a beautiful, cohesive wedding aesthetic. The bridal party will look stunning and will complement your own look.
Although Bridaltique is not yet hiring or selling bridesmaid’s dresses, we can do any alterations that you require. We are actively considering stocking them in the future, and very willing to help and support you in your choice of bridesmaid dresses.